What happens to executed wills?

Will it, a will still be available for me to see after 37 odd years, If I need to re-check on a late step fathers wishes. Something strange within that will has bothered me for years, something I never questioned then but wish to now. I was with my step father when he made the will out, leaving everything to me all those years ago. Yet after his death the solicitor said that my step father had got it all wrong in the will and that I was left nothing. I am curious and would like to verify a point in it for my own piece of mind. Are wills kept with the lawyer or the family. If not is it available at public records office?

Thanks, Any help would be much appreciated.