Group visits

Large groups are welcome at The National Archives. Pre-booking is required for groups of 16 or more.

We have one coach bay on site that can be booked each day that we are open to visitors (Tuesday to Saturday). Advance booking is essential and free of charge.

To check availability and book the bay, select the month of your visit and then the date. If available, you will be able to proceed with your booking. Book a coach bay [external link].

Further information (including directions and what to do when you arrive) will be provided in the confirmation email that you receive after completing your booking.

Please do not make any travel arrangements until we have confirmed your booking.

If you are planning a group visit and do not require use of a coach bay, please contact us with the following information:

  • your name
  • date of visit
  • your email address or a contact phone number
  • the expected number of people in your group
  • the expected number of people who will require readers’ tickets

Readers’ tickets

Visitors only need a reader’s ticket if they want to consult original documents. Many of our most popular records, particularly those of interest to family historians, are available online using the computers in our reading rooms, which can be accessed without the need for a reader’s ticket.

If members of your party are likely to need readers’ tickets, please ask them to register in advance and bring proof of their identity and address with them on the day.

Specialist interests

Academic researchers

Bringing a group of university students to The National Archives is a great way to introduce them to using archival collections and original source material as part of their research.

Visits can be arranged for a wide range of disciplines from history, politics, and archaeology to literature, art and media.

We offer a number of different options for groups of students, from those who are using archives for the first time to the more advanced researchers looking to develop their skills and knowledge in specific areas of our collections. Find out more about academic visits.

School and undergraduate visits

For more information about workshops, videoconferences and undergraduate visits, go to our Education website.