Archives Centre visitor information

Please ensure you read all of the below information carefully on what is open and how you can access services. 

‘Limited access’ refers to a limited number of spaces available and a limitation on dwell time. For services not booked in advance, please be aware it is a first come first served basis, and you may be asked to wait.  

Membership 

You will need to be a member of Westminster libraries to use the archives centre. Please bring your library card with you when you visit.

If you’re not already a member you can join free online.

Opening hours

Day	Times	Type of access available
Monday	Closed	-
Tuesday	10am to 7pm	Browsing access
Wednesday	10am to 7pm	Archive appointments only
Thursday	10am to 7pm	Archive appointments only
Friday	10am to 5pm	Browsing access
Saturday	10am to 5pm	Browsing access
Sunday	Closed	-

Browsing access days 

On the ground floor: 

• limited access to PCs without an appointment 
• limited independent study spaces for non-archival study and laptop use
• access to the express library

In the search room:  

• limited access to PCs without an appointment.  
• limited access to the search room to use open shelf local studies resources and microfilms without an appointment
• limited access to the GRO microfiche by appointment only

Please note that we cannot retrieve any material from our stores on browsing days, and some resources may not be available if they have been ordered for an appointment or are in quarantine after use. Access will be for a timed slot on a first come first served basis, with limited availability to ensure we can maintain social distancing in the search room.  

If you need to guarantee access to any resource, please make an appointment for a Wednesday or Thursday. If you wish to access the GRO, please read the information below on this specific resource.

Archive appointment days 

On the ground floor: 

• limited access to PCs without an appointment
• limited independent study spaces for non-archival study and laptop use
• access to the express library

In the search room:  

• limited access to PCs by appointment only
• limited access to the GRO microfiche and microfilms by appointment only
• access to archive collections by appointment only

Bookings for archive appointment days 

Bookings for microfilm and archive collections must be made more than a week in advance via our online form. This allows us to prepare the material in advance of your visit and ensure it has been put aside for your use.  

Bookings and use of the GRO  

The GRO material is a high demand resource. We require everyone to wear gloves and a mask when using this resource and the microfiche machine, as we cannot quarantine the fiche after each use. We will provide latex-free gloves and have the right to refuse access to anyone who cannot meet this requirement.  

Bookings for the GRO should be made via phone on 0207 641 5180.   

Our remote GRO service will only be available to those who are unable to visit. 

Find out more about the GRO records we hold from our General Register Office indexes page.

Enquiries

We continue to run our enquiry service so please email [email protected] with your enquiry.

To find out about research services, please visit our research service page.

Location

Address: City of Westminster Archives Centre, 10 St Ann's Street, London SW1P 2DE 

How to get here 

By train 

Nearest railway station: Victoria

By Underground 

Nearby tube stations: St James's Park (District and Circle lines), Victoria (Victoria line), Westminster (Jubilee line)

By bus 

Buses: 11, 24, 211 along Victoria Street; 88 along Great Smith Street; 507 along Horseferry Road

By cycle 

There are cycle racks located in the street outside the archives centre.

Access 

From the street, wheelchair users should be aware there is a downward gradient that leads to a level entrance.  

The searchroom on the fifth floor can be accessed via a lift, which is suitable for use by wheelchair users and others with limited mobility.  

There is level access to an accessible toilet, as well as to the meeting room. 

Policies