Join the Friends of The National Archives

friends loungeThe Friends of The National Archives perform a valuable role by helping to raise funds to support The National Archives. In joining the Friends, you will play a part in protecting the nation’s records.

Donations from Friends help The National Archives carry out its vital work. Read how your donations have helped fund our projects.

How to join

You can sign up online on the membership site for the Friends of The National Archives.

Benefits to you

Become a Friend from just £30 a year (a discount is available for those in full time education).
As a member you will receive:

  • 20% discount on purchases at The National Archives’ shop in Kew and the online bookshop
  • 20% discount on charges for events run by The National Archives, including conferences
  • free access to exclusive Friends-only events, including behind the scenes tours and visits to historic buildings and collections
  • exclusive use of the Friends’ lounge
  • a members’ magazine – two issues a year

Behind the scenes tours of The National Archives

Members-only behind-the-scenes guided tours of The National Archives’ repositories and Collection Care department are run twice a year on the first Wednesday in May and the last Friday in September.
The tours are a membership benefit and places are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.