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

Extended Hours and Free Tours to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the opening of City Hall

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the opening of City Hall the museum will be open an extra day this weekend. The museum will open Saturday 9th September 2023 from 10am onwards. The last tour will leave at 2.30pm.

It will also be open on Sunday 10th September 2023 (for the anniversary weekend only) 10am to 4pm. Last tour leaving at 2.230pm.

Entry will be free of charge on both days with tours bookable online only .

To book a tour on either the Saturday or Sunday go to ‘Book Tickets’ on the museums web site home page: http://www.bradfordpolicemuseum.com/

On Saturday an historic Mini Metro police will be placed outside the entrance to the museum in Centenary Square. Please read our ‘before your visit page’ on this web site prior to booking your tickets and coming to visit.

MORE INFORMATION

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

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