Crown Courts in England and Wales

All 46 venues

About the Crown Court

The Crown Court is where the most serious criminal cases in England and Wales are decided. If someone is accused of a crime such as murder, rape, serious assault or major fraud, the case will be heard here, usually in front of a judge and a jury of twelve members of the public. The jury decides whether the defendant is guilty. If they are, the judge decides the sentence.

The Crown Court does not hear only trials. It also:

• Sentences people who have pleaded guilty, or been found guilty, of serious offences.
• Takes cases sent from magistrates’ courts because they are too serious for the magistrates to deal with.
• Hears appeals against some decisions made in the magistrates’ courts.

The Crown Court at a glance

How a case reaches the Crown Court

Almost every criminal case starts in a magistrates’ court. For the most serious offences, the magistrates have no power to decide the case, so they send it up to the Crown Court. Other offences, known as either-way offences, can be heard in either court. The magistrates may decide that they are too serious for their powers, or the defendant may choose to have a jury trial. Our guide to a magistrates’ court explains the first stage.

Different Crown Court centres

There are dozens of Crown Court centres across England and Wales. Some are in their own buildings, such as the Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey) in London, while others share a building with the county court. You will find those in our combined court centres directory. Not every centre hears every type of case, and the most serious cases are generally heard at larger centres, so make sure you are going to the court named on your paperwork.

Who is in the courtroom

A Crown Court hearing involves a judge, a clerk, prosecution and defence lawyers, the defendant and, in a trial, a jury. Witnesses wait outside until they are called, and journalists and members of the public may watch. Our guide to what to expect at a Crown Court explains each role.

Hearing lists for Crown Courts

Crown Courts publish three main lists:

Each court page on this site shows the latest published lists, when they were last updated and when we last checked them, always in UK time. We never show defendants’ first names. The official service is the authority, so check it before you travel.

Before you visit

• Check the address on the court’s page, and the entrance you should use.
• Arrive early, because security queues can be long. See security checks at court.
• Bring your court letter and photo ID.
• Find your room using our guide to finding your courtroom.
• If you want to watch, read the public gallery guide.

Support at the Crown Court

Giving evidence or attending a trial can be daunting. The Citizens Advice Witness Service offers free, confidential support to witnesses and victims, including a visit before the hearing. Interpreters and step-free access can be arranged if you ask in advance. See our guides on attending court as a witness and victims of crime at court.

Ways to find the right court

Browse the venues above, grouped by region, or use the court finder to search by name, town or postcode. If you know your case reference, you can search every list at once. Our regions pages show courts near you, and the magistrates’ courts directory covers the lower court.