Grand Jury Museum

Canterbury's legal history gets a proper airing at the Grand Jury Museum, tucked away in a town better known for its cathedral than its courtroom drama. The museum centres on the Grand Jury system - that distinctly English institution where ordinary citizens got called upon to decide whether there was enough evidence to bring someone to trial. It's the kind of detail most visitors skip past on their way to see the medieval bits, but if you're interested in how justice actually worked in practice, it's worth an hour of your time.

What you'll find inside are records, documents, and artefacts that paint a picture of everyday crime and punishment across several centuries. It's not flashy or heavily dramatised - instead it reads like someone's decided to open their filing cabinet and let you have a proper look. That appeals to history types and anyone curious about how ordinary people participated in the legal system, rather less so to families after a sugar-rush afternoon out.

Being right in Canterbury means it slots neatly between visits to the cathedral and a wander down the high street. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Canterbury Camping and Caravanning Club Campsite is just 1.4 miles away, or there's glamping options at Canterbury Lodges if you want a bit more comfort - you can easily pop in on a rainy afternoon. Admission details and opening hours aren't always kept updated online, so ring ahead to check they're open and whether there's a charge. Well worth the detour if legal history floats your boat; less essential if you're here purely for the sightseeing.