You will arrive in London on Monday and depart on the following Sunday, with the organised programme activities taking place between Tuesday and Saturday.
Activity days have a theme, but you should be aware that it may be necessary to change the time of certain activities for reasons beyond our control. The overview on this page shows the typical programme. Participants can view an up-to-date itinerary for their specific study trip in myLondon.
You will arrive in London, usually by early afternoon, and check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city.
(Optional: Group get-together - evening meal / pub drinks)
Morning
Visit to the UK Supreme Court with a guided tour and an opportunity to sit in on appeal hearings.
Hearing only the most important civil and criminal appeal cases and considering points of law of general public and constitutional importance, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom is the highest domestic court in the country and a 'court of last resort'. Decisions of the 12 Supreme Court Justices form binding precedent.
Visit the building of the former Middlesex Guildhall, since 2009 home to both the United Kingdom Supreme Court and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. Find out more about the work of the court during a guided tour of the building, visit the exhibition and (subject to the court's calendar) sit in on at one or two appeal hearings, watching some of the country’s most senior judges at work.
Duration of visit: approx. 90 minutes - 2 hours
Afternoon
Visit to the Royal Courts of Justice with an opportunity to sit in on hearings of the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
Known in legal circles also as 'The Law Courts' and purpose-built in the 19th century, the Royal Courts of Justice is not a court itself but an impressive building which houses courtrooms of different sizes belonging to the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Although there are only 19 original courtrooms in the main building, there are over 100 altogether throughout the complex.
Following a brief introduction to the building and a look at some of the interesting gothic architecture, you will have an opportunity to sit in on one or more hearings taking place in the oldest courtrooms of the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
Duration of visit: approx. 2 hours
Evening
Indian meal
Indian food is very popular in the United Kingdom. Enjoy a selection of Indian dishes at one of London's award-winning Indian restaurants.Â
Morning
Visit to the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) and an opportunity to sit in on a criminal trial.
More commonly known as the 'Old Bailey' after the street on which it is situated, the Central Criminal Court is probably the most well-known Crown Court in the country. The building itself is not open to visitors to look around, but as most criminal trials are open to the public, access is available to the public galleries at the judges' discretion.
You will watch part of an ongoing criminal trial and hopefully get to see the barristers questioning witnesses and observe the jury as they follow the evidence presented in the trial. Depending on the cases scheduled for the day of your visit, space available in the gallery, and the stage of the trials in question, you will either stay in one courtroom for the whole time, or move to another courtroom if asked to do so.
Duration of visit: approx. 90 minutes (depending on the courts)
Lunchtime
Traditional Fish & Chips (other options available for those who do not eat fish)
Afternoon
Criminal justice workshop in the Royal Courts of Justice (criminal trial roleplay scenarios).
The courtroom workshops explore a contemporary criminal case. You will explore the roles in a courtroom, prepare and enact a trial based on a real contemporary case and discuss and debate real sentencing options.
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Evening
Free time
Morning
Free time
Afternoon
Traditional afternoon tea (location: to be confirmed)
A custom established in the 19th century, and contrary to popular belief not something people do every day, afternoon tea consisting of tea, sandwiches and cakes is a real British tradition, and one which a trip to London would not be complete without.
Evening
Free time
Morning
Following a short walking tour of the legal quarter / Inns of Court: visit to Middle Temple Inn of Court.
Find out about the role of the Inns of Court in the education of training of barristers.
Duration of visit: approx. 45 minutes
Then: Three-course lunch in Middle Temple Hall.
Afternoon / Evening
Free time
Morning
Visit to the Houses of Parliament with a guided tour.
Discover the history and work of UK Parliament. The tour includes the House of Commons, House of Lords and Westminster Hall.
Duration of visit: approx. 90 minutes
Afternoon / Evening
Free time
Free time until departure for the airport (the return flight is usually in the evening).
