Reading rooms – open for pre-booked visits only
Our document reading room is now open for pre-booked visits only, offering a limited service to visitors who need access to our collection of original documents for their research. We currently have extremely limited capacity to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff, and all visits must be booked in advance.
Please read: Why do I have to book my visit?
Tuesday 10:00–14:50
Wednesday 10:00–14:50
Thursday 10:00–14:50
Friday 10:00–14:50
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
Our exhibition spaces, shop and cafes are currently closed.
Our on site research enquiry services are currently suspended. (Contact via Live Chat)
We confirm we have complied with the government’s guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19 and have also obtained the We’re Good To Go mark.
Closure dates
We are usually closed for bank holiday weekends (including the Saturday), and for Christmas and New Year. All dates listed below are inclusive:
- Christmas: Thursday 24 December to Monday 28 December
- New Year’s Day (2021): Friday 1 January
- Easter: Friday 2 April to Monday 5 April
- May bank holiday: Saturday 1 May to Monday 3 May
- Spring bank holiday: Saturday 29 May to Monday 31 May
- Summer bank holiday: Saturday 28 August to Monday 30 August
- Christmas (2021): Friday 24 December to Tuesday 28 December
- New Year’s Day (2022): Saturday 1 January to Monday 3 January