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 »Summer Holidays at The MERL
VISIT THE MERL FOR FUN ACTIVITIES AND MORE! This Summer, enjoy trails, activities, crafts at The Museum of English Rural Life! Discover our Summer Family Activity Packs for all ages (from £2 per pack) Have a go at a variety of gallery and garden trails including our woodland brass rubbing trail Free make-and-take and other […]
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
Miller’s Ark, My Way at The MERL – sold out
Bring a picnic, meet the Miller's Ark farm animals and enjoy other activities in the MERL garden. This event will be a relaxed session with additional sensory provision, geared towards neurodivergent visitors and their families. Please only book this session if you feel it is appropriate to do so. Limited spaces: SOLD OUT The garden will […]
Find out more »12:30 pm
Miller’s Ark at The MERL – sold out
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. Final few tickets will release online Friday 25 July, 12pm. Be sure to […]
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