Designing the Home: Architecture and Archives

Come and visit Historic England’s archive at the Engine House in Swindon! We are the public archive at Historic England, located in the Engine House, which was built in the 1840s and was formally the Great Western Railway’s Chief Mechanical Engineers and Drawing Office. We hold a public archive of architectural and archaeological records and hold over 15 million historic photographs, plans, drawings, reports, records and publications covering England's archaeology, architecture, social and local history.

Celebrate the wonders of architecture with us through a day of exciting activities inspired by the design of the home. During your visit, you'll have the chance to explore our unique collections and learn more about the important work we do to preserve England’s historic environment.
You’ll be able to view fascinating historical photographs, take part in interactive games and activities, and enjoy a guided tour of the Engine House, which forms part of the wider Swindon Heritage Action Zone. The experience also includes exclusive access to our Archive Store and Conservation Laboratory, where you can discover how we care for and maintain our collections.

Whether you're curious about history, passionate about architecture, or simply looking for a fun and informative day out, we’d love to welcome you!

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

All Day Event: 1100-1700 (Please note 1100-1200 & 1600-1700 will be our relaxed/quiet hours): Building and Archive Tours at 11:30, 13:00, and 14:30

Location & directions

The Engine House, Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 2EH

Directions:

Near the outlet centre and Bristol Street Tunnel, 10 minute walk from the Bus and Train station.

Contact on day:

Jade Balmer

Telephone number:

+447392127556

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

You do not have to book to attend the day event but if you would like to attend one of our 3 tours on the day, please book via our Eventbrite page. There will be 3 tours on the day, at 11:30, 13:00, and 14:30, running for 1 hour 15 minutes each. Please note that the tours will involve walking to different areas of the building on 2 floors.

Booking contact name:

Jade Balmer

Booking telephone number:

+447392127556

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/historic-england-archive-heritage-open-day-tours-tickets-1566498762969?aff=oddtdtcreator

Booking opens:

07 Aug 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

12 Sep 2025 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

If you need step free access and need to park on our site for accessibility needs, please contact Jade-India Balmer, [email protected]

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

8

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 15 minute(s)

Check out our online channels

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