Reading Room opening times
- Monday to Friday, 10am–5pm.
Lunchtime Arrangements (1pm–2pm)
The Reading Room remains open between 1pm – 2pm to allow researchers who are already consulting material to continue their work without interruption.
During this hour, a staff member is on duty to supervise the Reading Room and can provide basic assistance as required. However, please note:
- New material cannot be requested between 1pm – 2pm
- Material cannot be retrieved or produced during this period
- Duty Archivist assistance is not available until 2pm
Researchers who already have material issued may continue to consult it in the Reading Room throughout lunchtime.
Genealogy Advisory Service opening times
The National Archives provides a free Genealogy Advisory Service. The service is staffed by professional genealogists and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Monday to Friday, 10am–5pm, closed 1pm–2pm.
Closure dates in 2026
We are closed on public holidays as well as the following dates:
- Thursday 1 January
- Monday 2 February
- Tuesday 17 March
- Friday 3 April
- Monday 6 April
- Monday 4 May
- Monday 1 June
- Monday 3 August
- Monday 26 October
- Monday 30 November to Friday 4 December for the annual Media Preview
- Thursday 24 December closure at 12 noon
- Friday 25 December to Thursday 31 December