
Tetbury Police Museum and Courtroom
Step back in time at this charming free museum, featuring historic police cells and an atmospheric courtroom. A must-visit for local history buffs!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Tetbury Police Museum and Courtroom
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at this charming free museum, featuring historic police cells and an atmospheric courtroom. A must-visit for local history buffs!
"A lovely little museum, a must see if you are in Tetbury for the day!"

🎯 Donate to Support
Entry is free, but donations are vital! Help keep this gem open by contributing what you can. :heart:
⏰ Verify Opening Hours
Limited hours mean checking ahead is a must. Don't miss out due to unexpected closures! :calendar:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Police Cells
Ground floor
Step inside three authentic 19th-century police cells and imagine life for those who were once detained here.

The Courtroom Experience
First floor
Explore the atmospheric courtroom, a space that once echoed with the pronouncements of justice.

Vintage Police Artifacts
Throughout the museum
Discover a fascinating collection of vintage police-related items, offering a glimpse into law enforcement history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Donations Welcome
Check Opening Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Donate to Support
Entry is free, but donations are vital! Help keep this gem open by contributing what you can. :heart:
⏰ Verify Opening Hours
Limited hours mean checking ahead is a must. Don't miss out due to unexpected closures! :calendar:
🚶♀️ Allow 45-60 Mins
Perfect for a short visit, most people spend about 45-60 minutes exploring. :stopwatch:
🤝 Chat with Volunteers
Friendly volunteers share fascinating insights. Ask them anything! :speech_balloon:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Donate to Support
Entry is free, but donations are vital! Help keep this gem open by contributing what you can. :heart:
⏰ Verify Opening Hours
Limited hours mean checking ahead is a must. Don't miss out due to unexpected closures! :calendar:
🚶♀️ Allow 45-60 Mins
Perfect for a short visit, most people spend about 45-60 minutes exploring. :stopwatch:
🤝 Chat with Volunteers
Friendly volunteers share fascinating insights. Ask them anything! :speech_balloon:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Tetbury Police Museum and Courtroom as a 'lovely little museum' and a 'must-see' for those in town. The free entry, informative displays, and friendly volunteers are frequently highlighted as major positives, offering a worthwhile experience in a short amount of time. Some note the courtroom area could be better utilized, but overall, it's highly recommended.
"A lovely little museum, a must see if you are in Tetbury for the day!
It was very informative so we spent around 45 minutes browsing.
Entrance is free but donations are welcome to try and keep this little treasure open!"
Abbie G
"Really pleasant little museum. Free entrance, but they welcome donations. Friendly and helpful volunteers with interesting information as you go around. We spent about 45 - 60 minutes."
Ben
"Free lovely, small museum, only open on specific days and times. Donations welcome.
Ground floor and one room on the first floor.
There are three police cells that you can enter along with interesting vintage police related items on show."
Jan-Fei Li
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in the heart of Tetbury. If driving, there are several car parks nearby, such as the Long Street Car Park. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes is advisable.
While Tetbury is served by buses, direct routes to the museum might vary. It's best to check with local transport providers for the most up-to-date information on routes and schedules.
There are several public car parks within walking distance of the museum in Tetbury. The Long Street Car Park is a popular option.
Absolutely! Tetbury itself is a charming market town, and the museum makes for an excellent addition to a day out exploring its shops and architecture.
Tetbury is very walkable. Once you've visited the museum, take time to wander through the town's streets, admire the historic buildings, and browse the independent shops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum offers free entry! However, they gratefully accept donations to help maintain the site and its exhibits.
No advance booking is typically required for general visits, as entry is free. However, for group visits or special events, it's always a good idea to contact the museum directly.
The museum has specific opening days and times, which can vary. It's essential to check their official website or social media pages for the most current information before your visit.
Donations are not mandatory but are highly welcomed and appreciated. They play a crucial role in keeping the museum operational and preserving its historical significance.
The museum is small, so it can feel a bit tight when busy. Visiting during off-peak hours, like weekday mornings, can offer a more relaxed experience.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can explore three historic police cells, view a collection of vintage police artifacts, and experience the atmospheric courtroom.
Most visitors spend around 45 to 60 minutes exploring the museum, taking in the exhibits and chatting with the volunteers.
While not heavily interactive in a digital sense, you can enter the police cells, which provides a tangible connection to the past. The volunteers also offer interactive insights.
Some visitors have noted that the courtroom area might feel a bit like storage in parts and could be better utilized. Accessibility details should be confirmed directly with the museum.
The museum preserves local history related to policing and justice in Tetbury, offering a unique insight into the town's past through its cells and courtroom.
🎫 🤝 Staff & Volunteers
Yes, the museum is staffed by friendly and helpful volunteers who are knowledgeable about the exhibits and local history.
Absolutely! The volunteers are a great resource and are happy to share interesting information and answer any questions you may have during your visit.
Visitors often describe the volunteers as friendly and helpful, contributing to a pleasant and informative museum experience.
While formal guided tours might not be standard, volunteers are available to engage with visitors and provide context as you explore the exhibits.
Volunteers are essential to the museum's operation, providing visitor services, sharing historical knowledge, and helping to maintain the exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the museum is small, so it’s best suited for families with children who can appreciate historical exhibits rather than those needing constant entertainment. The friendly volunteers can also make the visit more interactive by sharing interesting tidbits. Remember to check opening times, as limited hours might require some planning around nap schedules or school commitments.
💰 Budget Travelers
While entry is free, the museum relies on donations to operate. Consider making a small contribution if you enjoyed your visit; it’s a small price to pay to help preserve such a unique local attraction. The museum offers a concentrated dose of history, perfect for a short, impactful, and cost-effective outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Victorian Policing
Beyond the cells, the museum showcases a collection of vintage police-related items. These artifacts offer tangible connections to the past, illustrating the tools, uniforms, and equipment used by officers in bygone eras. The courtroom upstairs, though noted by some as feeling a bit like storage, still retains an atmosphere of historical significance, where judgments were passed and local disputes were settled.
What makes this museum particularly special is its free entry and the dedication of its friendly volunteers. These individuals are often passionate about local history and are eager to share their knowledge, enriching the visitor experience with personal anecdotes and historical context. It's this community-driven aspect that truly brings the history to life.
Making the Most of Your Visit
While the museum is compact, allowing for a visit of around 45 to 60 minutes, it can feel a bit snug when busy. For a more relaxed exploration, consider visiting during weekday mornings when crowds are typically lower. This allows ample time to appreciate the exhibits and chat with the knowledgeable volunteers without feeling rushed.
Remember that the museum relies heavily on donations to stay open. While entry is free, contributing what you can is a wonderful way to support this local historical gem and ensure it remains accessible for others. Engaging with the volunteers is highly recommended; they are a fantastic source of information and add a personal touch to the historical narrative.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit