The Museum of English Rural Life

Reading Walks Festival: Five Ways to Wellbeing Nature Walk

a path leading to a bench in immersed in greenery in the herb garden at The MERL

Join us as part of Reading Walks Festival 2023 We are delighted to be taking part in the first ever Reading Walks Festival. We are offering two gentle, accessible walks in and around the museum and its immediate surroundings on campus. The first is this Five Ways to Wellbeing Nature Walk, and the second is […]

Youth Workshop: Garment Upcycling

part of a recycled garment in an embroidery hoop with flowers being sewn on
Fast fashion is leading to tonnes of clothing being discarded daily which has a huge impact on the environment. At this workshop with fashion and textiles artist, Anurita Chandola, you will learn how to mend, re-sparkle, personalise and transform your pre-loved clothing by learning different embroidery techniques. You will also learn to apply different techniques [...]

Bookfest: a day of family craft workshops

Children learning how to make paper
The MERL and Special Collections have a huge selection of books, archives and art works that are all created from naturally occurring or recycled materials. These include paper, parchment and plant dyes and colours. Over time, people reused library and archive components to create new objects, and these may still be seen in the books [...]

Half term at The MERL

Girl looking into the toy farm case in the MERL galleries
VISIT THE MERL THIS HALF TERM FOR FUN ACTIVITIES AND MORE This half term, enjoy trails, activities, crafts at The Museum of English Rural Life! Discover our new Spring Family Activity Packs for all ages (from £2 per pack) Have a go at a variety of gallery and garden trails including our woodland brass rubbing [...]

Sunflower Amulets

Items used to make sunflower amulets sitting on a table

Join artist, Fong Scott, to make your own Sunflower Amulet using fabric scraps and unwanted clothing. The amulet will contain seeds that you can give as a gift or to save and plant yourself. You’ll have a chance to create your own label and write a message for nature too. All children must be accompanied […]

The MERL Green Explorers

Families toasting marshmallows in the MERL garden during a Green Explorers session
The MERL Green Explorers sessions provide an amazing opportunity for children aged 5+ to experience nature and build their outdoor skills. Led by Charlotte, a local environmental education teacher and Level 3 Forest Leader, sessions are themed around the museum collections and our changing seasons. Activities vary each session but will include shelter building, finding [...]

Woolly Wintry Creations

a colourful sheep decoration made from wool and pipecleaners

Create fun shapes with wool and pipe cleaners! Collect a kit from the Gift Shop for just £1.50 and make your decorations during your visit or at home. It contains all the materials you’ll need to make colourful, cute shapes to hang on your Christmas tree or as a decoration anywhere! The kit contains: pipe […]

THE TOM GATES MEGA MUSEUM CHALLENGE

Brightly coloured cartoon graphic of Tom Gates Mega Museum Challenge designed by Liz Pichon

Bring your family museum trip to life for free with the Tom Gates Mega Museum Challenge activity pack from Scholastic and Kids in Museums. Kids can go on their very own adventure by seeing if they can ‘Spot Ten Random Things’ from the activity sheet at the museum – from the biggest thing to the […]

Steel band and carnival dance workshops with CultureMix Arts

Dancers in brightly coloured carnival costume
Join us for these special Steel Band and Carnival dance workshops for families and young people! Steel Band workshop 11am  - Family workshop for children aged 5+ accompanied by an adult BOOK FAMILY BAND WORKSHOP 12pm - Workshop for young people aged 11 - 18 only (no accompanying adult required) BOOK YOUTH BAND WORKSHOP Explore [...]

FRIDAY FLEDGLINGS – 15 JULY

family attends Friday Fledglings in the MERL garden

JOIN US FOR A FUN AND FRIENDLY SESSION FOR UNDER-5S IN THE FANTASTIC GARDEN AT THE MERL Discover the benefits of outdoor learning and child-led play! Come and join in with activities inspired by the themes and collections of the museum, enjoy exploring nature, our mud kitchen, water play, sand-pit and more. Each session also […]

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    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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