Museum Of English Rural Life

Reading

Museum in Reading, England, United Kingdom

Opening Galleries, garden, café, and shop: Tue – Fri: 9 am to 5 pm (last entry 4.30 pm); Sat – Sun: 10 am to 5 pm (last entry 4.30 pm); Mon: Closed. Archive, library, and reading room: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm; Sat – Mon archive visits must be booked in advance.

Price Free to visit, £5 suggested donation. No need to book.

Typical visit Not provided yet

Age fit Family-friendly with under-5s group Friday Fledglings and Rat Trail; LEGO Build the Change activity suggested age 4+.

Setting indoor/outdoor

The experience

About this day out

The Museum of English Rural Life explores the past and present of the English countryside and the people whose lives and work define it. It offers galleries, a garden, café, shop, and reading room, with free admission and a suggested £5 donation. The museum also hosts events, family activities, and accessible resources.

When to go

Opening calendar

Galleries, garden, café, and shop: Tue – Fri: 9 am to 5 pm (last entry 4.30 pm); Sat – Sun: 10 am to 5 pm (last entry 4.30 pm); Mon: Closed. Archive, library, and reading room: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm; Sat – Mon archive visits must be booked in advance.

Check the venue calendar ↗

What it costs

Prices at a glance

Admission: Free to visit, £5 suggested donation. No need to book.

Prices can change. Confirm ticket terms with the venue before booking.

Practical details

Facilities & accessibility

At a glance

CaféShopGardenReading roomAccessible toiletBaby-changing facilitiesPortable seats

Accessibility: Step-free main entrance with push-button door; lifts to all floors and level access to all public spaces; two disabled parking bays in front of museum and three disabled parking bays in adjacent University of Reading car park on Acacia Road; wheelchair-accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities; assistance provided for people with hearing needs at talks and events; service animals welcome; large-print guides available on request; Sensory Map, Social Story, and Sensory Backpacks available; Museums, My Way programme for neurodivergent people.
Parking: Small car park directly in front of museum, spaces limited and fill up quickly; University of Reading (Acacia Road) parking available but temporary permit must be collected from reception; limited paid street parking on Redlands Road (max. 2 hours); closest multi-storey option is Queens Road car park, approximately a 10-minute walk.
Dogs: Service animals welcome.

Getting there

Where you'll find it

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