The Archive will be closed from Monday 16 December, re-opening on Monday 6 January 2025.
Bringing the family?
We can’t wait to meet you, here’s the information you need to make the most of your visit.
What is there to do?
Go shopping in our Penny Bazaar, get creative in the Design Studio and strike a pose in our dressing-up collection. There are trails to do and hands-on exhibits to explore, don’t forget to check our What’s On page for our Crafty Saturdays and special events too.
“This is our first visit, but it won’t be our last. We shall be telling friends about our fun visit here.”
Sparky Saturday visitor
Access and SEND
Everyone is welcome here at the Archive
To help you prepare for your visit you can download our visual story and a sensory map of the exhibition. You can pick up one of our sensory backpacks to use during your visit, they’re free to use, just collect one from the Reception desk.
What's in our sensory backpacks?
Soft-touch fruit and veg shapes, feely fabric squares, smell cubes, fidget toy, Percy Pig, ear defenders, round coloured viewers, magnifying glass, pennies, PECS board and symbols.
Access Info
All our access information can be found on our Plan Your Visit page
Pre-visit Downloads
You’ll find more ideas for preparing for a visit, as well as activities to do when you get home, on our Families page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Here and Parking
We’re located on the University of Leeds campus, near Hyde Park. There are two Blue Badge car parking spaces outside the Archive, but no other car parking is available on site. For more information about how to find us and nearby car parking please click the red button.
Facilities
We’ve got level access throughout and plenty of space for buggies, there are baby changing facilities and an accessible toilet. The nearest Changing Places toilets are on the University of Leeds campus in the Chemistry West building, a 9 minute walk from the Archive, and the Laidlaw Library, a 10 minute walk from the Archive.
We welcome breastfeeding. There are free lockers for bags and coats, and the exhibition is fully air-conditioned to keep everyone comfortable too.
Food and Drink
We don’t have a cafe on site, so you might want to plan how to fuel everyone up around your visit. We do have a refreshment area where you’re welcome to eat your own food.
“We love the dressing up and colouring in, and looking at the displays. Such a lovely atmosphere too.”
Natalie, parent
