A much‑loved Nottingham museum has been named a finalist for a prestigious national tourism award, putting the city firmly on the map once again.
The National Justice Museum, located in the heart of the Lace Market, has been shortlisted in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category at the VisitEngland 2026 Awards for Excellence.
Housed inside the Grade II listed Shire Hall and former County Gaol on High Pavement in the city centre, the museum offers visitors a rare chance to step inside real courtrooms, prison cells and historic justice spaces that have played a major role in Nottingham’s past.
Spread across five floors, the attraction includes a grand Victorian courtroom, a Georgian gaol and atmospheric cells dating back hundreds of years. Daily live performances — including dramatic trial re‑enactments featuring costumed interpreters — allow visitors to experience what justice looked like in Nottingham through the centuries.
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Alongside its historical focus, the museum also tackles modern social justice issues, using exhibitions and storytelling to connect the city’s past with debates happening today.
The national nomination tops off a strong year for the Nottingham venue. Earlier this year, the museum was named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards 2026, recognising its importance to the local visitor economy.
The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence have been running for more than 35 years, celebrating the very best of England’s tourism industry, from attractions and experiences to hospitality and customer service.
Andrew Stokes, Director of VisitEngland, said: “These awards honour the very best businesses and individuals in tourism, who are the driving force in an industry that delivers growth to local economies across England. I congratulate all the finalists and wish them every success.”
Victoria Reeves, CEO of the National Justice Museum, said the nomination was fantastic recognition for the Nottingham‑based team.
“It is a huge honour to be included among the finalists for this award,” she said.
“It highlights the incredible work our team does every day.
“We’re proud to represent Nottingham on a national stage.”
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in June 2026.
