All Day
Forty Farms
Our 2025 exhibition reveals the highs and lows of farming lives in some of England's most beautiful landscapes.
Find out more »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 […]
Find out more »Paint, Pencil, Print
In 2025, the University of Reading Art Collection celebrates its 10th birthday! Join us for a special showcase of iconic and innovative artworks, highlighting the growth and evolution of the art collection over the past ten years. Showing in the Upper Staircase Hall. Image credit: Robert Gillmor, Peewit and Son, linocut on paper, UAC/11171. © […]
Find out more »Creating Communities
This student exhibition explores how communities express themselves and connect with each other. Explore the social history of craft, celebrations, and oral traditions. See how communities, form, develop, and collaborate. Reflect on what makes your community unique and question what heritage means to you.
Find out more »Ongoing
Tai Chi with Sport in Mind
Run with our partners Sport in Mind, the UK’s leading mental health sports charity, based in Reading. These casual drop-in sessions for adults are designed to support positive mental health through Tai Chi. They are fun and free and delivered at The Museum of English Rural Life every Wednesday at 3.30-4.30pm. This session is open […]
Find out more »10:00 am
Friday Fledglings – 20 June
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 at Friday Fledglings! Come and join in with activities inspired by the themes and collections of the museum, and enjoy exploring nature, our mud kitchen, water play, sand-pit, and […]
Find out more »2:00 pm
Are We There Yet?
All aboard for a story telling journey like no other! This Refugee Week join us for our pop-up tour along the GWR line bringing theatre, music and comedy to unexpected places. This travelling celebration explores this year’s impactful theme: Community As A Superpower. We’re conjuring a world less hostile – one story, one stop at […]
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