Top genealogy websites for beginners. Discover which is the best genealogy site for the UK

Whilst the variety of family history websites out there is a real bonus for anyone tracing their family tree, the number of options can be overwhelming, particularly if you’re new to the subject. So, where to start?

Our pick of five top websites for beginners will give you a flavour of what’s available on the web and point you in the right direction for taking your research further.

Quick Links

• What’s the best genealogy site for the UK?
• Top tips for finding the genealogy site that’s best for you
• Find ancestors for free
• Learn more about family history for free

What’s the best genealogy site for the UK?

The ‘big four’ family history subscription websites:

• Ancestry - visit the site (opens in new window)
• FindMyPast - visit the site (opens in new window)
• MyHeritage - visit the site (opens in new window)
• The Genealogist - visit the site (opens in new window)

… each offer access to billions of records (with pay-as-you-go options).

There is also the FamilySearch website which provides access to billions of records and is free to use.

• The records these genealogy sites provide include the basics - those must-search family history records, such as birth, marriage and death records, and census records, through to more specialised data including occupational records, emigration records, and parish registers.
• Each of these four subscription sites offers a free-of-charge trial period. To use FamilySearch you simply need to register.
• Check with your local library as sometimes Ancestry and Findmypast may be used for free at libraries and record offices.
• Each of these sites is strong on different types of records, so take advantage of the trial period to decide which is best for you before signing up for a subscription.

Top tips for finding the genealogy site that’s best for you

The best genealogy site is the one that has the records you need. So spend a little time reflecting on what it is that you wish to find out.

Then explore the record collections available on each of these websites before you subscribe.

These links below will help you keep track of the newest record arrivals on the major family history websites. Be sure to bookmark the links for visiting time and again. Information about which new records are available on a genealogy website is really valuable for helping you decide which website to subscribe to.

• For Ancestry use the Card Catalogue
• For FamilySearch – Browse all collections
• For Findmypast – visit the What’s New? blog posts
• For MyHeritage use the Collection Catalog
• For TheGenealogist – explore their chronological News blog

Find ancestors for free

Yes, it can sound too good to be true, but it is possible to find information on your ancestry without having to pay! There are many excellent places to look for clues about your ancestors free online. Of the five phenomenal genealogy sites mentioned above, FamilySearch, run by the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is free to use.

Read our guide on how to use FamilySearch

Check out these guides to free resources:

• The best free websites for finding UK ancestors
• How to start a family tree for free
• How do I trace my family's military history FREE? Try The Gazette

Learn more about family history for free

• Sign up to the Family Tree newsletter and receive advice straight to your inbox
• Free 'Getting started with Ancestry' video
• Explore the free research guides on The National Archives website

(Image copyright Michael Maggs)

Blog last updated 16 January 2025.