Welcome to Bradford Police Museum

Discover Bradford's best kept secrets!

A visitor attraction for the whole family, from children to grandparents. Children under 5 years go free. The Bradford Police Museum is an award winning independent museum and registered charity based in City Hall, Centenary Square in the centre of Bradford. Voted one of the best small museums in the country by The Times in 2023. Winner of TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award 2022.

The museum provides a unique insight into the history and heritage of policing, criminal justice, civic enforcement and the development of crime and punishment in Bradford. It is situated on the site of the original 19th century police station in City Hall operational between 1874 and 1974 bringing together exhibits, documents and memorabilia relating to the history of policing from the inception of the Bradford Borough Police force in the mid-19th century to the present day.

Visitors to the museum can follow in the footsteps of Victorian prisoners during a guided tour of the original Victorian cells together with a visit to the beautifully preserved Victorian Court room. Then browse the museum collection in the gallery and learn more about Bradford policing firsts.

Hear about the ghosts of City Hall and the experiences of historical figures and criminals from Bradford. Visit the cells used for filming Peaky Blinders and more. Could you escape from the Houdini cell? Complete your visit at our museum shop with bespoke museum gifts, books and memorabilia.

Secrets Bradford Police Museum

Please read the Before your visit page for information on photography and filming and wheelchair access.

Located in the historical City Hall Bradford the Bradford Police Museum provides a unique insight into the history and heritage of policing, criminal justice, civic enforcement and the development of crime and punishment in Bradford from the early 19th century onwards.

The museum situated on the site of the original 19th century police station in City Hall and which was operational between 1874 and 1974 brings together exhibits, documents and memorabilia relating to the history of policing from the inception of the Bradford Borough Police force in the mid-19th century to the present day.

The collection includes Victorian police truncheons, uniforms and a unique photographic archive covering 150 years of policing in the city.

Visits to the museum include guided tours of the original Victorian cells which formed part of the original police station together with a visit to the beautifully preserved Victorian Court room.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Closed

 

The Bradford Police Museum is now closed until Friday 1st March 2024. It will then be open every Friday and Saturday between 10am to 4pm until the end of November 2024. Last tours will leave at 2.30pm.

Tickets from the 1st March 2024 onwards can now be booked in advance by going to the booking system. Click on the green box marked book tickets below.

 

 

NOVEMBER GHOST TOUR 2023

Join us for a special event. A Legendary Ghost Tour has been announced which will take place at 7pm on Thursday 30th November 2023. Join us on this spine chilling exclusive evening tour of the Bradford Police Museum, through the Victorian Court and Cells.

For more information and to book tickets online for Thursday 30th November 2023 at 7.00 pm go to our events page.

NEW FOR 2023! Victorian Crime Scene Walking Tour

Take a walk back in history visiting Victorian crime scenes across Bradford City centre, hosted by our knowledgeable museum guides.

Immerse yourself in the curious world of 19th century murders, robberies, poisonings and more. Hear about Bradford’s own great train robbery. The tour is an entertaining walk, telling and showing some interesting and strange facts about Bradford’s little known past.

Visit our News page for more information and how to book tickets.

 

NEW FOR 2023! TRIAL BY JURY, VICTORIAN MURDER COURT REENACTMENT

Join us for a unique experience. Sit on the jury in the 19th Century murder trial of William Barrett. Freedom or the gallows. You decide.

Now the Bradford Police Museum gives you the opportunity to hear all the evidence and immerse yourself in this truly macabre, real-life murder trial from Bradford's hidden history. The November date is sold out. New date announced for 7pm December 21st 2023.

For more information and to book tickets online for Thursday 21st December at 7.00 pm go to our events page.

 

MORE INFORMATION

The museum will also be holding special events on other days during the year. Please check Facebook or Twitter pages for details.

Facebook Twitter

The Bradford Police Museum / Under The Clock Bradford is a registered charity No 1169131

If you wish to donate to the museum please do so by clicking below