Bradford Police Museum

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
Bradford Police Museum
Courtesy of The Bradford Police Museum

This homage to the city’s policing history provides vital insight into the development of criminal justice, civic enforcement and the public’s relationship with the police from the early 19th century to the present day. Located within the historical City Hall, the Police Museum exists in the building of the original Police Station, which opened in 1874.

take a guided tour of the original Victorian cells as well as the decorative and beautifully preserved Victorian courtroom

The collection gives us a window into the development of crime and punishment in Bradford, from the truncheons and uniforms of the Victorian Bobbies, to the documents and memorabilia of Bradford’s force in the early 70’s. This collection manages to put on such fully formed exhibitions because the building was the Bradford Borough police force for an entire century. All of the outrageous breaches of the law, scandals and triumphs were recorded in the very space in which you stand and read about them.

As part of their collection the museum houses an immense photographic archive, spanning 150 years of policing. It shows the shift in public mentality towards the police as political situations change and the police become a force for good in the community as well as a prevention for crime.

On your visit you’ll have the chance to take a guided tour of the original Victorian cells as well as the decorative and beautifully preserved Victorian courtroom. The atmosphere in these rooms is thick with tales of crime and punishment. The courtroom’s dimly lit facade shows you how intimidating a space it would have been for those facing justice in the last century. Now it has an air of quiet calm and only faint reminders of the room’s grim past, told in stories and criminal records.

Bradford Police Museum have been trying to stay engaged with the public via their social media streams. Check out their Facebook or Twitter to find unlikely items and intriguing objects as well as the stories and uses behind them.

Centenary SquareBradfordBD1 1HY View map
Telephone: 01274510245 Visit Now

Opening Hours

  • Friday11:00am - 3:00pm
  • Saturday12:00pm - 4:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Bradford Police Museum

A black woman sat down looking to the left.
Until
MusicLeeds
Sound Out Leeds 2024/25

Leeds International Concert Season is on a mission to push boundaries, expand horizons, and ask the question: ‘What haven’t we heard?’ as it presents its city-spanning Sound Out Leeds series.

from £10.00

Where to go near Bradford Police Museum

An image of a large man made pool with fountains in front of a historic building with a clock tower
Bradford
Park
City Park

City park is Bradford’s brilliant multi-award winning outdoor public space, one of its highlights being The Mirror Pool — the largest urban water feature in the UK.

impressions
Bradford
Gallery
Impressions Gallery

As the leading gallery of photographic arts in the UK, Impressions is making photography accessible, inspiring and approachable for everyone.

Wallers Brewery Sunbridge Wells
Bradford
Brewery
Wallers Brewery

The biggest bar in Sunbridge Wells, Bradford’s underground network of restaurants and bars. Serving food and drink in a historic underground venue.

National Science and Media Museum, Leeds
Bradford
Museum
National Science and Media Museum

National Science and Media Museum offers the chance to explore the science of light and sound technologies and their impact through events, exhibitions, cinemas and world class collections.

Restaurant 1914
Bradford
Restaurant
Restaurant 1914

Based in the Alhambra Theatre, this luxurious restaurant serves a seasonal menu and offers fantastic views over City Park.

Nightrain
Bradford
Event venue
Nightrain

Nightrain is a rock bar and live music venue in the heart of Bradford City centre, hosting live music every weekend.

Great Victoria Hotel
Bradford
Hotel
Great Victoria Hotel

The Great Victoria Hotel is Grandeur, style and luxury, in the middle of Bradfords best theatres, venues, bars and galleries.

the peace museum
Bradford
Museum
The Peace Museum

Don’t be fooled by the size of The Peace Museum, this collection of peaceful objects has a powerful message behind it and makes for fascinating exhibitions.

Bradford
Theatre
The Studio

The Studio, Bradford, is an adaptable small theatre which regularly hosts comedy, touring companies and local talent.

Culture Guides

Poet Evan Jones
Literature Events in the North

Some of our favourite leftfield live literature regulars are back with their first events of the year – we’ve picked a weird and wonderful heap we think you’ll love.

Good Fridaze Family Social at Freight Island
Family things to do in the North

As we edge towards spring we take a look at the best events and activities for families, from theatre to festivals, dinosaur adventures to family raves.

NEXT: A Primer on Urban Painting production still
Cinema in the North

Street art, LGBTQ+ History Month, and the first film festivals of the year are amongst our cinema highlights this month.

A painting of a young child being bathed in a sink of a 197s style kitchen. Around the sink are a rubber duck, a bottle of  washing up liquid, a jug, a kettle and a mug.
Exhibitions in the North

Galleries are racing to announce new exhibitions so check out our top picks, from art films and nostalgic paintings to Hockney's collages.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Feminist farce, a magical circus show and Oldham Coliseum return with a brand-new off-site show. All in our latest theatre guide.

FKA TWIGS
Music in the North

Masters of minimalism, leftfield electronica and cutting edge pop. We bring you the lot in our latest live music round up.