Autumn 2025 highlights
Explore the highlights of what’s coming up this season at The Museum of English Rural Life: from workshops and LATEs, to displays, exhibitions, and plenty of Christmas shopping.
Exhibitions, displays and trails
Discover links between beloved English author Jane Austen and the English countryside in our new display, Jane Austen and Rural Life. View a rare letter from Jane to her sister Cassandra (just one of 160 letters to survive Austen’s death), or follow a trail through the galleries highlighting Austen stories, anecdotes and history throughout our collections.
Delve into never-before-seen personal papers belonging to iconic author James Joyce in James Joyce: Enigmas and Puzzles, a new exhibition from the University of Reading’s Special Collections. Explore Joyce’s personal networks and family life through his notes and letters, and learn about the adjustments he made so that he could work through ill-health.
As the University of Reading Art Collection celebrates its 10th anniversary, view ten iconic works from their collection so far in their anniversary display, Paint, Pencil, Print.
Adult activities and tours
We’re running a LATE! Join us after-dark on 19 November for our 18+ Autumn LATE, complete with informal activities and crafts, drinks, music, and the perfect opportunity to get ahead on Christmas shopping.
There are also plenty of opportunities to learn more about our collections and rural history throughout the season: from Zoom calls with the University of Reading Art Collection to curator-led monthly tours, and ages 14+ craft workshops exploring ink-making and embroidery as part of our Jane Austen 250 programme.
Family events
Our festive family event Magical Lights returns on 15 December, filling the museum garden with special lights, crafts, and activities to round off another year. We also run an accessible version of the event for families with neurodivergent children, providing extra sensory provisions as part of our Museums, My Way series. Booking opens from 24 October.
Our under 5s and 5+ groups – Friday Fledglings and Green Explorers – also return for another year, bringing outdoor learning to children of all ages.
We also have lots coming up for our youngest visitors to enjoy throughout October half term, so be sure to factor in a visit then!
Podcast
Our podcast Absolute Units brings The MERL to you, sharing new stories about the history of rural England and the life of our museum every two weeks. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Ready to visit?
We look forward to welcoming you to The MERL very soon! Plan your visit today.