Exploring Reading: Museums You Won’t Want to Miss

21st May 2025

Reading is a place rich with history, innovation, and cultural heritage. Whether you're a lifelong resident or a curious visitor, the town’s diverse collection of museums offers something for everyone. From medieval treasures and rural life to aviation, zoology, and medical history, these museums provide an incredible window into the past and present of the region. Here's a guide to the best museums Reading has to offer.

Reading Museum

Reading Museum is your perfect starting point for diving into the town’s rich past. Located in the historic Town Hall, the museum’s Story of Reading Galleries give visitors a vivid look at how Reading evolved, with a special focus on the once-magnificent Reading Abbey. A standout attraction is the British Bayeux Tapestry, a full-size replica of the famous Norman original, which brings medieval history to life in colourful detail. And don’t leave without seeing the famous Huntley & Palmers biscuit tin collection—an iconic piece of Reading’s industrial legacy. 

The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL) 

A short distance from the town centre, The MERL is dedicated to England’s rural heritage. With its vast and quirky collection of agricultural tools, vintage tractors, and rustic vehicles, it brings the history of the countryside to life. The museum also houses the charming Ladybird Books Archive, a nostalgic treat for many visitors. Families especially enjoy the welcoming café and thoughtfully designed garden, which make it a great day out for all ages. 

The Cole Museum of Zoology 

Now housed in a new, state-of-the-art facility on the University of Reading’s Whiteknights campus, the Cole Museum of Zoology features a fascinating collection of animal specimens from across the globe. The exhibits include everything from tiny insects to a full-sized elephant skeleton, helping visitors understand the complexity and diversity of the animal kingdom. It’s a must-visit for budding scientists and animal lovers alike. 

The Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology 

Also located at the Whiteknights campus, the Ure Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the ancient world. Specializing in Greek and Egyptian antiquities, it features intricately decorated pottery, fascinating funerary objects, and tools of daily life from thousands of years ago. Its compact but impressive collection makes it ideal for anyone interested in archaeology or classical studies. 

The Museum of Berkshire Aviation 

Tucked away in Woodley, the Museum of Berkshire Aviation shines a light on the area’s contributions to British aviation history. Housed in part of the former Woodley Airfield, the museum is packed with model aircraft, engines, and aviation memorabilia. A highlight is the chance to climb aboard one of the historic planes on display, offering a rare hands-on experience of aviation heritage. 

The Royal Berkshire Medical Museum 

Located within the Royal Berkshire Hospital, the Berkshire Medical Museum is a hidden gem. Open to the public only two Sundays a month, it’s home to a vast collection of medical instruments, photographs, and documents that trace the evolution of healthcare in the region. From early surgical tools to 20th-century nursing uniforms, the museum gives a thought-provoking look at the challenges and triumphs of medicine over the centuries. With its doors open just two and a half hours each month, visiting feels like a special occasion—so be sure to plan ahead for this unique experience!

Get Learning!

Each museum in Reading tells a unique story about the people, places, and ideas that have shaped the region—and together, they make Reading a town well worth exploring! Check out more of Reading’s History and Heritage.