Our building, including our reading rooms and exhibition spaces, is open to everyone.
We encourage reading room visitors to book their visit and order documents in advance, although this is not essential. You do not need to book to visit our exhibition, shop or cafe.
Please note: from April 2024 to early 2025, we are replacing the repository windows in the older part of our building. The work is likely to be noisy and may cause some noise disturbance in the reading rooms. We apologise for any disruption to your visit. Learn more.
Plan your journey here with our address in Kew, maps and information about local public transport links. Accessible route maps for disabled visitors are available.
Please note that our reading rooms open and close at different times to our building, as shown below.
Our café is open between 09:00 and 17:00 on Tuesday and Thursday and between 09:00 and 16:00 on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
The National Archives is fully accessible to disabled visitors. Find out about accessible travel and our on site facilities.
We are free to visit and open to everyone, providing a warm welcome to visitors of all ages, including children and family groups.
Situated in a riverside location in leafy Kew, we are a year-round venue with extensive, landscaped grounds offering both daytime and evening hire.