Appointments are strongly advisable on weekdays and essential on Saturdays.  You will need to book an appointment if you wish to use the map table (for example, if you are researching a particular building or area). 

Please telephone (01823) 337600 (+44 1823 337600 from outside the UK).  We advise booking at least a week in advance if possible.

In order to register for a reader's ticket you will need some proof of your name, current address and signature. A driving licence is ideal. Alternatively, a combination of a bank card and an official letter such as a utility bill is perfectly acceptable.

The Record Office is part of the County Archive Research Network (CARN) system. If you have a current CARN ticket, please bring it with you.

Lockers are provided free of charge for bags.

A refreshment area is available where hot drinks and water may be obtained.

Pencils are on sale in Reception. Pens may not be used in the search rooms.

There are plug points for laptop computers in the microfiche and document searchrooms. Microfiche readers next to plug points can be booked when making an appointment.

If you have a digital camera, you are welcome to bring it with you to take photographs of documents (provided you fill in a copyright form beforehand).