Inns of Court, London, England is where the most famous barristers from all over England are being trained. You can find them a world away from the tumult of central London. Overthere, you’ll find some peaceful enclaves located in the capital’s legal quarter. For law and history, the walk through the Inns of Court in London will be completely fascinating.
Things to do
Staple Inn
Start your trip by exploring Lincoln’s Inn and its exquisite facade. It is an amazing timbered frontage surmounted by a crazy jumble of bizarrely angled gables. Even though this wasn’t an Inn of Court, the Staple Inn is one of the Inns of Chancery. Over there, you’ll have a splendid beginning for your tour.
Gray’s Inn
At this Inn, you’ll be able to pick your way through the secrets enclaves of hidden London. At the same time, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of famous and celebrated characters in English history such as William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens. Besides, you’ll found yourself through an ancient gateway with its medley picturesque buildings that date from the 16th and 19th centuries.
Lincoln’s Inn
After visiting Gray’s inn, when you get into this Chancery Lane you will see some of the most important events in English history. Also, you’ll see the foot on ancient flagstones between its buildings and walk through picturesque squares. At the same time, your tour guide will be teaching everything about the English Legal system. Finally, you’ll get to Lincoln’s Inn corner where many television dramas and movies have been filmed.
Middle and Inner Temples
Walking through a secret passageway inspired by the Middle Ages, you’ll find these temples with a genuine insight into the history of its enchanted enclave whilst. In the same way, you’ll be introduced to the many traditions, customs, and rituals in barristers’ everyday business.
Also, you cannot miss the anecdotes about famous barristers pas and present with their traditions. Finally, with cobbled lanes and exquisite gardens, you’ll be fascinated with a place that only a few people know of its existence.
How to get there
There are different ways to get to the Fleet Street, where the Inns of Court are located from the Heathrow Airport (LHR) the mains are:
- By train and subway: it is a 34-minute journey from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 to London Paddington. Overthere, you walk to the Lancaster Gate Station and take your subway to the Chancery Lane Station in Fleet Street.
- By Bus: it’s a 1hour 27-minute journey from the airport to London Victoria Coach Station. Overthere, you’ll take a transfer to Belgravia, Victoria Coach Station. This one will take you to the City of London
- By Taxi: is a 29-minute journey from the airport to Fleet Street. The estimated price is $60 to 75 USD.
- By Shuttle: This is a 30-minute journey from London Heathrow Airport to Fleet Street for $55 to 75 USD.
When to go
The best time to visit the Inns of Court is in spring and summer because the gardens are at their most colorful. Remember the Inns are open weekdays only.
How long
When planning how long you’ll stay in London to visit the Inns of Court, I suggest you take at least 2 days. This is for you to explore completely every inch of this stunning place.
Opening and Closing Hours
Inns of Court in London open from Mondays to Fridays at 2 pm. Neither Gray’s Inn nor Lincoln’s Inn are open to the public after 7 pm.
Middle temple open from 12:00pm until 2pm.
Also, you can do the London Walks guide tour from Sunday to Saturday from 7 a.m to 9 p.m. It is important to know that these walks don’t get into the inn’s halls.
Planning
It’s normal to have rainy weather in London so remember to check the weather before you set out. Besides, you can book a private tour for your office social, tour group, friends or relatives.
Also, I recommend you to take the Blue Badge tour. Overthere you’ll get all the Information about the Inns of Court.
Above all, to enter the Inns you’ll have to pay a small price. So remember to call in advance and find out how much it costs. At the same time, if you want to eat at Middle Temple’s restaurants you must book in advance through the Events office.
Inside Information
You don’t have to worry about lunching time here. Because right in the Middle Temple you’ll be able to have an amazing lunch. However, to get in the Inns of Court it is important that you wear appropriate clothes. You won’t be able to pass through those gates in your shorts, t-shirts or dirty clothing.
History
Since 1320 London lawyers have met in Temple. In the beginning, these Inns of Courts were places where they stayed to practice and exercise their profession. Then barristers and finally solicitors began to develop there.
Since the 16th century, students became more involved with their profession. Over there, they went to the courts and shared their education and accommodation. There they also dined together with professional lawyers.
Websites
- www.grayisnn.info
- www.lincolnsinn.org.uk
- www.innertemple.org.uk
- www.middletemple.org.uk
- www.soane.org
Other Nearby Attractions
Sir John Soane’s Museum
This house-museum was the home of neoclassical architect Sir John Soane. Therefore, this place has very particular aesthetics. You can find it in the Holborn district in central London.
Besides, here you will find many drawings and projects by this famous architect. Finally, enjoy his 30,000 architectural drawings and a great variety of models. All his magnificent works of art will never cease to fascinate you.
Temple Church
This famous church has appeared in Dan Brown’s books because of its magnificent beauty. Over there you’ll be fascinated with its incredible history and stunning architecture. Also, you can learn the secrets of the Templar Knights and the Crusades. You can’t miss this trip to the medieval ages when you visit London.
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