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About
The National Archives of England, Wales and the United Kingdom has one of the largest archival collections in the world, spanning 1000 years of British history, from Domesday Book of 1086 to government papers recently released to the public.
You can see this collection at The National Archives in Kew, West London, or view certain documents online. Records are open on transfer unless they contain information covered by an exemption. If you want to see a record that has not been released, you can submit a Freedom of Information request. We will review the record, in consultation with the government department, which transferred it to us. If it is no longer subject to a Freedom of Information exemption, the information will be released to you. Under the Freedom of Information Act, anyone in the world can request information held at The National Archives.
The National Archives also acts as a clearing-house for information about the location of non-public records and manuscripts relating to British history kept elsewhere in the UK and overseas.
Group Visits:
Large groups are welcome at The National Archives. Pre-booking is required for groups of 16 or more.
There is one coach bay on site that can be booked each day that they are open to visitors (Tuesday to Saturday). Advance booking is essential and free of charge.
Educational Visits:
Bringing a group of university students to The National Archives is a great way to introduce them to using archival collections and original source material as part of their research.
Visits can be arranged for a wide range of disciplines from history, politics, and archaeology to literature, art and media.
Guide Prices
Please check the website for prices.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled access
- Disabled toilets
Groups
- Facilities for educational visits
- Facilities for groups
- Guided tours for groups
Parking
- Free Parking
Property Facilities
- Guided tours for individuals
- Public toilets
Map & Directions
Road Directions
By Car
The AA journey planner can help you plan your route and check the latest traffic updates. If you are arriving or departing by car or taxi, please note that our sat nav postcode is TW9 4AD and that access is via Bessant Drive.
We charge a fee to park in our visitor car park, which is payable on site at the end of your visit (the pay points can be found inside our building):
- Up to two hours: £2.50
- Up to four hours: £4.50
- Over four hours: £7.00
Charges apply to all visitor parking except for ‘Blue Badge’ holders, who will continue to be able to park without charge in designated parking bays. (The ‘Blue Badge’ scheme helps you park closer to your destination if you’re disabled: find out more on the NA website).
Public Transport Directions
By Bicycle
The National Archives is located next to the Thames Path, part of the National Cycle Network (Route 4). Bicycle sheds are provided, although bicycles are left at your own risk. Bicycles, including folding bicycles, are not permitted inside the building.
Some of the entrances to our site, and some of the paths in our grounds, are for shared pedestrian and cycle use. Please take extra care when cycling around our site.
By Train
The nearest station to the Kew office is Kew Gardens (Underground - District line and Railway - Silverlink Metro / North London line). Kew Gardens is in both zone 3 and 4, and the journey from central London to Kew takes about 40 minutes. It is a short walk from the station via Ruskin Avenue to The National Archives.
Other convenient railway stations for The National Archives at Kew are Richmond (Travel one stop from there to Kew Gardens) and Kew Bridge (a 15-20 minute walk to us).
By Bus
The R68 bus route (from Hampton Court via Richmond) terminates by the entrance to The National Archives. Other routes stopping nearby include:
- 110 (Hounslow to Hammersmith via Richmond), alight on Mortlake Road near Kew Green (10-minute walk)
- 65 (Ealing to Kingston via Richmond), alight on Kew Road near Victoria Gate (15-minute walk)
- 237 (Shepherd’s Bush to Hounslow Heath via Chiswick), alight at Kew Bridge (20-minute walk)
- 267 (Hammersmith to Fulwell via Brentford), alight at Kew Bridge (20-minute walk)
Transport for London can help you plan your journey here by bus. Additionally, for more information, please visit the National Archives website.
