Museum of English Rural Life
Overview
Please note: The Museum of English Rural Life galleries and garden are closed until early 2016 for work on "Our Country Lives" HLF-funded redevelopment. The gift shop and reading room remain open as usual. For updates on progress of work on the project, visit blogs.reading.ac.uk/merl. The museum houses a national collection of agricultural, domestic and crafts exhibits, including wagons, tools and a wide range of other equipment used in the English countryside over the last 150 years. Special facilities are available for school parties. The museum also contains extensive documentary and photographic archives, which can be studied by appointment. There is a regular programme of events and activities, please see website for details.
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open all year, Tue-Fri, 9-5, Sat & Sun 2-4.30. Closed Mons, BHs, Xmas-New Year & during university holidays
- Facilities
- Parking onsite
About the area
Berkshire consists of two distinct parts: the western half, which is predominantly rural, with the Lambourn Downs spilling down to the River Lambourn and the Berkshire Downs to the majestic Thames, and the eastern half of Berkshire, which offers plenty of opportunity to get out and savour open spaces. Reading and Newbury are the county’s major towns, and the River Kennet flows through them both.
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Hotel
The Roseate Reading
Quality Assessed
"Impressive Victorian building close to Forbury Park...."
- Family rooms:
Hotel
Malmaison Reading
★★★★
"Funky luxury hotel with a railway theme...."
- Family rooms: 6
- Free TV
- WiFi available
- Lift available
Hotel
Crowne Plaza Reading
★★★★
"The staff throughout were very friendly and dedicated to their guests...."
- Family rooms: 28
- Free TV
- WiFi available
- Lift available
Nearby places to stay
The Roseate Reading
The Roseate Reading sits across from Forbury Hill and is located in the centre of Reading close to main travel networks. Bedrooms vary in size and are split between the main house, wher...
Quality Assessed
Malmaison Reading
This historic property reflects a funky Malmaison style that also conveys its proximity and long-standing relationship with the nearby railway. Public areas feature rail memorabilia and...
★★★★ Rating
Crowne Plaza Reading
With easy access to the M4, the fully refurbished Crowne Plaza Reading is perfect for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel features luxurious, spacious rooms designed for max...
★★★★ Rating
California Chalet & Touring Park
A simple, peaceful and well-located woodland site with secluded pitches among the trees, adjacent to the country park. The sun shines through the trees onto the pitches, and several occ...
★★★ Rating
Badgemore Park
Located close to Henley-on-Thames on a golfing estate, Badgemore Park offers comfortable guest accommodation in quiet surroundings within secluded and private walled gardens, just 100 m...
★★★★ Rating
Hotel du Vin Henley-on-Thames
Situated just 50 yards from the water's edge, Hotel du Vin Henley-on-Thames retains the character and much of the architecture of its former life as a brewery. Food, and naturally wine,...
★★★★ Rating
Phyllis Court Club
Phyllis Court was founded in 1906 as a private members' club and has welcomed many distinguished visitors over the years. Set in 18 acres, with lawns sweeping down to the Thames, it off...
★★★★ Rating
Swiss Farm Touring & Camping
Swiss Farm Touring & Camping enjoys an excellent location within easy walking distance of the town and is perfect for those visiting the Henley Regatta (but booking is essential at that...
★★★★★ Rating





