Visit the Archive & Library

Our Archive is one of the largest publicly accessible archives in the UK dedicated to the historic environment. The Historic England Library is also open to the public for reference use and holds over 60,000 books, journals and reports relating to the historic environment of England.

Opening times

The Public Search Room and the Historic England Library are open Tuesday to Friday 09.30 - 17.00.

We are closed on Mondays, Bank Holidays and over the Christmas and New Year period.

In the event of severe winter weather, please call us before travelling to Swindon.

Facilities

We aim to make the Archive as accessible as possible to all users. If you have any specific access requirements, please contact us before your visit.

Parking

There is limited car parking available. Please call us to book a space.

Disabled access

Please contact our Reception team on 01793 414700 if you require disabled parking. This is a short distance from the main entrance, which has ramped access. The entrance doors are automated and can be opened using the buttons. The Library is on the ground floor and the Search Room is accessible by lift. We have a portable hearing loop.

There are public toilets on the ground floor.

On-site café

Our café is open until 15.00 and serves hot and cold drinks, snacks and sandwiches.

Lockers

You can safely store anything you can't take with you in a locker at Reception. You'll be given a clear wallet to carry essentials.

Photocopiers

Coin-operated copiers are available in the Search Room and Library and you may use a hand-held camera (there is a fee to photograph archive items).

Visiting the Search Room and Library

You don't have to make an appointment before visiting, but we strongly recommend that you contact us in advance to check that what you're hoping to see will be available.

We are happy for you to bring these items into the Search Room and Library: