Coronavirus update

13 Mar 2020 12:04 PM

The National Archives currently remains open to visitors with no change to our visiting hours, with exhibitions, events and other activities going ahead as scheduled.

We are encouraging visitors to check our website and social media on the day of their visit for the latest updates before travelling to Kew.

How is The National Archives responding to the coronavirus outbreak?

As a government department, we are closely monitoring the guidelines provided by Public Health England and are encouraging our staff and visitors to follow them.

We are asking all staff and visitors to wash their hands with soap and warm water when they arrive on site, and to continue to do so frequently during their visit. We have also provided hand sanitiser in multiple locations around our site.

We have increased our cleaning regime and our cleaners are particularly ensuring that all door handles, railings and stair handrails are cleaned regularly.

All of our staff, including catering and security staff, are briefed fully on current guidelines on a regular basis.

Is The National Archives open to the public and offering a full service?

Yes – our opening hours haven’t changed and we are currently offering our regular services to readers and visitors, including our reading rooms, exhibition spaces and events programme.

However, as this is a rapidly evolving situation, we are encouraging visitors to check our website and social media on the day of their visit for the latest updates before travelling to Kew.

Our online services remain unaffected.

I’m planning to visit from overseas, should I cancel my visit to The National Archives?

Visitors arriving in, or returning to, the UK from overseas should consult the latest travel guidelines.

Beyond adhering to current guidelines, there are no restrictions on any visitors from whatever country of origin to The National Archives, we are open to all.

Are your events, exhibitions and activities going ahead as planned?

At present, we are not planning to cancel or postpone any events, but will continue to review the situation and government guidelines on a daily basis. Please check our website for the latest information and always check before travelling to Kew.

Will I get a refund if an event is cancelled?

Yes, our normal refund policy is to refund up to 24 hours ahead of any event. If we have to cancel an event we will refund all those who purchased tickets.

Are school visits to The National Archives still going ahead?

At present, we are not cancelling any planned activity with schools, but will continue to review the situation and government guidelines on a daily basis. Please check our website for the latest information and always check before travelling to Kew.

School group leaders visiting the Kew site should ensure that their group is aware of the current NHS advice.

Future school visits can be booked with our education team as normal.

I’ve visited The National Archives and have since become unwell, what should I do?

Please check the NHS advice on COVID-19, and contact them as soon as possible if you believe that you have symptoms.