Come and explore our policing history
It’s a great day out for all, so come join us and be part of policing history at our very own Victorian lock-up.
We’re open Wednesday – Saturday from 10am to 4pm* with exceptions**, and Sunday 11am to 4pm with exceptions*. Please check dates we are closed below.
**We are closed to the public for events or private group, school or corporate bookings on:
- Wednesday 6th August 2025
- Sunday 7th September 2025
- Thursday 11th September 2025
- Sunday 21st September 2025 (Macabre Museum event – no general admissions)
- Friday 3rd October 2025
- Saturday 8th November 2025 (Remembrance event – no general admissions)
- Friday 21st November 2025
* Last entry is at 2pm as we recommend 2 hours for your visit.
Tickets purchased are for a self guided tour of the museum. If you would like a tour, please look at our whats on section. Guided tours can be arranged for group visits
View our booking terms and conditions.
See our frequently asked questions.
Upcoming Events
Trot on Regardless – A History of the Mounted Police
Visit the West Midlands Police Museum, to join the ride with Stefan Wild as he trots through the brief history of police horses patrolling West Midland streets. From Victorian ceremonial duties, to shocking scenes of 1980’s football violence, Stefan tells the story of how a department evolved from a regimented, military style male bastion, to …
Date: 11th August 2025
Time: Doors open at 17:30 for a 18:00 start.
Tickets: £10.00
Meet the Mounties
Former Mounted Unit officers are coming along to the Lock-up to share stories from the stables, streets, and stirrups! The officers will be spending the day at the museum helping our horse Charlie look his best! Come along, ask questions, and help get Charlie ready for duty! Included in normal admission price. Friday 15th, 10am …
Date: 15th August 2025
Time: 11am - 4pm last admission at 2pm
Tickets: Normal admission charges apply
Relaxed Museum Opening
Join us for a relaxed opening of the museum. We’ll reduce capacity for the day, quiet our loud interactive and adjust our lighting levels for a less overwhelming environment We’re open between 11am-4pm with time slots starting at 11am then every half an hour until 2pm. We recommend a visit time of two hours. This …
Date: 17th August 2025
Time: 11am - 4pm last admission at 2pm
Tickets: Normal admission charges apply
Beyond the Spectrum – Creative writing workshop
FREE Creative writing workshop for neurodivergent 13 to 17 year olds, with writer Chris Bonnello. Places are free but must be registered!https://beyondthespectrum.uk/event/btsatpolicemuseum/
Date: 21st August 2025
Time: 5pm - 7pm
Tickets: Free
The Murder of Nina Keane
Join us on Saturday 13th September for a wedding inspired murder mystery night, the Murder of Nina Keane. Fancy your chances as a detective or know someone who thinks they are the next Sherlock Holmes? If so, then come join us after hours in the atmospheric setting of the Victorian Lock Up. There’s been a …
Date: 13th September 2025
Time: Event begins at 18:30, doors open at 18:15
Tickets: £24.00
Heritage Open Day – Collections Store Tour
On this special tour, our Museum Manager and fantastic museum volunteers will take you behind the scenes. Delve into our archives and see some of the oldest and most precious objects the museum cares for. This includes some of the very earliest mugshots taken in the UK, criminal records going back over 150 years (including members of some notorious 19th century gangs) and some of the more delicate items that are unsuitable to be on display.
Date: 18th September 2025
Time: 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm
Tickets: Free
Birmingham’s Victorian True Crime Tales
Join crime and policing historian Adam Wood for this walking tour and talk to hear gruesome tales of Birmingham’s Victorian past. We meet at the Lock-Up, before we head out for a one-hour walking tour with Adam to visit the sites where dark deeds were committed. We then return to the Lock-Up for refreshments. Once …
Date: 18th September 2025
Time: Tour starts at 18:30, please meet at the museum entrance.
Tickets: £15.00
The Macabre Museum- Stories of Murder and Mayhem
The Lock Up has stood on Steelhouse Lane since 1891. In that time, it has seen some of Birmingham’s worst criminals. Join us for this special one of a kind event and hear tales of true crime, horrendous acts and deeds.
Date: 21st September 2025
Time: Tours run every 20 minutes starting from 11:00
Tickets: £15.00
Birmingham Comedy Festival: Laurel and Hardy
Birmingham Comedy Festival presents: Laurel and Hardy Animal Crackers Three film classics starring the greatest double-act of all time, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, which find the duo accompanied by various animal companions. Wrong Again (1929) After spotting a substantial reward, stable hands Stan and Ollie attempt to return a stolen steed to its …
Date: 9th October 2025
Time: Doors open at 18:30 for a 19:00 start.
Tickets: £11.00
The Trial of Joan Darby – A Mock Trial Experience
Notice: You have been summoned for Jury duty regarding the case of Joan Darby. Joan claims she can converse with the dead, but the authorities say she is committing fraud, can Joan convince you that she is genuine? Join us at the West Midlands Police Museum for an immersive jury experience. In the atmospheric setting …
Date: 11th October 2025
Time: Doors open at 18:15 for a 18:30 start.
Tickets: £20.00
The Murder of Sir Edmund Belton
Join us on Saturday 29th November for a Victorian inspired murder mystery night. Fancy your chances as a detective or know someone who thinks they are the next Sherlock Holmes? If so, then come join us after hours in the atmospheric setting of the Victorian Lock Up. There’s been a murder and we need your …
Date: 29th November 2025
Time: Event begins at 18:30, doors open at 18:15
Tickets: £24.00