Name: Reading Museum
Rating: 5.0

Reading Museum

Reading Museum, Blagrave Street, Reading

1-99 Years

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Description

Reading Museum is a vibrant cultural hub located in the stunning Victorian Town Hall in the heart of the town centre. It is widely regarded as one of the best things to do with kids in Reading because it offers a huge variety of galleries ranging from Roman history to modern art, all in a family-friendly museum setting. You can explore everything from the world's only full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry to the famous Huntley & Palmers biscuit tin collection.

Visiting this impressive venue is extremely budget-friendly for families. Prices start from £0.00, as general admission to all permanent galleries is completely free for everyone. While there is no entry fee, the museum is a charity and welcomes donations of around £5.00 to help keep the exhibits running for the local community.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines local history with hands-on discovery, this is the perfect spot. It provides a high-quality educational day out where children can engage with interactive displays and seasonal activity trails. The central location makes it an easy addition to a day spent exploring the nearby Forbury Gardens or the Abbey Quarter.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive History Galleries: Several rooms feature interactive exhibits where kids can touch replicas and use digital screens to explore the past.
The Bayeux Gallery: A dedicated space for an educational day out where you can see the 70-metre long Victorian replica of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Biscotti and Biscuits: A unique look at Reading's famous biscuit-making history, including sensory play elements like smelling vintage ingredients.
Museum Activity Trails: The museum provides themed trails that turn a gallery walk into a scavenger hunt for younger visitors.

Top 5 Highlights

The Bayeux Tapestry Replica: This is a "Helpful Peer" favourite because it’s the only place in the world where you can see the entire story of 1066 in one go. Kids love the "Where's Wally" style hunt for specific scenes, like the famous Harold with an arrow in his eye.
The Silchester Roman Gallery: This highlight is great because it features real objects found just a few miles away. Children enjoy seeing the Roman eagle and the "bravery" awards that soldiers used to wear.
Huntley & Palmers Biscuit Tins: You’ll see tins shaped like books, clocks, and even handbags. It’s a highlight because it shows kids how creative everyday items used to be before plastic packaging took over.
The Green Space Gallery: This is a highlight for nature lovers. It’s a great way to talk to kids about local wildlife and the environment, featuring taxidermy and models of animals found in the Thames Valley.
Reading Abbey Quarter Model: A highlight that helps children visualise the massive abbey that once stood next door. It makes a walk through the nearby ruins much more interesting when they can "see" what it used to look like.

Facilities

Toilets: Located on the ground floor and second floor, including accessible toilets and baby changing.
Buggy Parking: There is a designated area for prams near the reception desk on the ground floor.
Food & Drink: The Pantry Café serves coffee, cakes, and light lunches with high chairs available.
Lockers: Small lockers are available for a £1.00 returnable coin.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Quiet Times: Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are usually the quietest times to visit. Saturdays can get busy, especially if there is a town centre event.
Check for Workshops: On Saturdays and during school holidays, the museum often runs "make and take" craft sessions for a small fee (usually £1-£4).
Lift Access: The museum is spread over several floors, but there is a large lift that fits double buggies easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, the ground floor has plenty of space and the biscuit tin gallery is very colourful, though older kids will get more out of the history trails.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend around 2 hours exploring the different galleries and stopping for a snack in the café.
Where is the best place to park? The Garrard Street NCP is very close, but the museum is so close to the station that taking the train or bus is much easier.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Reading? Reading Museum is the top choice for free indoor activities in the town, offering three floors of history and art for no cost.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The fact that it is free makes it a low-pressure visit; you can stay for 30 minutes or 3 hours without feeling you need to "get your money's worth."
The staff are noted for being very friendly and great with children, often offering trail sheets as soon as you walk in.
The location right next to the train station makes it incredibly easy to get to for families living outside of Reading.

What Visitors Don't Like

The café is lovely but small, so it can be hard to find a table during the peak lunch hour.
Some of the higher galleries can get a bit warm during the summer months.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

Victorian Bayeux Tapestry: The 70-metre long, hand-stitched wool embroidery.
The Silchester Eagle: A famous bronze Roman eagle found in 1866.
The 'Commotion' Biscuit Tin: An intricate tin in the shape of a stagecoach.
The Maiwand Lion Model: A small-scale version of the famous statue in Forbury Gardens.
Boxley Abbey Cross: A medieval stone fragment from the local Abbey.
Neolithic Stone Axe Heads: Tools used by early settlers in the Kennet Valley.
Victorian Schoolroom Re-enactment Space: Used for school sessions and special weekend events.
The Berkshire Wagon: A full-size traditional wooden farm wagon.
Roman Mosaic Floors: Preserved sections of flooring from the Silchester site.
The 1950s Biscuit Factory Clock: A large original timepiece from the local factory floor.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Reading Abbey Ruins: Just a 3-minute walk away, these ruins are perfect for kids to run around and explore medieval history outdoors.
Forbury Gardens: A beautiful Victorian park right next to the museum, ideal for a picnic after your visit.
The Oracle Shopping Centre: A 5-minute walk for a wide range of family-friendly restaurants and a cinema.
Riverside Museum at Blake’s Lock: A small sister museum about a 15-minute walk away that focuses on the River Kennet.

New for 2026

The 2026 'Reading at Play' Exhibition: A major new attraction for 2026 featuring a collection of toys and games played by Reading children over the last 150 years.
Updated Digital Roman Trail: Launching in May 2026, this new tablet-based trail allows kids to "rebuild" Roman Silchester as they walk through the gallery.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Reading Museum does not offer standard catered birthday party packages. For private hire of rooms for events: Contact Email: museum.education@reading.gov.uk

Tuesday to Friday: 10am to 4pm
Saturday: 10am to 5pm
We are only open on a Monday in February and October half terms.

Address: Reading Museum, Blagrave Street, Reading

Post Code: RG1 1QH

Council: Reading

County: Berkshire

By Train: Just a 2-minute walk from the main entrance of Reading Railway Station.
By Bus: All major town centre bus routes stop at Friar Street or Blagrave Street, just seconds from the door.
Parking: No on-site parking. The nearest car park is the Reading Station car park or the NCP at Garrard Street.