THE OUTSIDE IN: BOOKABLE HALF TERM WORKSHOPS

A Melanesian mask (blue and red) and a grumpy medieval face jug made out of recycled materials.

A very special opportunity to work with Jelly artist, Julie Calce Bunker.  In response to the Reading International exhibition of works by Steven Claydon at The MERL create your very own decorative mask or a grumpy face jug using recycled materials. Bookable half term workshops (choose one): Tuesday 23 October, 1.00 – 2.30pm: Make a Mask Thursday 25 October, 1.00 – 2.30pm: […]

SECOND SUNDAY CRAFT DROP-IN

Craft of brightly coloured wool spelling out the word wool and a sheep's head

Drop in between 11am – 1pm each second Sunday of the month and enjoy a different activity based on various themes related to The MERL and its collections. Why not bring a picnic or enjoy lunch in The MERL café too? 12 January – MAKE WINTERY WOOLLY CREATIONS What can we make with wool? This […]

THE MERL FAMILY PICNIC

Black and white photograph of a family having a picnic next to a car in the woods

BRING A PICNIC, YOUR FRIENDS AND YOUR TEDDY AND JOIN US IN THE MERL GARDEN FOR FOOD-THEMED FUN Have a go at oat-rolling Test out our ‘Sensory Cow’. Record your moo! Try milking Daisy the Cow Follow the Food Facts Trail in the MERL galleries Enjoy make-and-take and colouring activities Try out our new woodland […]

THE MERL FAMILY EVENT: A BUG’S LIFE

Bug craft made from brightly coloured card tied to a branch in the MERL garden

JOIN US FOR A MORNING OF BUG EXPLORATION AND THEMED CRAFT ACTIVITIES IN THE MERL GARDEN  SESSIONS ARE SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 3 – 11* AND WILL INCLUDE: a bug trail Trying out bug catching and viewing equipment Bug-themed crafts A visit from a local bee-keeper Outdoor play (for under-7s, similar to the MERL’s […]

SUMMER HOLIDAYS AT THE MERL

Children playing on the tractor in the MERL garden for innovations science workshop

VISIT THE MUSEUM DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS FOR TRAILS, OBJECT HANDLING AND ACTIVITIES – INDOORS & OUTSIDE Visit our galleries during your holidays and discover the exciting displays and interactive games Try out our Rat and Rodent Trail Drop in and enjoy our new Virtual vs. Reality sessions  every Tuesday morning in the holidays, 11am to 1pm Free Make […]

WHITEKNIGHTS STUDIO TRAIL

Painting of cows by artist, Katie Wilkins

The MERL is very pleased to host 3 artists as part of this year’s Whiteknights Studio Trail Joan McQuillan www.diveristy.textileart.com Stitched embroidered textiles. “Combining research, experimenting and using a wide variety of media I strive to push boundaries to create something unique with fabric and thread.” Kate Powell www.katepowell.org Upholstery, textile design. Kate Powell is […]

SECOND SUNDAY CRAFT DROP-IN

Paper plant pots, watering can and trowels

Drop in between 11am – 1pm each second Sunday of the month and enjoy a different activity based on various themes related to The MERL and its collections. 8 March – What can we Grow in Spring? Spring is around the corner! Explore our MERL garden and see what our gardeners are planting this year. […]

TERRIFIC TREES FAMILY EVENT

Looking up through the branches of a tree with the trunk in the center

JOIN US FOR A MORNING OF FUN TREE-THEMED GAMES AND CRAFT ACTIVITIES IN THE MERL GARDEN. SESSIONS ARE SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 3 – 11* AND WILL INCLUDE: Paint with natural paint brushes and have a go at leaf printing Twig frames; twig pencil holder; create your own twig art. (Ages 6 +)* Identify the […]

HALF TERM HOLIDAYS AT THE MERL

Five children/evacuees standing in a row, smiling in the sun

VISIT THE MUSEUM DURING THE HOLIDAYS FOR TRAILS, OBJECT HANDLING AND ACTIVITIES Visit the galleries during your holidays and discover the exciting displays and interactive games Try out our Rat and Rodent Trail Get your hands on real museum objects with our Object Handling volunteers Free Make and Take activities Have a go at making a brass rubbing […]

SUMMER ARTS AND HERITAGE HOLIDAY CLUB

'MERL' printed in red ink

Join Jelly artists at the Museum this Summer holiday and get your Discover Arts Award! A fun and creative holiday club that will use the exhibitions in the museum as a starting point to explore different artistic techniques and processes. All children who take part will earn a Discover Arts Award, a nationally recognised qualification, and […]

  • Visit us

    Visit Us

    The Museum is now fully open, following a major redevelopment, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

    Free Admission

    The Museum of English Rural Life

    University of Reading

    Redlands Road

    Reading

    RG1 5EX

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