Christmas at The MERL

Make it a MERL Christmas this year!

Christmas shopping

Browse our beautiful Christmas shop, packed with even more ranges this year, including exclusive gifts and cards inspired by our collections. You’ll find toys, ceramics, books, jams & chutneys, biscuits, scarfs and much more…

Christmas crafts

Make and Takes
Free festive paper craft activities available from December 1st. Make a MERL Christmas blackbird or a Happy New Year paper chain decoration.

Looking for something to do between Christmas and New Year?

This year, we’ll be open on 28th & 29th December*.

So if you need to get out of the house or are looking for a way to entertain visiting friends or family, come and explore the galleries, see our latest exhibitions and enjoy all kinds of activities.

What is there to do?

There’s plenty for everyone including a large model farm in the welcome space, interactive games and trails in the galleries, dressing up and brass rubbing in the Studio! Get creative with our free ‘Make and Takes’ You can even get some fresh air and let off steam in the garden, where there’s a wooden play-on tractor and wagon and brass-rubbing trail for the hardy!!

Cafe

Relax after your visit , or pop in to our cafe for a special treat, where you can enjoy a selection of hot and cold drinks including proper coffee, English tea and a very special hot chocolate. You’ll also find a delicious selection of  cakes, sandwiches, salads and snacks. Find out more.

*Opening times

We are open on 28th & 29th December.

Please note that the museum, shop, cafe and reading room are closed on 23rd to 27th December, and 30th December to January. We close at 5pm on 22nd December. In the New Year, we will open at 9am on 2nd January. Click here for details of opening times.