What’s On

Illustration from Ladybird Books of people walking and holding a 'Peoples Climate March' banner
Exhibition

Ladybird in Focus: 100 Years On

Explore how Ladybird Books has continued to evolve since its centenary in 2015.

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Dates

2 September 2025 – 6 September 2026

Author

Public

Location
The Museum of English Rural Life
The word 'Winter' split over two lines with a sparkly snowflake in the middle on a dark blue background
Activity

Winter Family Activity Packs

Winter-inspired things to do in the museum, outdoors and at home.

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Dates

15 November 2025 – 27 February 2026

Author

Family

Location
The Museum of English Rural Life
People taking part in a Tai Chi session in The MERL garden Recurring Event
Event

Tai Chi with Sport in Mind

Free drop-in sessions run by Sport in Mind for adults, designed to support positive mental health.

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Dates

Weekly on Wednesdays, 15:30 – 16:30

Next event: 18 February 2026
Author

Public

Price

Free

Location
The Museum of English Rural Life
Section of the Wonky Wall hanging
Exhibition

Community Voices

Discover creative and thought-provoking responses to our collections from our local community.

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Dates

20 January – 24 May 2026

Author

Public

Location
The Museum of English Rural Life
Two girls walking in The MERL galleries
Half Term

February half term at The MERL

Enjoy trails and activities at the museum during February half term!

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Dates

14 – 22 February 2026

Author

Family

Location
The Museum of English Rural Life
"Cluttered Countryside." A pastiche of different technologies and activities that disrupt the English countryside - from cars, to petrol stations, to tourism.
Exhibition

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.

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Dates

14 February – 24 May 2026

Author

Public

Location
The Museum of English Rural Life
"Radical Rural." A line-art illustration of an onion taking root in the ground.
Exhibition

Radical Rural gallery trail

Discover the artists, activists and movements championing rural England’s people and places today.

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Dates

14 February – 24 May 2026

Author

Public

Location
The Museum of English Rural Life
Watercolour of a farmhouse by John Paget.
Exhibition

Preserving the Picturesque

Explore a series of watercolours portraying landscapes from 19th century England, painted by Victorian artist John Paget.

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Dates

14 February – 24 May 2026

Author

Public

Location
The Museum of English Rural Life
Family playing at the farm table in the Toys gallery at The MERL
Event

Museums, My Way

Free sessions for neurodivergent visitors and their loved ones.

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Dates

Monday 16 February 2026

Author

Public

Price

Booking required

Location
The Museum of English Rural Life
Two people laughing in one of the museum spaces.
Event

Chatty Café

Monthly chat, craft & play drop-in sessions aimed at adults including care-givers and loved ones.

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Dates

Tuesday 17 February 2026, 14:00 – 16:00

Author

Public

Price

Drop-in (groups please contact us)

Location
The Museum of English Rural Life
Young people playing an interactive game in the MERL galleries
Event

Youth Panel

For young people aged 14 – 18, our Youth Panel offers collective work experience opportunities across The MERL and Reading Museum.

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Dates

Thursday 19 February 2026, 16:30 – 18:00

Author

Young People

Price

Free • Booking required, please email merlevents@reading.ac.uk

Location
Online
Families toasting marshmallows in the MERL garden during a Green Explorers session
Event

Green Explorers

Sessions for children aged 5+ to experience nature and build their outdoor skills.

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Dates

Sunday 22 February 2026, 10:00 – 12:00

Author

Family

Price

Free. Bookings open two weeks ahead of each session.

Location
The Museum of English Rural Life