We are open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and the second Saturday in the month but please keep an eye on our website or follow our social media channels for the latest updates and news.
Our address is: Surrey History Centre, 130 Goldsworth Road, Woking, Surrey GU21 6ND
Book your session
Please book a place to use our Heather D Hawker searchroom. To book a session you will need to register through our online catalogue or by telephoning 01483 518737 at least two working days before you plan to visit.
There are two sessions per day, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The session times are:
- Morning session: 9.30am to 12.45pm
- Afternoon session: 1.45pm to 5pm
Visitors can book one or both sessions per day.
We are also open on the second Saturday of the month: 9.30am to 1pm and 1.45pm to 4.15pm.
Please refer to our Opening hours and directions page for more information.
Visitors who cannot attend a booking will need to contact us by email or telephone as soon as possible and re-book a subsequent session.
Order collection items before your visit
Once you have booked a visit, you can order original documents, you can do so through our online catalogue. Please give at least 24 hours notice of an advance order. You may want to take a look at our research guides. Contact us if you need any help.
Document requests by email are not processed immediately, so please telephone us if ordering within two working days of your visit.
Your visit
We now require visitors looking at original documents to have an Archives Card which is a national scheme allowing visitors to use one card to visit all participating archive services. If you do not have one, you will need to register for an Archives Card in advance of your visit. Registration will be completed when you arrive, when your card will be issued. Full details on how to sign up and what ID is required can be found on the Archives Card website. Your Archives Card will be valid for five years from date of issue.
If you are unable to apply for an Archives Card, you will need to bring some form of ID with address and/or signature with you on your visit to be issued a Day Pass in order look at original documents. This will only be valid for the day of your visit.
You do not need an Archives Card if you only wish to consult books and pamphlets in our local studies library or use microfilm/microfiche or the computers in the searchroom. However, if you also wish to look at original documents, you will need to register for an Archives Card (see above).
If you are over the age of 14, but unable to provide two pieces of documentation to prove your identity, you can bring a letter signed by your teacher or tutor, and identity which includes a photograph such as a passport, student card, or citizen card.
We will continue to accept County Archives Research Network (CARN) tickets that are in date, but it is advisable to replace an old CARN ticket with an Archives Card when you can.
- Please bring your own pencil, notepaper or laptop with you.
- Staff are on hand in our foyer and searchroom to provide help and advice.
- Free Wi-Fi is available.
- Photo permits are available for purchase if you wish to take your own photographs.
Please read our frequently asked questions for more information about reopening the History Centre and your visit.
Online resources
- Explore our collections from home via our online catalogue and Exploring Surrey's Past
- Discover our free learning resources and online activities for all ages.
- Contact us for help with research questions or navigating our collections.
- Visit our online shop for a wonderful selection of archaeological and local history material.
- Follow us on social media: on Facebook, on Instagram @surreyhistorycentre and on TikTok @surreyheritage.
Files available to download
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Surrey Heritage Code of Conduct (PDF)
Guide to visitor conduct at Surrey History Centre