Visit us

Our building, including our reading rooms and exhibition spaces, is open to everyone.

We encourage reading room visitors to book their visit and order documents in advance, although this is not essential. You do not need to book to visit our exhibition, shop or cafe.

Book a reading room visit

Plan your journey here with our address in Kew, maps and information about local public transport links. Accessible route maps for disabled visitors are available.

Important notice: On Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March 2024, due to planned maintenance, our building and grounds, including our reading rooms, exhibition, cafe and shop will be closed.

We have a varied events programme, including activities for all the family.

Find out more about the booking process.

Our café is open between 09:00 and 17:00 on Tuesday and Thursday and between 09:00 and 16:00 on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

The National Archives is fully accessible to disabled visitors. Find out about accessible travel and our on site facilities.

We are free to visit and open to everyone, providing a warm welcome to visitors of all ages, including children and family groups.

We welcome group visits and coach bookings.

Situated in a riverside location in leafy Kew, we are a year-round venue with extensive, landscaped grounds offering both daytime and evening hire.

Working with our private security providers, we provide optimum access to the collection while ensuring the security of our visitors, staff and site.