This section of the website explains how you can get started with your research at The National Archives. We aim to do everything we can to make your time here both profitable and enjoyable. Before you plan your visit, however, you should check that you are starting in the right place. Not all documents are held here. Many documents are deposited in local record offices. If you are unsure, contact us for further advice or try consulting Access to Archives (A2A) or the National Register of Archives. If you are interested in genealogy you will probably find that the Family Records Centre is the most appropriate place to begin your research.

For some of our most popular research topics we have published user guides. These include military genealogy, immigrants and aliens, probate records, criminal ancestors, and manorial records. You will also find research guides to a much wider range of subjects available online as well as at The National Archives itself. In addition, online information will help you with all aspects of planning a visit from applying for a reader's ticket, identifying documents using our Catalogue, and requesting copies using our record copying service.

When you have arrived, you are welcome to ask for advice on your research from staff at the enquiry desks in the reading rooms. They will be happily point you in the right direction and guide you to the most appropriate records. You might also find our excellent research library very helpful. It holds an impressive collection of published history books, specialist journals and magazines, online-research tools, as well many of the latest CD-Roms.

Please remember that we cannot carry out your research for you. The more information you can bring with you about your enquiry the better. This could save you a lot of time and effort. However the help described above should help you have a successful time once you are here.