Combined court centres in England and Wales
Short answer: A combined court centre is a single building that houses more than one type of court, usually the Crown Court and the county court. Your court letter tells you which court your hearing is in, so check it carefully, then use the venues below for the address and today's lists.
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About combined court centres
Many towns and cities no longer have a separate building for each type of court. Instead, one combined court centre brings different courts together. The most common mix is the Crown Court, which hears serious criminal cases, and the county court, which hears civil disputes. Some centres also house family hearings or tribunals.
For visitors, the main difference is practical. Two or three different kinds of hearing can be going on at the same time, in the same building, using the same front door.
Why it matters which court you are in
Each type of court works differently. A Crown Court trial has a jury and strict security, while a civil hearing may be informal and brief. Reading your letter carefully tells you what to expect:
| Court type | What happens | Read |
|---|---|---|
| Crown Court | Serious criminal cases, often with a jury | What to expect at a Crown Court |
| County court | Civil disputes, such as debt and housing | County courts |
| Family Court | Children and family matters, mostly private | Family Courts |
Finding your way inside
Large buildings can be confusing. When you arrive:
- Go through security, which is the same for everyone.
- Look for the screens or boards showing the day’s lists. Criminal and civil lists may be displayed separately.
- Find your reference number rather than a name.
- Ask the information desk or an usher if you cannot see your case.
- Tell the usher you have arrived.
Our guide to finding your courtroom has more tips.
Hearing lists
Different courts in the same building publish different lists. Crown Court hearings appear on lists such as the Crown Daily List. Civil hearings appear on the Civil Daily Cause List, and family hearings on the Family Daily Cause List. Our court pages show the latest Crown Court and magistrates’ court lists where they exist, and link to the official service for everything else.
Tips for visiting a combined centre
- Check the entrance. Some buildings have separate entrances for jurors, lawyers and the public.
- Expect crowds. Several courts means more people in the waiting areas, so arrive early.
- Keep your letter handy. Staff will ask which court you are attending.
- Do not assume the room. Rooms can change, so look at the screens again before you go in.
- Ask for help early. Staff in large centres are used to directing visitors.
Security and access
Combined centres have airport-style security because they host criminal trials. Allow plenty of time, bring photo ID, and leave sharp items at home. Our security checks guide lists what to bring. If you need step-free access, an interpreter or a quiet space, contact the building in advance.
Watching a hearing
Most criminal and many civil hearings are open to the public. Family hearings are often private. If you want to watch, read the public gallery guide, and ask the usher which courtrooms are open.
Related directories
See the full Crown Courts directory, the county courts directory and the justice centres directory. Use the court finder to search by name, town or postcode.
Frequently asked questions
What is a combined court centre?
It is a court building that brings different types of court together, commonly the Crown Court and the county court, and sometimes family hearings as well.
How do I know which court my hearing is in?
Your court letter names the court, the room and the type of hearing. Inside the building, screens usually show which court each room belongs to, and the usher can point you in the right direction.
Is security the same for every court in the building?
Yes. Everyone enters through the same security checks, whichever court they are visiting. See our security guide for what to bring.
Where do I find the hearing list?
Open the court's page and use the link to the official service. Criminal and civil lists are published separately, so make sure you look at the right one.