Nestled around Holborn, Fleet Street, and the Strand, London’s Legal Quarter has been the historic centre of English law for over eight centuries. The area has served as both a training ground for barristers and the heart of the common law. Home to the four Inns of Court – Lincoln’s Inn, Gray’s Inn, Inner Temple, and Middle Temple – as well as the Royal Courts of Justice, the Legal Quarter offers opportunities to explore professional legal chambers, peaceful historic grounds, and notable legal landmarks, providing a unique glimpse into centuries of British legal history alongside stunning architecture, hidden courtyards, and even distinctive dining experiences.
Unveiling the mysteries of the Inns of Court
The Inns of Court and their associated Inns of Chancery are said to have emerged in the late 13th or early 14th century, as professionally trained lawyers began to appear. Ambitious lawyers flocked to London to learn from established practitioners, and the Inns of Court gradually developed. These “Inns” were not traditional, but rather large houses that served as hostels for students and apprentices. At one time, there were at least twenty such inns connected to lawyers and legal education. Today, only the four Inns of Court survive, and all barristers in England and Wales must belong to one of them. These are the Inner Temple and Middle Temple (both located within The Temple), Lincoln’s Inn, and Gray’s Inn – all situated near the Royal Courts of Justice. Prepare to be amazed by their beautiful, serene gardens and ancient, picturesque architecture. 
The Inns serve multiple purposes: they provide education, dining facilities, and libraries for law students; offer office space for barristers’ chambers, particularly in Temple and Lincoln’s Inn; and even host civil and high-stakes criminal court cases.
Barristers: the Advocates of the Court
In the UK’s common law system, a barrister is a specialised legal professional who provides expert legal advice and acts as an advocate, representing clients in courts and tribunals. Unlike solicitors, barristers focus on courtroom litigation and specialised legal opinions. They are typically self-employed and work within “chambers”.
Lincoln’s Inn
Delving into the history of Lincoln’s Inn is like stepping back in time, although the Inn’s precise origins, much like those of the other Inns of Court, remain shrouded in mystery. Formal records stretch back to 1422, nearly eighty years earlier than those of any other Inn, but it is clear the Inn existed for some time before that. Today, the estate showcases architecture spanning six centuries, from late medieval structures to buildings completed as recently as 2019.
Amidst these fairytale surroundings stands London’s smallest listed building. Historic England calls it a porter’s lodge, but Lincoln’s Inn members know it as the Ostler’s Hut, built in 1852. An ostler, responsible for caring for horses, would have found this tiny space a welcome respite, a place to sit by the fire with a cup of tea between tasks.
If you are eager to explore, Lincoln’s Inn offers regular scheduled tours for individuals and small groups, held weekly at 11 a.m. Led by a member of the Inn’s staff, these 90-minute tours reveal how the architectural legacy reflects both the enduring purpose of the Inn and the evolving nature of life at the Bar. You will even gain access to interior spaces usually reserved for members. Be sure to check the Inn’s website for the tour schedule and to book your place. For those unable to join a guided tour, self-guided visits are also available. Tickets can be purchased from the Enquiry Desk in the Library on the day. These tickets grant access to the Library and Great Hall complex, as well as the Chapel and Gardens.
However, access is limited to weekday mornings between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., as the Great Hall is in use at other times. Self-guided tours are unavailable during Easter, the August Long Vacation, and Christmas.
Buildings & Areas to explore on a self-guided tour
The Law Library: The oldest law library in the country.
The Great Hall Complex: A mid-19th-century Victorian brick building, serving as the heart of the Inn.
The Chapel: This 17th-century building, constructed on an undercroft (an open, vaulted ground floor), features remarkable stained glass and angel carvings.
Historic Manicured Gardens: Includes Old Square and Stone Buildings, open to the public.
The Old Hall: This 15th-century building can be admired from the exterior, though interior access may be limited to official guided tours.
And why not round off your visit with a meal at the MCR? Tucked away within the Inn, the MCR bar is a stylish space with a fascinating history. Housed in the original Victorian kitchen, it retains its historical charm, with original stone vaulting and intricately carved roof bosses. Elegantly reimagined in 2016, the MCR is open to the public from 10:30 a.m., serving tea, coffee, and a selection of other beverages. Lunch is served between 12:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m., with light suppers available from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is a fantastic opportunity for non-members to enjoy the Inn’s acclaimed cuisine. Pre-booking is essential for lunch. Visit the MCR website for sample menus and reservations.
Exploring The Temple
Nestled between Fleet Street and the River Thames, The Temple is a historic area home to the Middle and Inner Temples, as well as the Temple Church.
Middle Temple
Set beside the Thames, just a stone’s throw from Fleet Street, The Strand, and Embankment, Middle Temple is one of the four ancient Inns of Court. Stepping inside feels like entering another world. The peace and tranquillity of the grounds, together with the awe-inspiring splendour of the buildings, offer a welcome escape from the bustle of London. 
Dating from the latter half of the 16th century, the main buildings have remained remarkably unchanged. Many original features survived the Great Fire of London and both World Wars. From the cobbled, gas-lit streets to the magnificent Hall, Middle Temple has been home to legal professionals since the 16th century.
Original Tudor details, including the beautiful heraldic stained-glass memorial windows and the Hall’s double hammer-beam roof, are still in place today.
Lunch at Middle Temple Hall
Lunch is served from Tuesday to Friday in the stunning Hall. Members of the Inns of Court and their guests can enjoy the extensive lunch menu between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. If you are not a member but would like to experience lunch in the Hall, you can pre-book through the events team by phone or email.
Middle Temple Hall’s lunchtime offerings include an extensive cold table, a selection of hot dishes, and a carvery. Prepared by a skilled catering team using the freshest ingredients, the lunches are designed to delight your taste buds and complement the Hall's impressive setting. Do not miss the finely carved, elegant oak screen at the far end of the Hall, dating back to 1574. Why not combine your Hall lunch with a tour of the Middle Temple buildings and grounds? Expert guides will lead you through the history and architecture. To arrange this combined experience for your group, mention it at the time of booking, and the events team will organise a suitable time and date.
The Parliament Chamber, built in the 1820s as a library, now serves as a venue for receptions, dinners, and meetings of the Inn's Parliament. A bell is located under the table, which is rung by the most junior master present to signal the end of discussions and the start of dinner service.
Temple Church
Just a short walk away is Temple Church, a historic church built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century. Inspired by Jerusalem’s Dome of the Rock, the church is famous for its round nave and its association with the Magna Carta. Unfortunately, it was closed at the time of my visit.
Marvel at Victorian Grandeur: The Royal Courts of Justice
Prepare to be awestruck by the Royal Courts of Justice, a magnificent late 19th-century courtroom building designed by George Edmund Street and completed by Arthur E Street and Sir Arthur Blomfield. This Grade I listed building on the Strand is a true masterpiece of Victorian Gothic Revival, drawing inspiration from 13th-century English and French architecture. Boasting an imposing grey stone façade, calculated asymmetry, and dramatic archways, the building immediately captures the eye. Step inside to discover mosaic marble floors and stained-glass windows adorned with the coats of arms of Lord Chancellors and Keepers of the Great Seal. This building, which houses the High Court and Court of Appeal, boasts a cathedral-like structure that leaves a lasting impression.
Enter through a giant archway beneath an arcaded bridge and find yourself in the astonishing Great Hall, a vast space stretching 70 metres long and 25 metres high. Street employed 13th-century Gothic elements, including tall, stepped lancet windows at the East End and sexpartite rib vaulting overhead. Later additions, such as the Queen’s Court Building, were completed in 1968, marking the first major development since 1912. Guided tours are available on selected weekdays from Monday to Friday and are led by experienced guides, some of whom have legal backgrounds. Suitable for all ages, the tours are both engaging and informative and last about an hour. All bookings must be made and paid for in advance through the online booking form. The Royal Courts of Justice are generally open to the public, upholding the principle of open justice. You can observe hearings without prior registration, although some sensitive cases are held in private. The building is typically open Monday to Friday, with court sittings usually taking place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Be prepared for airport-style security checks at the entrance. Admission is free and on a first-come, first-served basis, with seats available in the public galleries. It is advisable to bring photo identification.
Gray's Inn
Gray’s Inn, one of the two smaller Inns of Court, offers a more intimate atmosphere than Lincoln’s Inn or Inner Temple. Each year, around 300 students join Gray’s Inn, where life is centred on the Hall, much as it was in the 15th and 16th centuries. At that time, students resided within the Inn, and attendance at lunch and supper in the Hall was compulsory, as were teaching and practical sessions. The Hall has a rich history of plays and performances. Famously, on 28 December 1594, the Inn made theatrical history with the first known performance of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, staged in Gray’s Inn Hall as part of the Inn’s Christmas festivities. Gray’s Inn Square, a formal garden covering 0.35 hectares, is open to the public on weekdays from 12 pm to 2.30 pm. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to visit Gray’s Inn myself, so I cannot offer any personal impressions.
Facts and Personalities Related to the Inns of Court
In this legal quarter, you can walk in the footsteps of famous figures such as Charles Dickens, who worked nearby and featured the area in his books. Do not miss Middle Temple Hall, where Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night was once performed.
Lincoln’s Inn is associated with numerous prominent public figures, including no fewer than 17 British Prime Ministers, among them Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair, William Pitt the Younger, and H. H. Asquith. Other notable members include Muhammad Ali Jinnah (the founder of Pakistan), Thomas More, John Donne, and author Wilkie Collins. 
With its varied architecture, beautiful gardens, spacious squares, historic halls, and panelled rooms, Lincoln’s Inn has long been a popular location for film and television productions. Notable productions filmed there include Wonder Woman (2015), The Theory of Everything (2014), Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes, Suffragette (2015), and the television series Grantchester.
Inner Temple boasts an equally impressive list of alumni. Several Prime Ministers studied there, including India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru; Pakistan’s first Prime Minister, Liaqat Ali Khan; Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman; Ceylon’s fourth Prime Minister, S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike; and British Prime Ministers Clement Attlee and George Grenville. Other notable alumni include Indian independence activist Mahatma Gandhi, India’s fifth President, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, and West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Siddhartha Shankar Ray.
Organising Your Visit
To gain a deeper insight into this fascinating area, I would recommend joining a guided walking tour. These are often led by former legal professionals and can offer access to restricted areas, along with a treasure trove of hidden stories. However, if you are planning a self-guided visit, as I did, here is my advice. Start at Lincoln’s Inn, aiming to arrive around 10 a.m. and do a self-guided tour there.
Next, make your way to Inner Temple Hall for a pre-booked lunch, with slots usually available between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. If possible, consider adding a tour to your lunch visit. I was incredibly fortunate to secure a private tour after my meal. Finally, take some time to admire the grandeur of the Royal Courts of Justice from the outside. If you have the time and a keen interest in legal proceedings, consider sitting in on a hearing to witness the inner workings of the court. This will allow you to see the marvellous Great Hall on your way.
Interested in exploring more unique sights in London? Check out my article on the Crossness Pumping Station!
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Author: Anita Sane
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Anita is a part-time traveller, passionate photographer and a retired career woman from Latvia, travelling mostly solo for more than 15 years. She is a skilled travel planner who plans and executes her travels by herself. Anita wants to show you how to travel the world and open your mind to new experiences. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Bloglovin.
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