Reception

When you arrive at Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, you will be greeted by one of our receptionists at the reception desk shown to the right. They will help with registering you as a user and introduce you to our facilities. Please note that you will be asked not to bring bags and coats into the searchrooms, leaving them in the lockers provided and on you first visit our reception team will advise you on the safe handling of original documents to help us preserve our written heritage for present and future generations.

Reader's tickets 

If you wish to visit the Archives and Local Studies services at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre on a repeated basis, you will need to register with us. Please bring with you a form of identity giving name and address and we will add you to our user database and issue you with a user ticket.

The kinds of identity which we will accept are as follows:

• County Archive Research Network card
• allowance book
• recent bank statement
• driving licence
• recent official bill or invoice
• passport (for overseas visitors)
• Wiltshire Library card

Temporary tickets can be issued for one-off visits.

Access for disabled visitors

The Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre is fully accessible for visitors in wheelchairs and there is a loop system for visitors with hearing difficulties. Please contact us if you would like more information about access.

Food and Drink

On the ground floor near the main entrance there is a refreshment area with vending machines containing a limited range of chilled snacks and drinks. There are picnic benches outside the front entrance for use when the weather permits. To protect the archives, no eating or drinking is allowed within the search rooms. You are welcome to eat your own food in the refreshment area, or you may wish to visit the North Wiltshire District Council restaurant, which is open to the public (although booking in advance is advisable). it is within walking distance of the History Centre. Alternatively, you may wish to go into the town centre to visit one of the many restaurants and eating places there. Further information is available from the Tourist Information Centre in Chippenham.

Toilets

Located on the ground floor, adjacent to the public entrance.

Lockers

Secure lockers are available near reception for coats, bags and personal belongings.

Smoking

In common with other public properties please note that no smoking is permitted anywhere on the site of Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, including the car park.

Car Parking

There is a large car park, with 60 free car parking spaces, adjacent to the History Centre. Should this become full, there are public pay and display car parks at the Olympiad leisure centre, or at the railway station, both about 550 metres away, in Cocklebury Road.