Woolwich Crown Court Listings

About Woolwich Crown Court

Woolwich Crown Court, formally known as the Crown Court at Woolwich, is a high-security criminal court located at 2 Belmarsh Road, Thamesmead, London SE28 0EY. Situated within the Royal Borough of Greenwich, it sits directly adjacent to HM Prison Belmarsh — one of England's most secure Category A prisons. The court was purpose-built in 1993 by the Property Services Agency on behalf of the Lord Chancellor's Department, specifically to eliminate the security risks involved in transporting high-risk defendants by road. An underground tunnel connects the building to HM Prison Belmarsh, allowing prisoners to be moved between the two facilities without public exposure. This unique arrangement has made Woolwich the preferred venue for terrorism and national security trials in England and Wales.

Cases Heard at Woolwich Crown Court

As a Crown Court centre, Woolwich handles indictable-only offences that must be tried before a judge and jury, including murder, manslaughter, rape, armed robbery, and serious drug trafficking. It also deals with either-way offences committed from magistrates' courts and sentencing hearings for cases too serious for lower courts to handle. What distinguishes Woolwich from most other Crown Courts is the volume and significance of terrorism-related cases it processes. The court was the venue for the trial of those involved in the 1996 Docklands bombing conspiracy, the prosecution of the 21 July 2005 London bombers, and the 2006 transatlantic aircraft bomb plot trial. Ongoing sentencing at Woolwich Crown Court today continues to cover serious criminal matters from across South East London and beyond, with cases regularly transferred here when enhanced security is required.

Court Facilities and Building Layout

The building was constructed in a Modernist style using brick and concrete, featuring a symmetrical frontage with a central entrance block flanked by two angled wings. The entrance is marked by a portico of columns supporting a glass canopy, topped by a distinctive drum-shaped structure. Internally, the court contains multiple courtrooms equipped with modern video conferencing facilities for prison-to-court links, portable hearing enhancement systems available by prior arrangement, and interview rooms for legal consultations. The building provides disabled access throughout, including accessible toilets, and welcomes assistance dogs. Free Wi-Fi is available within the building, and a canteen service operates on-site, though visitors should check current availability. Lanyards for the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network are available on request from court reception.

Woolwich Crown Court Opening Hours and Contact Details

• Address: 2 Belmarsh Road, Thamesmead, London SE28 0EY
• Court open: 8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday
• Counter open: 9:00am to 4:00pm
• General enquiries: 020 8312 7000
• Witness service: 030 0332 1394
• DX: 117650 Woolwich 7
• Crown Court location code: 472

Defendants, witnesses, and legal professionals should report to the court office upon arrival to confirm attendance. Public seating in courtrooms may be limited during high-profile hearings, so arriving early is advisable.

How to Get to Woolwich Crown Court

Woolwich Crown Court is located in Thamesmead, an area with growing but still limited transport connections. The nearest railway station is Plumstead, served by Southeastern and Thameslink services, approximately a 15-minute walk from the court. From Plumstead station, the 472 bus runs directly to the Belmarsh Prison stop outside the court, taking around 2 minutes. Woolwich Arsenal station, served by the Elizabeth line and DLR, is roughly 2–3 kilometres away and connects to the court via the 244 and 380 bus routes. Woolwich Arsenal Pier offers Thames Clipper river bus connections for those travelling from central London. Several bus routes serve the immediate area, including the 244, 292, 380, 472, and SL1. Parking at the court is extremely limited, and there is very little free public parking nearby, so public transport is strongly recommended.

Nearby Crown Courts in London

If your case has been listed at a different London venue, you may need to check listings for Inner London Crown Court in Southwark or Snaresbrook Crown Court in northeast London. Cases are occasionally transferred between London Crown Court centres depending on courtroom availability and security requirements, so always verify your listing before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do hearings start at Woolwich Crown Court?

Most hearings at Woolwich Crown Court are listed to begin at 10:00am, though some may be scheduled for later in the day at 11:00am or 2:00pm. The court building opens at 8:30am, and you should aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled hearing time.

Can I attend a hearing at Woolwich Crown Court as a member of the public?

Crown Court hearings in England and Wales are generally open to the public, and members of the public can sit in the public gallery. However, due to the high-security nature of many cases heard at Woolwich, access may be restricted for certain trials. Security screening is in place at the entrance, and you should expect airport-style checks before entering the building.

How do I find out if a case is being heard at Woolwich Crown Court today?

Daily court listings for Woolwich Crown Court are published each morning via the XHIBIT system on the HMCTS website and updated throughout the day as hearings progress. You can also check the listings on this page or call the court directly on 020 8312 7000 for confirmation.