Maiwand Lion
ENTRY
Free
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Reading
What it’s like
Free galleries of Roman finds, a Bayeux Tapestry copy and biscuit tins to hunt through, right by Reading station.
Ten galleries to wander through, and you don't pay a penny to get in, though they'll suggest a fiver donation on the way round. The big one is Britain's Bayeux Tapestry, a Victorian copy of the original, stitched to tell the same story. Kids who like a hunt will get on well with the Huntley & Palmers biscuit tin collection, and there's Roman archaeology from Silchester and Reading Abbey to poke about in too, alongside natural history and some modern art and sculpture.
It's not a huge day out, more a couple of hours if you're doing it properly, and it slots in well either side of lunch since you're two minutes from the station. No food or drink inside the galleries themselves, but there's a café on the ground floor called The Pantry for a proper sit-down after.
The catch worth knowing is that the Bayeux Tapestry gallery sometimes shuts for school tours or group sessions, so if that's the one your child's been asking about, it's worth checking the day works before you set off. Other galleries can close now and then too, for maintenance or booked groups.
Getting around is easy: step-free access throughout with a lift and ramps to every floor, and accessible toilets on site. There's no car park of its own, just three Blue Badge spaces out front, so you'll likely park at the station or Queen's Road and walk in.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- Three Blue Badge spaces at front, nearby public car parks at Reading Station and Queen's Road
- Getting there by bus or train
- Two minutes walk from Reading train station (mainline and Elizabeth Line)
- Worth knowing
- Free admission with suggested £5 donation per visitor
- Suggested donation is £5 per visitor, but entry itself is free
- No food or drink allowed inside the galleries, only in The Pantry café
- Open on Mondays only during February and October half terms
- Ask at the desk if a specific gallery is running a school session before you head that way
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
Nothing to get in. They ask for a suggested £5 donation per visitor on the way round.
What are the opening hours?
Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, and Saturday 10am to 5pm. Closed Sundays, Mondays and bank holidays, except half-term Mondays in February and October.
Do we need to book?
There's no booking link listed, so you can turn up during opening hours.
Can we always see the Bayeux Tapestry gallery?
Usually, but it can close for school tours and group sessions, so it's a bit of a gamble on a busy weekday.
Is there anywhere to eat?
The Pantry café is on the ground floor for hot and cold food and drinks. No food or drink is allowed in the galleries themselves.
Is it accessible with a buggy or wheelchair?
Yes, step-free access with a lift and ramps to every floor, plus accessible toilets.
Where do we park?
There's no museum car park, just three Blue Badge spaces at the front. Reading Station and Queen's Road car parks are both close by.
Is it open over Christmas?
It closes between Christmas Eve and 2nd January each year.
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