Visit Us

** Appointments from March 2022 onwards **

We are now accepting bookings but still have our Covid restrictions in place to ensure our staff and visitors remain safe - please read our Covid guidelines before booking and before visiting.

We are now able to answer phone calls so please either ring us on 01234 228833 or fill out our enquiry form.

Opening Hours 

ALL VISITS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 

We are open to visitors on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, with separate morning and afternoon sessions. 

Morning session:   9.30am to 1.00pm

Afternoon session: 2.00pm to 4.30pm

Please note that we are CLOSED on Thursdays, weekends and all English bank holidays. 

We will still have our Covid restrictions in place to ensure our staff and visitors remain safe - please read our Covid guidelines before booking and before visiting. Please also note the main points below before reading the guidelines.

• When requesting a booking please provide alternative dates in case your first choice is already fully booked.
• We can now accommodate two visitors to the searchroom per morning or afternoon session please let us know if you wish to bring someone with you.
• All archive documents need to be pre-ordered. Lists of document references are needed three working days in advance.
• We now allow free browsing of the searchroom items (e.g. microfilm/microfiche/parish register transcripts).
• Once your visit is confirmed by us we will only get in touch if there’s an issue.

Please see our Code of Conduct for searchroom visitors. 

How to Book a Visit

Please ring us on 01234 228833 or preferably email us to book space in our searchroom; Please note we are not able to accept visitors without an appointment. 

Email:  archive@bedford.gov.uk 

Telephone:  01234 228833 

We hope to be able to accommodate your visit on your preferred day but may have to advise you that we are better able to meet your needs on another day.  When you visit staff are on hand to help and advise you. 

Once your booking has been confirmed, we will need you to tell us what material you would like to see and we will have it ready for you when you arrive. Please  search our catalogues to find references for the items you would like to view. Over 90% of our catalogue listings can be found there.    

How to Find Us

We are in the Riverside Building at Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP. Access is via a pedestrian footbridge from Prebend Street.  

Maps showing our location and information about public transport and parking can be found here.

If the outside doors are locked please use the intercom just to the left of the glass entrance doors.  Press the button labelled 'Archives' and it will connect you to one of our staff, who can let you in. 

You may wish to bring a mobile phone with you to telephone us on (01234) 228530 if you have any problems accessing our building. 

Identification

We do not usually request identification from our visitors, but please be aware that due to Data Protection regulations it may be required in order to consult certain records.   

Depositing Archives

Depositing archives takes at least half an hour, please make an appointment and ensure that you have allowed sufficient time. Please read our guide for depositors.