Accessibility

The London Archives is for everyone. If you have accessibility needs, we want to welcome you to the archives and help you to get the most out of your visit.

Accessing the archives if you have mobility requirements

Parking

There are parking bays available for blue/orange badge holders adjoining the building. Please contact us in advance to reserve a bay. A member of staff will meet you at a pre-arranged time and show you into the car park.

Public transport

Our nearest step-free underground stations are:

• Farringdon: Circle, Hammersmith and City, Metropolitan, Elizabeth and Thameslink lines
• King’s Cross: Circle, Hammersmith and City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria lines

Getting into the building

The London Archives has a step-free entrance.

All of our research facilities are accessible by lift. Most powered wheelchairs can fit in the public lift, but we can easily use one of our larger lifts if necessary.

Our guide to getting around the building provides more information about our public spaces for visitors.

Facilities

The public toilets are on the first floor next to the lift. There is a toilet accessible to wheelchair users, which also has an alarm cord.

The Visitor Lounge is accessible by lift. Lockers are available at suitable heights for wheelchair users.

In an emergency

There is a designated refuge for wheelchair users on the first floor - it is beyond a fire door and staff will guide you there. Please do not use the lift in an emergency unless instructed to by the Fire Brigade. Designated staff will supervise the evacuation of the building.

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome at The London Archives.

Where possible, please have with you the relevant identification book from Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK), Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF). Assistance dogs should ideally wear the appropriate tabard or harness.

We can supply bowls of drinking water if needed. There is a public park directly across the street from our building.

If you have any questions about visiting with your assistance dog, please contact us.

Deaf and hard of hearing researchers

There is an induction loop for hearing aid users on the first floor. Please ask The London Archives team if you need help connecting to it.

There are audible fire alarms throughout the building and fire exits are marked with a flashing red alarm light.

Accessing items from the archives

You will need to obtain a History Card to use original documents during your visit. If you need to bring an assistant with you to The London Archives, your assistant will also require a History Card if they want to request original documents.

We are aware that life can be unpredictable. If you have ordered documents but then discover you are unable to visit, please let us know.