Disabled accessThe 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 visitContact 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 TicketPlease 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 userIf 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. Other mobility difficultiesIf 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 documentsSome 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 visitIf you have any problems, tell a staff member - we will do our very best to sort them out quickly. Access to the information
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. |