We are free to visit and open to everyone, providing a warm welcome to visitors of all ages, including children and family groups.
Here we answer some of the most commonly asked questions from visiting families to help you plan your visit.
Activities
What do you have on for families?
The Time Travel Club is our family programme, providing events and activities for families with children aged 11 and under to learn about archives and history in a fun and engaging way.
Browse Time Travel Club family and children events.
You can take part in special document workshops and storytelling sessions, as well as our popular Craft Clubs during the school holidays. We also run monthly sensory storytelling for babies and toddlers during term time.
Can children visit your exhibitions?
Yes! Everyone is welcome to visit our exhibitions, although some of the topics covered may be more suitable for children than others.
Our new exhibition, Spirit of Invention, has been developed with families and younger visitors in mind, although it is open to everyone.
What else can families do at The National Archives?
- Enjoy our permanent family trail which lets you explore the building and discover more about our collections
- Pick up free activity sheets from our Time Travel Club trolley – you can find this in our entrance hall
- Entertain younger children with toys and books in our soft play area, located in our cafe
- Explore our shop, which includes a range of children’s books and items.
Facilities
Do you have child-friendly food options?
- Families are welcome in our café by Maids of Honour
- We have a range of indoor and outdoor seating available, including highchairs
- We also have picnic benches outside in our gardens, where you can settle in and enjoy your own packed lunch.
Can I bring a pram or buggy?
- Yes, you can bring your pram or buggy into The National Archives – you can keep it with you in most areas of our building (except reading rooms), or there’s space to leave it if you’d prefer.
Do you have baby changing and breast-feeding facilities?
- We have baby changing facilities located in three places – just by our entrance hall, at the top of the main stairs, and in the accessible toilets in the library
- We have emergency supplies of nappies and wipes available – ask at our welcome desk.
If you have a query that has not been answered above, please contact us.
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