All visitors are welcome to Nottinghamshire Archives. Documents, such as microfiche and original archives, can be consulted in our public search room.
There is no charge to visit and use the archives.
You do not need to make an appointment to use microfiche and original records; however, it is necessary to book a computer.
All visitors need to sign the visitors' book at Reception and you must place your belongings i.e. bags and coats in a locker. You will need to observe our Code of Conduct [PDF 50KB].
Our duty team will be able to advise you on your arrival.
Check our opening hours before you set off.
Opening hours for visiting Archives
| Day |
Opening times |
| Monday |
Closed |
| Tuesday |
9.00am - 8.00pm |
| Wednesday |
9.00am - 4.45pm |
| Thursday |
9.00am - 4.45pm |
| Friday |
9.00am - 4.45pm |
| Saturday |
9.00am - 12.45pm |
| Sunday |
Closed |
| Bank Holidays |
Closed |
To look at original archives and use our CDs, you will need a Reader's Ticket.
County Archive Research Network
Nottinghamshire Archives is part of the County Archive Research Network (CARN). If you already have a CARN Ticket issued at another office, you may use it here
You can get a CARN Ticket on arrival at Archives. You will need to present identification showing a printed name and address, and a signature. These tickets are valid for four years and can be used at other archives which are part of the County Archives Research Network.
You can renew your CARN Ticket at any office. You will need full ID to renew your ticket, even if you still have your existing one.
You do not need a Reader's Ticket to look at microfiche.
You do not need to book a microfiche reader. There are accompanying lists and indexes to help you find a particular fiche.
A microfiche reader printer is available for making copies.
Our duty team can advise you on accessing microfiche and using the microfiche readers and printer.
You do not need to book a table or space in our archive research area.
Archives are kept in their original groups - find out more on our summary guide pages.
There are catalogues available to identify documents and also indexes of persons, places and subjects to guide you to the appropriate catalogue.
When you have found a description of your document in the list, you can request to see it by writing its reference number on a Document Request Slip.
The slips are collected at the times specified below, so you will need to allow time to find the references beforehand.
Advance orders: if you know the references of the documents you would like to see, you may advance order three items before your visit. Please contact us with the references. Please note that advance orders are retrieved at the beginning of the day and we therefore require your references by 4pm the day before your intended visit.
For more information, download our information sheets How to Find the Documents You Want [PDF 65KB] and How to Order Archives [PDF 95KB].
Most records are available for general access but a few are restricted in whole or in part because information in them is exempt information under the Freedom of Information Act or the Environmental Information Regulations. Restrictions are usually indicated in our catalogue and will be reviewed on request.
There is no charge for this review, but searches in restricted access records are subject to a charge. For more information regarding Restricted Access records, please download our information sheet Restricted Access Records [PDF 35KB].
Microfiche and printed books can be consulted at any time, but original archives are produced at regular intervals. Document Request Slips are collected at the following times, and the documents produced within 15 to 30 minutes later.
| Day |
Collection times |
| Tuesday |
9.15 9.45 10.15 10.45 11.15 11.45 12.15 12.45 1.15 1.45 2.15 2.45 3.15 3.45 4.15 5.00 6.00 7.00 |
| Wednesday |
9.15 9.45 10.15 10.45 11.15 11.45 12.15 12.45 1.15 1.45 2.15 2.45 3.15 3.45 |
| Thursday |
9.15 9.45 10.15 10.45 11.15 11.45 12.15 12.45 1.15 1.45 2.15 2.45 3.15 3.45 |
| Friday |
9.15 9.45 10.15 10.45 11.15 11.45 12.15 12.45 1.15 1.45 2.15 2.45 3.15 3.45 |
| Saturday |
9.15 10.15 11.15 11.45 |
There are seven public computers available at Nottinghamshire Archives from which you can access a range of resources, including free access to Ancestry and Nottinghamshire Archives online catalogue.
Booking computers
Five of the computers need to be booked using the online NetLoan system:
- You can book up to two hours per day
- The first slot available each day is at 9.00am
- A booking can be made up to three weeks ahead of your visit
- You can book a computer online. You will need your library card number and your PIN code. Enter your library card number with no spaces, the first eight numbers only. Then enter your PIN code. Go to Reservations, select Archives and then select Public PCs. Follow the on-screen instructions.
- You can also a book a session yourself when you are using a public PC at Archives
- If you do not have a library card, we can book a computer for you. Call us on tel: 0115 958 1634, with your name and telephone number and the day and time you would like. You will need to bring one form of ID, such as a bank card, a CARN Reader's Ticket, or a driving licence
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Please note: we cannot issue library cards but if you live, work or study in Nottinghamshire you can join the library service online and receive a card through the post. Nottingham City library cards can also be used to make bookings on the Archives computers.
Drop-in computers
The other two computers cannot be booked in advance. You can use these twice daily for up to 30 minutes at a time. You will need a library card with a PIN number to log on. If you do not have a library card, please ask a member of staff at Reception to log you on.
Computer printouts
- Black and white (A4): 20p
- Black and white (A3): 40p
- Colour (A4): 50p
- Colour (A3): £1
Using your own laptop
You can use your laptop or netbook. If you want to plug it in to our power supply you will need to complete a Disclaimer Form as we cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage to your equipment or files. A circuit breaker will be provided for you. Free broadband WiFi is also available.
There is a visitors' room available off the main search room. Visitors are welcome to sit and eat their own food here. A hot drinks machine and a water cooler are available.
An accessible toilet is located near the front entrance.
Nottinghamshire Archives is located in the centre of Nottingham, close to the main bus station and the railway station.
Our address is:
Castle Meadow Road
Nottingham
NG2 1AG
The Archives building fronts onto Wilford Street. We are next door to the Magistrates Court, and the HMRC Buildings (formerly Inland Revenue) are across the road.
Public transport
The Archives building is a five minutes walk from Nottingham Railway Station and the Broadmarsh Bus Station. Plan your journey using public transport.
By car
Nottinghamshire Archives has a car park at the rear of the building. On turning into Castle Meadow Road from Wilford Street, take the first left and follow as the road veers immediately to the left. The barrier at the entrance will raise as you approach to allow you to enter.
When exiting the car park you will need a token to operate the barrier. Collect your token from the search room reception.
Please note that the car park is very small and spaces are limited. If there are no available car parking spaces when you arrive you will need to use a car park within the city centre. There is one designated disabled space for use by blue badge holders. This space can be booked by telephone up to 24 hours before your visit.
The nearest alternative car parks can be found at Broadmarsh and the NCP Car Park on Maid Marian Way. See a map to find the locations of these car parks [PDF 290KB].
We have several facilities available for people with disabilities, including:
- fully accessible search room
-
microfiche reader with more space and easier access is available to book by wheelchair users
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PC with more space and easier access is available to book by wheelchair users
- designated wheelchair space in our reference library.
-
magnifying glasses are available to borrow from reception.
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PCs with Supernova Magnification software. In addition, headphones can be purchased from Reception for use with this software; or visitors can bring their own.
- meetings room fitted with an induction-hearing loop
-
wheelchair available for loan for individuals on group visits and tours.
- office leaflets are available in large print and Braille on request.
Guide dogs are permitted in all areas of the search room.
Unfortunately staff are unable to read and interpret documents for the public. However, we do have a list of local volunteers who are happy to assist members of the public in using archives. Please contact us to arrange a visit with one of our volunteers.
