Central Criminal Court Crown Court Listings

About the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey)

The Central Criminal Court, universally known as the Old Bailey, is the most famous Crown Court in England and Wales and sits at the heart of the City of London on the historic site of Newgate Prison. Opened by King Edward VII in 1907, the current neo-Baroque building is crowned by the 12-foot gold-leafed statue of Lady Justice that has become a global symbol of British criminal justice. Although it is run administratively by the City of London Corporation, it functions as a Crown Court centre and hears the most serious indictable offences from the City, Greater London and matters remitted from across England and Wales.

This page publishes the Old Bailey court cases list for today, showing scheduled hearings, courtroom allocations, sitting times and case reference numbers drawn from the daily cause list. Use the table below the overview to view today's Crown Court listings, or check back for Old Bailey court listings tomorrow after the next working day's diary is published.

Location, Address and Contact Details

• Address: Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey, London EC4M 7EH
• Telephone: 020 7248 3277
• Disabled access enquiries: 020 7248 3277 (ext. 2240)
• Court manager: HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
• Nearest landmark: 200 metres north-west of St Paul's Cathedral

Opening Hours and Sitting Times

Court sittings at the Old Bailey generally run Monday to Friday, 10:00 to approximately 16:30, although individual courtrooms may rise earlier or later at the judge's direction. The court office is open from 09:00 to 17:00 for general enquiries.

• Public gallery — morning session: 10:00 – 12:40
• Public gallery — afternoon session: 14:00 – 15:40
• Weekends and bank holidays: closed

How to Get to the Old Bailey

By London Underground

The nearest tube station is St Paul's (Central line), a 3-minute signposted walk to the court's main entrance on Old Bailey street. City Thameslink (5 minutes), Mansion House (Circle/District) and Chancery Lane (Central) are also within walking distance.

By Bus

Frequent bus routes serve the court from the main London terminals:

• From Liverpool Street: routes 11, 23, 26, 242
• From London Bridge: routes 17, 501, 521
• From Waterloo: routes 4, 26, 76, 501, 521
• From King's Cross: routes 17, 45

By National Rail

City Thameslink and Blackfriars are the closest mainline stations. Farringdon (Elizabeth line and Thameslink) is a 10-minute walk and offers direct connections from Gatwick, Luton and Brighton.

Parking

There is no public parking at the courthouse. Passengers may be dropped off on Old Bailey street. Disabled parking can be pre-arranged by calling 020 7248 3277 ext. 2240. Public transport is strongly recommended.

Cases Heard at the Central Criminal Court

As a Crown Court of senior jurisdiction, the Old Bailey hears the most serious criminal cases in the country, including:

• Murder, attempted murder and manslaughter
• Terrorism and offences under the Terrorism Acts
• Rape and serious sexual offences
• Armed robbery and aggravated burglary
• Large-scale drug trafficking and organised crime
• Complex fraud and money laundering
• Offences committed on British ships on the high seas
• High-profile cases remitted from other Crown Courts across England and Wales

Hearings include first appearances, plea and trial preparation hearings (PTPH), jury trials, Old Bailey sentencing hearings and appeals. Cases are heard before a Circuit Judge, a High Court Judge or the Recorder of London, with juries of twelve drawn from Greater London.

Visiting the Public Gallery

Crown Court trials at the Old Bailey are open to the public, subject to reporting restrictions and the judge's discretion. To attend in person:

• Visitors must be aged 14 or over.
• From 1 June 2026, entry to the public galleries requires official photo ID (passport or driving licence) and proof of address (recent utility bill or bank statement).
• Airport-style security screening operates at every entrance.
• Mobile phones, cameras, laptops and other electronic devices are not permitted inside the building — there are no public lockers, so leave them at home or at your hotel.
• Smart, respectful dress is expected. Photography, recording and sketching inside the courtrooms are strictly prohibited.
• Seating in the public gallery is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I view Old Bailey cases today?

The full Central Criminal Court listings for today are published in the table further down this page, including hearing times, courtroom numbers, defendant names and case reference numbers drawn from the official daily cause list.

What time does the Old Bailey open to the public?

The public galleries open at 10:00 for the morning session and 14:00 for the afternoon session, Monday to Friday. Arrive at least 30 minutes before for security checks.

How many courtrooms does the Central Criminal Court have?

The Old Bailey operates 18 active courtrooms across the original 1907 building and the 1972 South Block extension, with Court 1 traditionally reserved for the most serious or high-profile murder trials.

Can I attend Old Bailey sentencing hearings?

Yes. Sentencing hearings are generally open to the public and accredited press, unless the judge has imposed reporting restrictions. Times appear in the daily listings above.

What is the difference between the Old Bailey and other Crown Courts?

The Old Bailey is a Crown Court, but historically it was established under the Central Criminal Court Act 1834 and retains its original name. It is the only Crown Court in England and Wales managed by the City of London Corporation rather than directly by HMCTS estates.