Records in the archives
Disabled access
The National Archives welcomes you and we provide full access to public areas.
There is a lift to both floors, and the building is wheelchair-friendly. There are toilets on every floor for both holders and non-holders of RADAR keys; only the second floor requires you to borrow or have a key. For the location of entrances, lift and toilets see map.
Please give advance notice of your visit
Contact Paul Sturm
(in his absence this inbox is monitored), with the time you expect to arrive and any needs you have, so that we can give you the right help.
We have two wheelchairs; let us know in advance if you would like to use one of them.
Bring identification/your Reader's Ticket
Please remember to bring two documents - one to prove your identity and one to prove your address. Acceptable documents are detailed here. If you do not have any of these items, contact us before visiting. You need this identification to obtain a Reader's Ticket - you only need a Reader's Ticket if you want to read original documents.
Where to park if you are a wheelchair user
If you are coming alone by car, you should park in one of the six spaces with the wheelchair logo at the back of the building. There is a ramp here and an entrance bell if you need any help. Although the front and rear entrances are accessible, the rear door is closest to the disabled parking bays.
If you need help getting into and out of your wheelchair please bring someone with you.
Other mobility difficulties
If you have mobility difficulties, such as arthritis or you are on crutches, you may want to bring a friend with you to help. This is a big building. The entrance is over 100 metres from the main car park, and a 10-minute walk from Kew Gardens station. There is no bus from The National Archives to the station, but there are taxis near the station, and for your return journey we will call a cab for you if you ask at reception.
Heavy documents
Some documents are very heavy and we want to prevent harm coming to them - and to you. If you need help carrying anything to your table members of staff will be glad to help.
How to get help during your visit
If you have any problems, tell a staff member - we will do our very best to sort them out quickly.
Access to the information
- Microfilm and microfiche readers can magnify up to 40x and have focus controls. One of the readers is adapted for use by those with manual dexterity problems
- Magnifying glasses can be borrowed in the reading rooms. We also have 'sheet magnifiers' in our shop
- Ultra-violet lamps may be used to read faint writing - ask staff for help
- ZoomText software and electronic document magnifiers linked to CCTV and computer screens offer the latest solutions. Please ask any member of staff about them
- For those who are deaf we have members of staff who can sign and induction loops for those who use hearing aids
- Large keyboards and mice for those with dexterity problems
We are able to offer reading aids to those with impaired vision, but blind people will have to bring a helper. There are no Braille versions of the records. Please ask any member of staff for help.
