What’s On
Ladybird in Focus: 100 Years On
Explore how Ladybird Books has continued to evolve since its centenary in 2015.
Find out more- Dates
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2 September 2025 – 6 September 2026
- Author
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Public
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
Winter Family Activity Packs
Winter-inspired things to do in the museum, outdoors and at home.
Find out more- Dates
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15 November 2025 – 27 February 2026
- Author
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Family
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
Recurring Event
Tai Chi with Sport in Mind
Free drop-in sessions run by Sport in Mind for adults, designed to support positive mental health.
Find out more- Dates
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Weekly on Wednesdays, 15:30 – 16:30
Next event: 25 February 2026 - Author
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Public
- Price
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Free
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
Community Voices
Discover creative and thought-provoking responses to our collections from our local community.
Find out more- Dates
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20 January – 24 May 2026
- Author
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Public
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
February half term at The MERL
Enjoy trails and activities at the museum during February half term!
Find out more- Dates
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14 – 22 February 2026
- Author
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Family
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
Voices of the Countryside: 100 Years of the Campaign to Protect Rural England
Celebrate the centenary of an extraordinary charity who transformed the preservation of England’s rural landscapes.
Find out more- Dates
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14 February – 24 May 2026
- Author
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Public
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
Radical Rural
Discover the artists, activists and movements championing rural England’s people and places today.
Find out more- Dates
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14 February – 24 May 2026
- Author
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Public
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
Preserving the Picturesque
Explore a series of watercolours portraying landscapes from 19th century England, painted by Victorian artist John Paget.
Find out more- Dates
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14 February – 24 May 2026
- Author
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Public
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
Youth Panel
For young people aged 14 – 18, our Youth Panel offers collective work experience opportunities across The MERL and Reading Museum.
Find out more- Dates
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Thursday 19 February 2026, 16:30 – 18:00
- Author
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Young People
- Price
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Free • Booking required, please email merlevents@reading.ac.uk
- Location
- Online
Green Explorers
Sessions for children aged 5+ to experience nature and build their outdoor skills.
Book Now- Dates
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Sunday 22 February 2026, 10:00 – 12:00
- Author
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Family
- Price
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Free. Bookings open two weeks ahead of each session.
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
Friday Fledglings
A weekly outdoor session for toddlers in the MERL garden.
Find out more- Dates
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Friday 27 February 2026, 10:00 – 11:30
- Author
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Family
- Price
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£5 per child. Bookings open at 12 pm on a Friday, one week ahead of the session you’d like to attend
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
Gallery Tour: Women and Dairying
Join us on a tour of the MERL galleries to discuss the theme of women and dairying in our Collections.
Book Now- Dates
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Tuesday 3 March 2026, 13:00 – 14:00
- Author
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Adults
- Price
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Free, booking suggested
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
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