Visit Hampshire Archives

Come and explore a wide variety of archives, including parish registers, wills and probate, electoral registers, newspapers, maps, film and sound, and much more.

Opening times

Tuesday to Thursday, 9:30am to 4pm

Saturday openings in 2026
20 June and 19 September

Hampshire Record Office in Winchester

Before you visit:

  • Search the online catalogue to find archives of interest and sign up for an account. You can also book a visit and order documents.
  • Sign up in advance to Gov wifi for internet access: Connect to GovWifi

First time visitors:

Regular visitors:

You can:

  • Come along without an appointment
  • Browse search room resources: books, microform, and digital material
  • Use our public computers for free access to Ancestry
  • Browse the catalogue and request documents from our strongrooms
  • Order documents from our strongrooms until 3pm – note that retrievals may be restricted during periods of high demand and there are no retrievals between midday and 1pm
  • Take photographs – search room resources are free to photograph; for other documents a daily fee applies
  • Speak to family history volunteers from Hampshire Genealogical Society

Please remember:

  • To handle our unique documents with the greatest care and use pencils only
  • Some documents may be too fragile for consultation or have Access restrictions because they contain sensitive information
  • Bags, coats etc need to be locked away; lockers and hangers provided
  • Refreshments must be consumed in the reception area only

Where to find us

We are located close to Winchester railway station.

We have no parking facilities on site except for those with limited mobility; a space must be booked in advance. More on Access and Accessibility

Car parks

Nearby car parks are in Gladstone Street, Tower Street and Worthy Lane. Use Park and Ride for lower charges and buses that stop at the railway station.

Wessex Film and Sound Archive

With over 38,000 film and sound recordings, including film and tapes of local TV and radio, Wessex Film and Sound Archive allows you to see and hear history through moving images and sound recording, offering a unique insight into Hampshire’s past.

Guided tours

Interested in discovering what goes on behind the scenes at Hampshire Record Office? We offer guided tours around our unique building. Allow one of our experienced archivists to share how they preserve and provide access to Hampshire’s history. Contact us to find out more information about our behind-the-scenes tours.

Events

Why not attend one of our onsite or online workshops and events that cover a range of topics - from learning how to read old handwriting to understanding how to care for archives. Find out more about our events.