Cambridge Magistrates' Court Listings

About Cambridge Magistrates' Court

Cambridge Magistrates' Court is located at 12 St Andrews Street, Cambridge, CB2 3AX, in the heart of the city centre just a short walk from the Grand Arcade shopping centre and the historic market square. The court serves Cambridge and the surrounding areas of South Cambridgeshire, handling criminal cases, single justice procedure matters, employment tribunal claims against employers, and social security and child support benefit appeals. Daily court listings are published each morning and may be updated throughout the day, so defendants, legal professionals, and members of the public should check back regularly for the most current hearing schedule.

Opening Hours and Contact Details

Cambridge Magistrates' Court is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For enquiries about cases listed on the day, you can contact the court directly on 01223 376000. General magistrates' court queries are handled by the Courts and Tribunals Service Centre on 0330 808 4407, available Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. If your matter relates to a Single Justice Procedure case, contact the Single Justice Service Centre on 0300 303 0656 during weekday office hours. Written correspondence should be directed to The Court House, Bridge Street, Peterborough, PE1 1ED, and email enquiries can be sent to contactcrime@justice.gov.uk.

Types of Cases Heard

As a magistrates' court, Cambridge handles summary offences and either-way offences at the lower end of severity. Typical cases include assault, theft, criminal damage, driving offences, public order matters, and drug possession charges. The court also deals with bail applications, plea hearings, case management directions, and committals to the Crown Court for more serious indictable offences. If a case is sent to the Crown Court for trial or sentencing, it will typically be transferred to Cambridge Crown Court on East Road. Single justice procedure cases, which involve less serious summary-only offences such as minor motoring matters, TV licence evasion, and rail fare evasion, are also processed here and dealt with by a single magistrate on the papers without a public hearing.

Building Facilities and Accessibility

The court building offers level access at the entrance and to all courtrooms, making it fully accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility difficulties. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the building. A hearing enhancement loop system is available by prior arrangement through the court office. Six interview rooms are provided for private consultations between defendants and their solicitors. Baby changing facilities can be found in the disabled toilets on the ground floor. The court also has video conferencing and prison-to-court video link facilities, which can be arranged in advance for remote hearings. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards are available on request from reception. If you require an interpreter, this can be arranged through HMCTS ahead of your hearing date.

Getting to Cambridge Magistrates' Court

The court's location on St Andrews Street makes it one of the most centrally situated courts in the East of England. By bus, most services to Cambridge city centre stop within a few minutes' walk — the Emmanuel Street bus station and Drummer Street bus interchange are both under five minutes on foot. By train, Cambridge railway station is approximately 25 minutes' walk or a short bus ride away on the Citi 1 or Universal bus routes. By car, the nearest car park is the Queen Anne Terrace Car Park on Parker's Piece, roughly a 10 to 15 minute walk from the court. The Grafton Centre car park on East Road is another option, approximately 20 minutes' walk away. There is no dedicated court car park, and on-street parking in central Cambridge is extremely limited, so arriving by public transport or cycling is recommended. Cambridge is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the UK, and secure cycle parking can be found on nearby streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do hearings start at Cambridge Magistrates' Court?

Most hearings at Cambridge Magistrates' Court are listed from 10:00 AM. Court users are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled hearing to allow time for security checks and to locate the correct courtroom. The daily listings published on this page will confirm the exact courtroom and time for each case.

Can I attend a hearing at Cambridge Magistrates' Court as a member of the public?

Yes. Magistrates' court hearings in England and Wales are generally open to the public and accredited press unless the presiding magistrate or district judge imposes reporting restrictions or orders a closed hearing. Youth court proceedings and certain family-related matters are not open to the public.

What should I bring to court?

Bring your court summons or charge sheet letter, any legal paperwork or evidence relevant to your case, and valid photo identification. If you have legal representation, ensure your solicitor has confirmed they will attend. Mobile phones must be switched to silent mode inside courtrooms. Photography and recording are strictly prohibited within the court building.

Where are nearby magistrates' courts to Cambridge?

If your case is listed at another court in the region, nearby options include Huntingdon Magistrates' Court and Peterborough Magistrates' Court, both serving parts of Cambridgeshire. Always check your court summons carefully to confirm the exact venue, as correspondence is often posted from the central office in Peterborough regardless of which court your hearing is at.