Accessibility at Hampshire Record Office
Accessibility information and guidance
Hampshire Record Office is a modern building with even, carpeted flooring throughout. The building is well lit by both natural and artificial light.
All facilities for research are on the ground floor. All floors are accessible by a customer lift.
Getting here
Hampshire Record Office is located next to multiple bus stops, including Park and Ride. Winchester railway station is also nearby for those wishing to travel by train.
Visitors on foot
The building is positioned on a slope and the front doors are at the top of the slope.
There are no available drop-off bays at the entrance of Hampshire Record Office. We are located on a busy road (Sussex Street) which also has double yellow lines.
Visitors by car
One accessible car space is situated at the end of the drive to the rear of Hampshire Record Office, allowing for level access to the building. You should book this space in advance.
Give your name on arrival at the barrier to the rear drive, park, then press the button for attention.
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Hampshire Archives Sussex Street Winchester SO23 8TH
A public car park is also available opposite the entrance to Winchester railway station.
Accessing Hampshire Record Office
Rear of the building
An intercom located by the back door allows you to contact staff, if needed. Staff will be available to open the back door and show you through to Reception.
Front of building/reception
There are several front doors including a revolving door. These are heavy to push so press the button on the post for automatic opening; the door will open outwards.
At the reception desk, show your reader ticket (or be issued with one), then sign in and use a locker for your bag and outdoor clothing. If required, ask for a locker at a comfortable height.
Search room
The search room is accessible via automatic doors. You should show your reader ticket to staff at the reception desk who will open the door for you.
The search room has wide aisles and a Help Desk in the centre of the room with staff who will be happy to assist you with advice, and with accessing books and other materials on high shelves or at low level.
Assistance and alarms
Hearing Loops
Hearing loops are available at both reception and help desks as well as in the Cinema.
Evacuation
We have two evacuation chairs available to aid disabled users who can transfer themselves into one if there is an emergency. If you believe that you may need help evacuating the building you should make the staff at the reception desk aware.
Toilet facilities
There are accessible male and female toilets on the ground floor opposite the lockers. An accessible unisex toilet is available on the top floor.
All accessible toilets are fitted with alarm cords.
Assistance animals
Assistance dogs are permitted at Hampshire Record Office.
Accessible resources
Our informational leaflets can be made available in large print.
Tables
Smaller maps and other documents may be viewed on height-adjustable tables which can also be used by wheelchair users for the reading of microform. You should let staff know in advance if you wish to reserve one.
Maps and other large items are viewed at the map table which is high and non-adjustable.
Computers and microform machines
Many of our most popular resources, such as parish registers and wills, are available on microform and also online. Free online access is available in Hampshire libraries and the Record Office.
Computers and microform machines are available in the search room. Microfilm readers have an adjustable lens. Microfiche readers have two lenses for ease of reading. Some microform is stored in high drawers and the labels are small.
Audio visual (AV)
Equipment is available for listening to sound recordings and watching archive films. If you need assistance setting up the equipment please speak to a member of staff.
Visual aids
A selection of magnifying sheets and other visual aids are available on request.
Other facilities
Our other available facilities include:
- seats and tables in our reception area for resting, reading, and eating your own food
- a water dispenser
- lockers, on the ground floor by the toilets
