The Museum of English Rural Life

Miller’s Ark at The MERL – sold out

A mother goat snuggling with her baby in the MERL garden
Bring your own picnic and blanket and join us in the museum garden. Enjoy a range of hands-on activities from The MERL and visit real farm animals from Miller’s Ark farm. Event details Event times: 12.30pm - 4pm Advance bookings: SOLD OUT Only event attendees will be able to access the garden on the day [...]

BISCUIT TOWN: MEET MR PALMER

A man dressed as a Victorian Mr Palmer holding a biscuit tin standing in front of the Huntley & Palmers building in Reading
As we continue to celebrate 200 years of Huntley & Palmers in Reading during the summer holidays, join us at The MERL to meet Mr George Palmer, proprietor of the famous biscuit manufacturers. He’ll be around to meet and chat to you throughout the day and there’ll also be a chance to enjoy a short [...]

Summer Family Activity Packs

Summer-inspired things to do in the museum, garden and at home Buy one of our packs at the museum Gift Shop for fun activities to do with children during your visit – and afterwards! For age 5+ (£3) Choose from one of  3 Nature themed Summer Activity Packs: Little Mouse and the Sunshine Garden Sun [...]

SONGS AND STORIES WITH LITTLE MOUSE

We are not able to return to our full Friday Fledglings sessions yet but we’d love to see you! Please join us for a 30-minute session in the garden where our Friday Fledglings leaders Charlotte, Fong and Little Mouse will tell stories and sing songs. Bring your own teddy, picnic blanket, snack and drink. Booking […]

FRIDAY FLEDGLINGS – 24 JUNE

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 […]

FRIDAY FLEDGLINGS – 17 JUNE

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 […]

FRIDAY FLEDGLINGS – 10 JUNE

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 […]

FRIDAY FLEDGLINGS – 27 MAY

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 […]

THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE BEACON TRAIL

cartoon characters from the Jubilee trail with speech bubble saying 'Come join us on the trail'

Join us for this historic occasion by taking part in Reading’s free, magical augmented reality story-trail Located around Reading are seven magical characters on a day trip from Buckingham Palace. Join Sir Barnaby Beacon on the trail as he visits his friends, you’ll be able to see them augmented reality, decide what happens next in […]

FRIDAY FLEDGLINGS – 20 MAY

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 […]


Widget not in any sidebars