How long does it take to walk through the Inns of Court?

The walk typically takes 90 to 120 minutes depending on how long you spend at sites like Sir John Soane's Museum and Temple Church. The total distance is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km).

Is it worth visiting the Inns of Court?

Yes, it is definitely worth it for those seeking a quieter, more historic side of London. The area offers a unique 'collegiate' atmosphere with hidden gardens and ancient halls that many tourists miss.

Can I enter the Inns of Court for free?

You can walk through the public courtyards and lanes of the Inns of Court for free. However, specific buildings like Temple Church or Middle Temple Hall may charge an entry fee or have restricted access.

What is the best time to visit the legal district in London?

Weekday mornings are best to see the 'legal labyrinth' in action with barristers in their robes. However, if you prefer peace and quiet, a late Saturday morning is ideal, though some gates may be closed.

Is the area around the Royal Courts of Justice accessible?

The main streets and the Royal Courts of Justice exterior are fully accessible. Some smaller alleys within the Temple and Lincoln's Inn have cobblestones which may be challenging for strollers or wheelchairs.

What are the four Inns of Court?

The four Inns of Court are Lincoln's Inn, Gray's Inn, Inner Temple, and Middle Temple. Every barrister in England and Wales must belong to one of these four ancient societies.

Where can I see Tudor buildings in London?

Staple Inn on High Holborn is one of the most famous examples of Tudor architecture in London. Middle Temple Hall also preserves a magnificent Elizabethan interior from the same era.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into a world hidden in plain sight, where the bustle of modern London fades into the hallowed silence of the legal profession's most historic enclaves. This self-guided walk through Holborn and the Temple district reveals the secret geography of the Inns of Court, the four ancient societies that have trained England's barristers for over seven centuries. You will begin at the eccentric home of Sir John Soane, a labyrinth of art and curiosities that sets the stage for a journey through architectural history. As you explore independently, the route leads you from the wide-open greenery of Lincoln’s Inn Fields to the iconic half-timbered Tudor facade of Staple Inn, one of the few structures to survive the Great Fire of 1666. This walking route is more than just a history lesson; it is an immersion into the atmosphere of 'Legal London.' You will stand before the soaring Victorian Gothic spires of the Royal Courts of Justice, a masterpiece of 19th-century design, before venturing into the secluded courtyards of the Temple. Here, the round Temple Church stands as a monument to the Knights Templar, its unique shape echoing the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The journey concludes within the quiet, gas-lit lanes of Middle Temple, where Shakespearean history and legal tradition intertwine. Whether you are a fan of Charles Dickens—who frequented these very alleys—or an architecture enthusiast, this neighborhood stroll offers a rare glimpse into a side of London that many visitors miss. Discover at your own pace the narrow passages, hidden gardens, and grand halls that define the English legal system, all while navigating a landscape that feels unchanged since the days of the Tudors.

Highlights

The eccentric architectural wonders of Sir John Soane's Museum

Staple Inn’s iconic 16th-century half-timbered frontage

The Victorian Gothic majesty of the Royal Courts of Justice

Temple Church, the 12th-century home of the Knights Templar

The secluded, atmospheric courtyards of Middle Temple

Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London's largest public square

Tour Stops (6)

Sir John Soane's Museum

Begin your self-guided adventure at the former home of Sir John Soane, the architect of the Bank of England. This is no ordinary house; it is a meticulously preserved 'cabinet of curiosities.' Soane requested that his home be left exactly as it was at the time of his death in 1837. Inside, you will find a dizzying array of antiquities, including the alabaster sarcophagus of Seti I and works by Hogarth and Canaletto. The ingenious use of space, with folding walls and hidden skylights, showcases Soane’s architectural genius. It serves as a perfect introduction to the layers of history and personal obsession that define this corner of London.

Lincoln's Inn Fields

Just outside Soane’s doorstep lies Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the largest public square in London. Laid out in the 1630s, this space has transitioned from a site of public executions to a peaceful park surrounded by prestigious legal offices. To the east stands Lincoln’s Inn, the oldest of the four Inns of Court, with records dating back to 1422. Look for the Old Hall and the Chapel; the latter features a vaulted undercroft where barristers once met their clients. This square has long been a favorite of writers like Charles Dickens, who used it as a setting for the interminable legal case in his novel 'Bleak House.'

Staple Inn

A short walk brings you to High Holborn, where you will encounter the striking black-and-white facade of Staple Inn. This is one of London’s most photographed buildings and for good reason—it is one of the few remaining examples of Elizabethan half-timbered architecture in the city. Originally a place where wool was weighed and taxed (hence the name 'Staple'), it became an Inn of Chancery associated with Gray’s Inn. While much of the interior was restored after bomb damage in WWII, the exterior remains a portal to the 1580s. Step through the archway to find a surprisingly quiet courtyard that feels miles away from the modern traffic of Holborn.

Royal Courts of Justice

Dominating the Strand is the monumental Royal Courts of Justice. Opened by Queen Victoria in 1882, this Victorian Gothic masterpiece was designed by George Edmund Street. It houses the High Court and Court of Appeal of England and Wales. The building is a forest of spires, arches, and intricate stone carvings, containing over 1,000 rooms and miles of corridors. While it looks like a cathedral, it is a bustling hub of modern law. Notice the statue of Justice above the main entrance; unlike many depictions, she is not blindfolded here, symbolizing that justice must see clearly to be fair.

Temple Church

Tucked away behind the main streets is the Temple Church, one of the most historic religious sites in London. Built by the Knights Templar in the late 12th century, its distinctive 'Round Church' design was inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Inside lie the stone effigies of medieval knights, including the famous William Marshal, often called the 'greatest knight that ever lived.' The church served as the Templars' headquarters in England and later became the shared chapel for the Inner and Middle Temple. Its unique acoustics and ancient atmosphere make it a highlight of any neighborhood stroll through the legal district.

The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple

Conclude your walk in the tranquil precincts of Middle Temple. This is one of the four Inns of Court where barristers are called to the bar. The centerpiece is Middle Temple Hall, a magnificent Elizabethan building where the first recorded performance of Shakespeare’s 'Twelfth Night' took place in 1602. The hall features a stunning double-hammerbeam roof and a high table reputedly made from the timber of Sir Francis Drake’s ship, the Golden Hinde. Wander through the gas-lit lanes and past the fountain in Middle Temple Garden, which leads down toward the River Thames, marking the end of your journey through the labyrinth of English law.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through the Inns of Court is widely considered one of the best for history enthusiasts. This route covers over 700 years of legal tradition, medieval architecture, and literary connections to Dickens and Shakespeare.