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    The National Archives

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    About

    Open to all, The National Archives is a place to explore 1,000 years of history - from Shakespeare's will to tweets from Downing Street. This impressive building in Kew is set in beautiful grounds and offers visitors a diverse programme of events, activities, research spaces and hosts special exhibitions throughout the year. We are a non-ministerial department, and the official archive and publisher for the UK Government, and for England and Wales. We are the guardians of over 1,000 years of iconic national documents. We are expert advisers in information and records management and are a cultural, academic and heritage institution. We fulfil a leadership role for the archive sector and work to secure the future of physical and digital records. We collect and secure the future of the government record, from Shakespeare’s will to tweets from Downing Street, to preserve it for generations to come, making it as accessible and available as possible. Our dedicated exhibition spaces host immersive exhibitions and curated collections of records held at The National Archives. You can discover the past through our series of online talks, webinars and ‘in conversations’, brought to you by our collections experts and special guests. You can delve into our exciting range of on site events, hosted here at The National Archives. Travel through time with our family activities. Our Time Travel Club family events are a great way for you and your children to learn and have fun.

    Reviews

    Overall rating

    4.5

    (1 review)

    Overall rating breakdown

    5

    0

    4

    1

    3

    0

    2

    0

    1

    0

    Access (avg.)

    5

    Parking (avg.)

    2.5

    Toilets (avg.)

    4.5

    Staff (avg.)

    5

    User profile picture

    tinahodgkinson

    Jul 2018

    star

    4.5

    Excellent access and very helpful staff UPDATE Proactive response to my comments better accessible toilet signage coming not followed through

    Official archive of the UK government for England and Wales. It's the largest archive in England and it has millions of historical documents/ records. There is something of interest for everyone. The archives in Kew, near Richmond, are open to the public. There are reading rooms where registered readers can view original documents. There is also a free exhibition space with temporary displays, when we visited it was Suffragettes vs. the State. There's also a programme of regular talks and activities, some of which are free. The building is accessible and there is also a café and bookshop. The archives is housed in it's own grounds which has a lake with swans and ducks, and outdoor seating.

    Disabled Access Information Provided by The National Archives

    Disabled Access at The National Archives

    Lift to all areas

    The venue is on multiple levels, with lifts available to all areas.

    Disabled access
    Step-free route with firm surface from car park to entrance

    There is a step-free route with a firm surface from the parking to the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.

    Accessible retail space

    The retail space is accessible, with step-free access and space to move around easily.

    Step-free entrance

    There is step-free access at the main entrance or an alternative entrance.

    Wheelchair-accessible viewing area

    A wheelchair-accessible viewing area with step-free access is available, providing an optimal vantage point to view performances, presentations or activities.

    Wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet

    There is at least one wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet on site.

    Step-free access to most areas

    There is step-free access to all or most areas. This may include access by ramp or lift.

    Seating at regular intervals

    Seating is available at regular intervals.

    Accessible parking at The National Archives

    Drop-off or pick up point

    There is a drop-off or pick up point less than 50 metres from the accessible entrance.

    Dedicated on-site parking

    On-site accessible parking bays are available within 50 metres of the entrance.

    Transport nearby The National Archives

    Travel by public transport • You can travel to The National Archives by bus, Underground and train. • The R68 bus route (from Hampton Court via Richmond) ends at Kew Retail Park which is a 0.2 mile / 0.32 km walk to the entrance to The National Archives. • The nearest Underground and train station is Kew Gardens Station which is 0.5 miles / 0.8km from The National Archives.
    Bus station or stop

    There is an accessible bus station or stop nearby with suitable boarding areas and facilities for disabled passengers.

    Underground station

    There is an accessible underground station nearby with suitable facilities and assistance available for disabled passengers.

    Toilets features at The National Archives

    Accessible toilet icon
    Accessible toilet

    A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users and others with visible and non-visible accessibility requirements is available within the main public areas.

    Accessible services at The National Archives

    Emergency alarm with flashing lights

    There is an emergency alarm with flashing lights to alert deaf guests to a fire or other emergency scenario.

    Assistance dog facilities

    Facilities for assistance dogs, such as water bowls and toileting areas, are available.

    Emergency evacuation chair

    An evacuation chair is available in case of emergency.

    Infrared induction loop

    An infrared induction loop is available.

    Wheelchair hire

    Wheelchairs are available for visitors to hire or borrow.

    Disability awareness/equality training

    Staff have received disability awareness or equality training.

    More Information

    For additional detailed accessibility information, please contact: your.views@nationalarchives.gov.uk

    Location

    Bessant Drive, Richmond, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, TW9 4DU

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