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Where to find us

The National Archives is in Kew near Richmond in Surrey. You can find us by using Google Maps.

Travelling by public transport

Tube

The nearest station is Kew Gardens (District Line, Richmond branch), which lies in zones 3 and 4. The journey from central London takes around 40 minutes, with The National Archives just a 10-minute walk from the station.

For more information on planning your journey by Tube visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/

Bus

The R68 bus route (from Hampton Court via Richmond) terminates by the entrance to The National Archives. Other routes stopping nearby include:

For more information on local bus services download Transport for London´s local bus map: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/maps/buses/pdf/kewgardens-2422.pdf

Train

The nearest overground train station is Kew Gardens (served by the Silverlink Metro North London line from Stratford in east London, passing through Highbury and Islington, Gospel Oak, West Hampstead and Willesden Junction). The station is a short walk from The National Archives (see Tube details above).

Other convenient railway stations for The National Archives are Richmond and Kew Bridge, both on the mainline into London Waterloo via Clapham Junction. Trains to Richmond depart from Waterloo approximately eight times an hour, while Kew Bridge trains leave every fifteen minutes. Kew Bridge station is approximately a 20-minute walk from The National Archives, while Richmond station is one Tube stop away (or a 10-minute bus ride).

For more information on planning your journey by train visit www.nationalrail.co.uk

Travelling by bicycle

The National Archives is located next to the Thames Path, part of the National Cycle Network. Bicycle sheds are provided, although bicycles are parked at your own risk.

For more information on planning your journey by bicycle visit www.sustrans.org/london/

Travelling by car

The National Archives is half a mile south of Kew Bridge on the A205 (South Circular Road). Our car park can accommodate 116 cars and is free on a first come, first served basis. We also provide spaces for motorbikes and disabled visitors. The car park is open from 8.30am to 7pm.

From A205 (South Circular Road), northbound
Follow signs to Kew Retail Park/The National Archives from Chalkers Corner, turning right off the A205 when signposted. Turn left into Bessant Drive before the Retail Park itself, and turn left again at the mini roundabout to access The National Archives.

From A205 (South Circular Road), southbound
Follow signs to Kew Retail Park/The National Archives from Kew Bridge, turning left off the A205 when signposted. Turn left into Bessant Drive before the Retail Park itself, and turn left again at the mini roundabout to access The National Archives.

From M25:
Leave at junction 12 to join the M3 (signposted London and Richmond), follow the M3 directions (below).

Alternatively leave the M25 at junction 15 to join the M4 (signposted London and Heathrow), follow the M4 directions (below).

From M3:
Follow the motorway until it ends and becomes the A316. Follow the A316 towards Central London as far as Chalkers Corner, at which point turn left at the traffic lights to join the A205. From here follow the A205 northbound directions (above). 

From M4:
Follow the motorway to junction 2, at which point turn off for the A4. Continue forward as far as Chiswick roundabout. Take the 4th exit here (signposted South Circular Road, Richmond) and follow the A205 southbound. From here follow the A205 southbound directions (above).

For more information on planning your journey visit Google Maps Enter the postcode you're leaving from and your route will be presented.

Visitors with disabilities

If you have a disability please visit our page on disabled access.

The Family Records Centre

The Family Records Centre is located at 1 Myddelton Street, London EC1R 1UW. If you would like details on how to get there please visit their website.

 

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