Courts in East of England
Short answer: The East of England has Crown Courts, magistrates' courts, county courts and tribunals across Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Journeys can be long in rural areas, so check the building on your letter and allow extra travel time.
Courts in East of England at a glance
| Type of court | Venues |
|---|---|
| Combined Court | 3 |
| County Court | 9 |
| Crown Court | 6 |
| Magistrates' Court | 14 |
| Tribunal | 2 |
Crown Courts in East of England
- Basildon Combined Court · SS14 2EW
- Cambridge Crown Court · CB1 1BT
- Chelmsford Crown Court · CM1 1EL
- Huntingdon Law Courts · PE29 3DW
- Ipswich Crown Court · IP1 2AG
- Luton Crown Court · LU1 2AA
- Norwich Combined Court Centre · NR3 1UR
- Peterborough Combined Court Centre · PE1 1EJ
- St Albans Crown Court · AL1 3JW
Courts in the East of England
The East of England covers a large area, from the commuter towns near London to the coast and countryside of Norfolk and Suffolk. Its court network includes Crown Courts in several county towns, magistrates’ courts and county courts in many others, and a small number of family courts and tribunals.
Counties and where courts sit
| County | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Essex | Busy courts serving a large, densely populated county |
| Hertfordshire | Courts in commuter towns close to London |
| Bedfordshire | Courts in Luton and surrounding towns |
| Cambridgeshire | Courts in the university city and surrounding market towns |
| Norfolk and Suffolk | Courts in towns and cities across a mostly rural area |
Planning a journey
Distances in this region can be long, and public transport in rural areas can be limited. When you plan your journey:
- Check the address and postcode on your letter.
- Look up train, bus and car options in advance.
- Check parking, which can be limited in town centres.
- Leave extra time for roadworks and delays.
- Aim to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your hearing, to allow for security.
Our hearing day planner can suggest an arrival time and set a calendar reminder.
Choosing the right guide
If you are going to court as a defendant, read going to court as a defendant. Witnesses should read attending court as a witness. Supporters and visitors will find help in family members at court and the public gallery guide.
Help with access needs
If you need step-free access, an interpreter or a quiet place to wait, contact the court before your hearing. Smaller courts can often arrange this if they know in advance. Read security checks at court for what to expect at the door.
Places and counties covered
The region takes in Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Crown Courts in our directory sit in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Huntingdon, Ipswich, Luton and St Albans, with magistrates’ and county courts in many other towns. Travelling between the north and south of the region can take a long time, so check the distance from your home before you assume a court is close.
Practical tips for the East of England
- Check bus and train times for the return journey, not just the outward one, since services can be infrequent in rural areas.
- Fenland and coastal roads can be slow, so leave a margin.
- Larger towns may have limited parking, so look at alternatives.
- If you rely on someone else for transport, have a backup in case plans change.
Hearing lists
Court pages show the latest published lists for Crown Courts and magistrates’ courts. See the Crown Daily List and Magistrates Public List explained. The official service is always the authority.
All 34 venues in East of England
Combined Court
- Basildon Combined Court · SS14 2EW
- Norwich Combined Court Centre · NR3 1UR
- Peterborough Combined Court Centre · PE1 1EJ
County Court
- Bedford County Court and Family Court · MK40 1SQ
- Bury St Edmunds County Court and Family Court · IP33 1TR
- Cambridge County Court and Family Court · CB1 1BA
- Chelmsford Justice Centre · CM2 0PP
- Hertford County Court and Family Court · SG14 1DF
- Ipswich County Court and Family Hearing Centre · IP1 1EJ
- Luton Justice Centre · LU1 2EN
- Southend County Court and Family Court · SS2 6EU
- Watford County Court and Family Court · WD18 0BW
Crown Court
- Cambridge Crown Court · CB1 1BT
- Chelmsford Crown Court · CM1 1EL
- Huntingdon Law Courts · PE29 3DW
- Ipswich Crown Court · IP1 2AG
- Luton Crown Court · LU1 2AA
- St Albans Crown Court · AL1 3JW
Magistrates' Court
- Basildon Magistrates' Court and Family Court · SS14 1EH
- Cambridge Magistrates' Court · CB2 3AX
- Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and Family Court · CM1 1NT
- Colchester Magistrates' Court and Family Court · CO2 7EF
- Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court and Family Court · NR30 1PW
- Hatfield Magistrates' Court · AL10 9SJ
- Ipswich Magistrates’ Court · IP1 2AP
- King's Lynn Magistrates' Court and Family Court · PE30 1PQ
- Luton and South Bedfordshire Magistrates' Court · LU1 5BL
- Norwich Magistrates' Court and Family Court · NR3 1UP
- Peterborough Magistrates' Court · PE1 1ED
- Southend Magistrates' Court · SS2 6EU
- St Albans Magistrates' Court · AL1 3LB
- Stevenage Magistrates' Court · SG1 1XH
Tribunal
- Watford Tribunal Hearing Centre · WD17 1HP
- Yarl’s Wood Immigration and Asylum Hearing Centre · MK44 1FD
Frequently asked questions
Are the courts easy to reach by public transport?
Larger towns and cities usually have rail and bus links, but rural areas may have fewer options. Check your route and timetable in advance, and allow extra time.
Which Crown Courts are in the East of England?
The list above shows the Crown Courts in our directory, including those in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, Luton and St Albans.
How do I find the court for my case?
Follow the address on your court letter. If you are unsure, use our court finder or contact the court named on the paperwork.