Old Police Cells Museum
Explore historic prison cells and Sussex Police history with engaging tours led by former officers. Fun, interactive, and educational!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, personalized tours
Old Police Cells Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, personalized tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore historic prison cells and Sussex Police history with engaging tours led by former officers. Fun, interactive, and educational!
"Fantastic experience and such a good tour by Nick. He was very patient with the amount of questions we asked him."
🎯 Book Your Saturday Tour
Tours are mainly on Saturdays. Book ahead to secure your spot and a great experience! :admission_tickets:
🗣️ Ask Lots of Questions!
Guides, often ex-officers, love to share stories. Your questions make the tour even better! :speech_balloon:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Police Uniforms
Main exhibition area
Dress up in vintage police uniforms and try your hand at fingerprinting for a fun, memorable photo op.
Guided History Tours
Throughout the museum
Gain fascinating insights into policing history from guides, often former officers, who bring stories to life.
Sussex Police Memorabilia
Collection displays
Explore a unique collection of police history, from old equipment to fascinating case details.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Saturdays
Embrace the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
things to do for a solo traveler?
🎯 Book Your Saturday Tour
Tours are mainly on Saturdays. Book ahead to secure your spot and a great experience! :admission_tickets:
🗣️ Ask Lots of Questions!
Guides, often ex-officers, love to share stories. Your questions make the tour even better! :speech_balloon:
☔ Perfect for Rainy Days
This indoor attraction is a fantastic way to spend a few hours, especially if the weather is poor. :umbrellawithrain_drops:
👕 Dress-Up Fun
Don't miss the chance to try on police uniforms and take fun photos. Great for kids and adults! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Saturday Tour
Tours are mainly on Saturdays. Book ahead to secure your spot and a great experience! :admission_tickets:
🗣️ Ask Lots of Questions!
Guides, often ex-officers, love to share stories. Your questions make the tour even better! :speech_balloon:
☔ Perfect for Rainy Days
This indoor attraction is a fantastic way to spend a few hours, especially if the weather is poor. :umbrellawithrain_drops:
👕 Dress-Up Fun
Don't miss the chance to try on police uniforms and take fun photos. Great for kids and adults! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Old Police Cells Museum for its engaging guided tours, often led by knowledgeable and passionate former officers. The interactive elements like dressing up and fingerprinting are a hit with families, making history fun. While the collection is being developed, the personal stories and historical insights shared by guides are the main draw, offering a unique and memorable experience.
"We were lucky enough to be the only group on a Saturday morning, so our guide Peter tailored the tour to us, especially good for the children. We dressed up in police uniforms, did fingerprints, and learnt some interesting tidbits! Fun way to spend a rainy morning, thanks a lot Peter!"
Emma Norman
"Had a tour led by a former officer who admitted that the museum was rather haphazaradly-curated but they had recently hired someone to remedy this.
A very informative hour on the history of policing. Retained more knowledge listening to someone talk rather than going around reading the descriptions and articles."
Amie *
"Fantastic experience and such a good tour by Nick. He was very patient with the amount of questions we asked him. Was fascinating and will definitely be back!"
Alice Morgan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in the basement of the Town Hall in Brighton. It's easily accessible by public transport, with many bus routes stopping nearby. If driving, be aware that parking in central Brighton can be challenging and expensive.
Yes, the museum is a short walk from Brighton Pier and the seafront, making it a convenient addition to a day exploring the city's main attractions.
The closest train station is Brighton Station, which is about a 15-20 minute walk from the Town Hall. Taxis and local buses are readily available from the station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum primarily operates tours on Saturdays. It's essential to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening hours and tour schedules, as these can vary.
Yes, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for Saturday tours, as they can sell out. This also helps the museum manage group sizes for a better visitor experience.
Admission prices are typically very reasonable, reflecting the museum's focus on historical education. Check their official booking page for current pricing details.
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, inquire about potential concessions for students, seniors, or group bookings when you book your tour.
The museum operates primarily through guided tours, which are essential for accessing the cells and understanding the exhibits. Spontaneous visits without a pre-booked tour might not be possible.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect an engaging, hour-long tour led by knowledgeable guides, often former police officers. You'll explore historic prison cells, learn about policing history, and can even try on uniforms and do fingerprints.
Yes, the museum is often described as great for children, with interactive elements like dressing up and fingerprinting making history fun and engaging for younger visitors.
A guided tour usually lasts about an hour. Many visitors find this to be the perfect amount of time to absorb the information without feeling rushed.
As the museum is in a basement with historic cells, accessibility might be a concern for those with mobility issues. It's advisable to contact the museum directly to discuss specific needs.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, especially when trying on uniforms. However, always check with your guide if you're unsure about specific areas or exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not typically have food or drink facilities. However, being located in central Brighton, there are numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants nearby to enjoy before or after your visit.
It's generally best to consume any personal food or drinks before entering the museum to maintain the historical integrity of the exhibits. Check with staff if you have specific dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
The most popular photo ops include dressing up in police uniforms, trying out fingerprinting stations, and capturing the atmosphere of the historic prison cells.
Flash photography is usually discouraged in historical sites to protect artifacts and maintain the ambiance. It's always best to ask your guide for clarification.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It’s a great way to spend a few hours, especially on a rainy day, offering a unique experience beyond typical tourist attractions. The tours are typically around an hour, which is a good duration for keeping children's attention spans. Booking a Saturday morning tour is recommended for a less crowded and more personalized experience.
🚶 Solo Travelers
It's a chance to connect with local history and perhaps even strike up conversations with fellow visitors. The museum is easily accessible and offers a concentrated dose of history that fits well into a day of exploring Brighton's other attractions.
🤓 History Buffs
While the collection may be evolving, the core of the experience lies in the narrative provided by the guides and the atmosphere of the historic cells themselves. It’s a chance to delve into a specific niche of local history and understand the operational side of policing through the ages.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Experience of a Guided Tour
These tours are not just about facts and dates; they are about stories. You'll hear about the realities of policing in bygone eras, learn about specific cases, and get a feel for the daily lives of those who worked and were held within these very cells. The interactive elements, such as dressing up in police uniforms and trying fingerprinting, add a fun, hands-on dimension that makes the history tangible and memorable.
Because the museum operates primarily through these tours, booking in advance, especially for Saturdays, is crucial. This ensures you get a spot and allows the guides to prepare for a more personalized experience, catering to the interests of your group. It’s this community-driven, personal touch that makes a visit here so special.
A Glimpse into Sussex Police History
While some reviews mention the collection being a bit 'haphazardly curated' in the past, there's an ongoing effort to improve and enhance the displays. The focus remains on providing an informative and engaging narrative of Sussex Police's past. Visitors often remark on how much they learned from the guides, who effectively contextualize the artifacts and bring the history to life.
For those interested in local history, true crime, or the social history of law and order, the Old Police Cells Museum provides a unique and accessible window into a specific aspect of Brighton's past. It’s a compact yet impactful collection that complements the broader historical context of the town.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit