All you need to know about your visit to the Antiques Roadshow
Do I need a ticket to attend?
Yes, you must have a ticket to attend the Antiques Roadshow in 2022. You will not be permitted entry without a valid ticket for every member of your party. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Please note, you will have been issued with either a Morning or Afternoon ticket. This is only valid for entry to that particular session.
If you forget your ticket on the day or cannot download the QR code, there will be a list of names on the door (ID will be required).
What time should I arrive at the Antiques Roadshow?
You will have been issued with either a Morning or Afternoon ticket. For the Morning session, doors open at 08:45 and there is a 09:00 start. For the Afternoon session, doors open and it commences at 13:00.
Please note, Morning tickets will not be valid for entry after 13:00. Similarly, Afternoon tickets will not be valid for entry before 13:00.
Once onsite you may stay for the remainder of the event. Last entry to the event will be at 16:30. Providing you join the queue by this time, we hope you will be seen by one of our experts.*
*The event organisers reserve the right to close earlier than this time if necessary and cannot guarantee you will be seen by an expert.
Can I come even if don’t have an item to be valued?
Yes, you can come along to just enjoy the day and see how we make the programme. However, we would encourage you to bring some of your treasured items along as this helps us make the best programmes possible.
Will I need to queue and for how long?
Due to the popularity of the Antiques Roadshow, you should expect to queue on the day. This is all part of the Roadshow experience!
You will queue to have your tickets checked before being granted entry to the event. You will then need to queue for Reception, where you will be assigned a ticket to the relevant team of experts – such as ‘Books and Manuscripts’ or ‘Ceramics’.
You will then need to queue to talk to an expert. If you’ve bought a selection of items, such as a necklace, a painting and a toy, you will need to queue to see different experts. If you are with family/friends you could split up to see the experts separately.
You are welcome to bring a fold-up chair or picnic blanket to sit on while queuing.
What if I cannot stand for a long period of time?
Every effort will be made to assist those for whom prolonged queuing may be difficult. If you need any assistance please inform one of our Event Stewards who will be on hand to help.
Can I leave and then re-enter the event?
Yes but should you wish to leave the event area, you will need to get a wristband from the Ticket Desk. You can return to the event without having to queue, but will need to show this wristband to Security to be granted re-entry. You may have your bags searched again and the BBC reserves the right to refuse re-entry is the venue has reached capacity. You may in this instance be asked to wait until space becomes available.
Will I need to bring refreshments?
You are more than welcome to bring your own refreshments. The Antiques Roadshow Tea Tent will be at most of our venues, where you can purchase a limited range of refreshments. Our venues also often have their own refreshment outlets.
We encourage everyone to bring a reusable water bottle and coffee cup on the day. There will be places you can refill your water.
What about the weather?
The Antiques Roadshow continues come rain or shine and we primarily operate outdoors. Please check the weather forecast before the event and dress appropriately. We recommend bringing sun cream, water, a hat or rain jacket as needed. Please also come prepared for changing weather conditions.
Can I take photos at the Antiques Roadshow?
We encourage you to take photos and videos of your day out at the Roadshow for personal use and to share on social media. However, please don’t photograph or video items being filmed, the filming of Fiona Bruce and/or of the experts. We kindly request this as we don’t want to spoil the surprise of the content which makes it into the final programmes.
How many items can I bring to be valued?
In order to keep the queues moving, we limit the number of items you can show to each expert to THREE.
Should I label items with my personal details?
Please do not put anything indicating your name, address, or any other personal details, on your items or their packaging. Do not leave your bags unattended at the Roadshow.
Parking
Parking will be available in a field. Please follow directions given by our Parking Marshalls on arrival. Blue Badge parking is available on hardstanding.
Directions / Public Transport
Please follow brown heritage signs for Belmont House. There will be a one-way system in place along the driveway so please pay attention to any onsite signage and direction from Event Stewards.
Dogs
Assistance dogs and dogs on a lead are welcome at this venue.
Accessibility
The venue and event space is accessible to wheelchairs and mobility scooters although some areas are grass and if the weather is wet may be tricky for wheelchairs. There will be no mobility scooters or wheelchairs available for hire.
What if an item I’m bringing is large or heavy?
Unfortunately we cannot offer any assistance transporting items to the Roadshow.
Can I bring ivory to the Antiques Roadshow?
Antiques Roadshow no longer values items of antique elephant ivory. At the end of 2018, the UK government’s Ivory Bill gained Royal Assent to become law. Further information on the detail and scope of the legislation can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ivory-bill-2018
Can I bring an antique firearm or edged weapon to the Antiques Roadshow?
We strongly recommend that you contact us in advance using our ‘Share Your Story’ system. Please provide photos of the item and any information you have so that our team can assess it and provide further advice.
Here is the link where you can ‘Share Your Story’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u102698944
All antique firearms and antique edged weapons must be declared at the entrance to the Antiques Roadshow event where they will be inspected by a member of our security team.
Can I get a valuation from a photograph, video, device or video call?
Our experts are unable to make valuations based on an image, footage or seeing an item via video call. Similarly, experts can only give appraisals at the Antiques Roadshow, not via email or post.
Do you have experts for coins, stamps, rugs, carpets or musical instruments?
We do not have specialists in the fields of stamps, coins, rugs, carpets or musical instruments.
Can I bring an item found when metal detecting or recovered from a shipwreck?
Metal Detecting: If you intend to go metal detecting you must ensure you are complying with the law. If you intend to metal detect on private land or a public outdoor space you must obtain permission from the landowner and/or occupier before venturing onto any land. Further information can be found on the Portable Antiquities Scheme website: https://finds.org.uk/getinvolved/guides/codeofpractice
Reporting treasure, wreck material or archaeological finds: The following websites provide detailed information about the procedures to follow when reporting wreck material or any historic or valuable items in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
https://www.gov.uk/report-treasure-step-by-step
https://treasuretrovescotland.co.uk
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/archaeology-and-treasure
When will the Antiques Roadshow I attend be on television and how do I know if I’ll be in it?
At the time of filming we won’t know when the programme will be broadcast. If you have been filmed and your item is selected for inclusion in the programme you will be notified in advance of the transmission date. Unfortunately, not every item filmed will make it into a finished programme.
Our latest transmission schedule is on the Antiques Roadshow homepage: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mj2y
Can I watch Antiques Roadshow online? Is the Antiques Roadshow available on DVD or download?
Yes, you can watch the most recent episode of Antiques Roadshow again on BBC iPlayer for up to a year after transmission (UK only). We are not able to supply copies of the programme on request.
What COVID measures will be in place at the event?
The Antiques Roadshow is continually monitoring the latest government advice around public events. All of the Roadshows will be managed in line with the BBC Production Safety Guidelines.
- You will not be asked for proof of vaccination or a negative test result to gain entry to the event. However, if you are feeling unwell or have been in close contact with someone who has recently tested positive for COVID, we would urge you not to attend.
- Face coverings are advisory in indoor spaces, unless an individual is exempt.
- Social distancing is not required between event attendees or Antiques Roadshow experts – unless either party is classed as vulnerable or our experts politely request that you maintain some distance. However, our crew will maintain 1m distancing from members of the public wherever possible and we ask that you follow instructions from our Event Team during filming.
- There will be hand washing facilities and sanitiser available onsite. We encourage everyone to use these regularly.