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 map and large document reading room, reference library, 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.
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 (closing at 17:00 on Thursday 31 December)