Nottingham’s prominent attraction has earned recognition as a finalist in VisitEngland’s distinguished awards programme. The Excellence Awards celebrate exceptional visitor destinations, accommodation options, dining experiences, business event spaces, accessibility measures, and remarkable individuals across the sector. Fifty-three contenders progressed through evaluation by tourism experts and will now compete in sixteen categories at the annual event in an iconic setting.
The National Justice Museum, located on High Pavement, is among those in the running. This venue brings historical legal and penal practices to life within the Grade II listed Shire Hall. Visitors can engage with actors in period costumes, explore the Victorian courtyard, view the Georgian prison facilities, see the execution platform, and walk through centuries-old cells situated in dark subterranean areas. The museum has received many five-star reviews on Google.
One visitor remarked that the experience went well beyond expectations, with concerns about suitable content for three children quickly dispelled as staff members transformed into engaging performers rather than standard guides. While certain historical punishments and narratives may not suit very young children, the family-friendly sections are readily accessible. Another reviewer described the museum as an excellent day out, highlighting the courtroom dramatizations and hanging presentations as absolutely essential highlights.
The National Justice Museum faces competition from the Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery in Northumberland and the Morgan Experience showcasing Morgan Motor Company’s craftsmanship in Worcestershire. Nottingham Venues, which operates the East Midlands Conference Centre and the Orchard Hotel on the University of Nottingham campus alongside the Jubilee Hotel and conference facilities at Jubilee Campus, is also contending for the Business Events Venue of the Year title. Nottingham Playhouse has been shortlisted for the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award, competing against Hoe Grange Holidays in Derbyshire’s Peak District and Attwell Farm Park in Worcestershire.
VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes commented that these accolades recognise the finest establishments and professionals in tourism, who serve as catalysts for economic advancement in communities throughout England. He expressed appreciation for their unwavering commitment, congratulations on reaching the final stage, and best wishes for their success. The awards ceremony is scheduled for June 3 at Aerospace Bristol, positioned beneath Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the supersonic commercial aircraft.