Traditional ink making and writing workshop
In these 2 hour workshops led by Nicky Culetto, we’ll explore the history of ink making and discover the wide variety of useful materials and resources found in nature – including the oak gall. We will experiment with Jane Austen’s own recipe to make the oak gall ink with which she penned her famous novels, […]
Embroiderey Sampler Workshop
To celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, we are offering workshops exploring two of her greatest skills – writing and embroidery. When Jane Austen was a little child, she and most girls her age would have been taught needlework and made samplers to show off their skills. In the 21st Century, needlework is for everyone, and […]
Romany & Traveller Heritage Day 2025
Rainbow Rescue
Come visit The MERL on Saturday 1 March to see Reading Rep’s vibrant new children’s show Rainbow Rescue It’s Jesse’s first day as an official member of the Rainbow Sighting Society! Jesse bumps into our audience whilst recording his first Rainbow Sighting. When suddenly, the colours of the Rainbow start to disappear from our world! […]
Magical Lights
Grimwood Museum Adventure trail
Get ready for a wander into the woods – and to meet some unique characters along the way! The Grimwood Museum Adventure celebrates the release of Party Animals, the fourth book in the brilliantly anarchic comedy-adventure series, Grimwood, by bestselling author-illustrator Nadia Shireen. Fox cub siblings, Ted and Nancy escape urban life and find themselves […]
Miller’s Ark, My Way at The MERL – sold out
Bring a picnic, meet the Miller’s Ark farm animals and enjoy other activities in the MERL garden. This event will be a relaxed session with additional sensory provision, geared towards neurodivergent visitors and their families. Please only book this session if you feel it is appropriate to do so. Limited spaces: SOLD OUT The garden will […]
Native Species – FULLY BOOKED
GET UP CLOSE TO AMAZING ANIMALS! See and learn about the awesome animals we have living here in the UK. Zoolab will use their bigger brighter versions of things to tell you all about the Frogs, Snakes, Lizards and all sorts of amazing insects that we can find in our gardens, parks and countryside. This […]
The Twitchers Museum Adventure
Join birdwatching detectives the Twitchers and explore the beautiful birds and amazing animals at The MERL this February half-term. The Twitchers Museum Adventure from Kids in Museums and Walker Books celebrates the release of Feather, the fourth book in The Twitchers series from bestselling author M. G. Leonard. Find the birds and make your own […]
Climate Crusaders
Get up close to amazing animals! Linking to The MERL’s Our Green Stories campaign and global environmental concerns, this lively animal workshop shows how we can all do more to protect animals, habitats all over the world. By seeing and hearing about real animals and insects, this show will cover issues including recycling, biodiversity, climate […]