Reading Museum
ENTRY
Free
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Reading
What it’s like
Ten free galleries covering a Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry, biscuit history and Roman Silchester, right by Reading station.
There's a proper spread of things to point at here: a full length Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry, the Huntley & Palmers gallery tracing Reading's biscuit trade, Roman finds from Silchester, natural history and modern art all under one roof. Ten galleries in total, so you can pick a couple and do them properly rather than trying to cover the lot in one go.
The Bayeux Tapestry room is the one people come for, and it's worth saving for last since it can close without warning for tours or school sessions. If you time it right you get the whole thing to yourselves; if you don't, there's plenty else to fill the gap while you wait it out.
Entry is free, though they do ask for a £5 donation per adult, which feels fair for what's on offer. There's no food or drink allowed inside the galleries themselves, but The Pantry café on the ground floor covers hot and cold food if you need a break. The building's step-free throughout, with a lift and ramps to every floor, so a buggy or wheelchair isn't a problem.
It's a two-minute walk from Reading station, which makes it an easy add-on to a day in town rather than a destination you'd drive out for. There's no car park on site beyond three Blue Badge spaces.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- Three Blue Badge spaces at front
- Food
- The Pantry café on ground floor serves hot and cold drinks and food
- Wheelchairs
- Fully accessible: step-free access with lift and ramp to all floors, accessible toilets
- Getting there by bus or train
- Two-minute walk from Reading train station
- Worth knowing
- Suggested donation of £5 per adult visitor keeps admission free
- Save the Bayeux Tapestry gallery for last in case it's closed for a tour when you arrive
- Bring cash or card for the suggested £5 donation, entry itself is free
- No food or drink allowed in the galleries, only in The Pantry café
- Jane Austen's school room in the Abbey Quarter needs a separate summer tour booking to get inside
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
Entry's free, but they suggest a £5 donation per adult to help keep it that way.
Do we need to book?
No booking needed for general entry. Some bits, like tours of Jane Austen's old school in the Abbey Quarter, are separate public tours you book onto in summer.
When's it open?
Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm. Closed Sundays, Mondays and bank holidays, except during February and October half-terms when it opens on the Monday too.
Can we always see the Bayeux Tapestry?
Usually, but the gallery sometimes closes for tours or school sessions. Worth having a second gallery in mind as a backup for that slot.
Is there parking?
Only three Blue Badge spaces on site. Everyone else needs a public car park or the park and ride.
Is it wheelchair and buggy friendly?
It's step-free throughout with a lift and ramps to every floor, plus accessible toilets.
Can we get food there?
The Pantry café on the ground floor does hot and cold food and drinks. You can't bring outside food into the galleries themselves.
How do we get there without a car?
It's a two-minute walk from Reading train station and about five minutes from the main bus stops.
Is there a shop?
A gift shop behind the reception desk sells books, gifts and souvenirs, with proceeds going back to the museum.
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