Reading Museum Family Trail

A structured self-guided exploration of Reading Museum's collection with activity sheets tailored to different age groups. Children follow medieval-themed challenges including a Bayeux Tapestry replica and hands-on crafts while learning about Reading's Saxon and Norman history. The trail typically takes 2 hours but can be extended. Free return visits within a month encourage families to revisit specific sections. Best for families with children aged 6-14. This is a easy activity lasting 2 hours. Group size: 2-20. You meet at Reading Museum entrance. Key highlights: Hands-on medieval crafts and costume props, Bayeux Tapestry replica with educational context, Age-differentiated activity sheets for 6-10 and 11-14 age groups.

Price: £8

Duration: 2 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 2-20

Minimum age: 6

Best for: families with children aged 6-14

Best time: Weekday mornings (9:30am-12pm) for smaller crowds. Summer school holidays busier but offer extended opening hours.

Meeting point: Reading Museum entrance

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Upon arrival Collect activity sheet and brief orientation - Staff direct families to starting point and explain how the trail works with age-specific challenges.

First 30 min Explore ground floor exhibits - Focus on Roman Reading and Saxon period with interactive display stations and object-finding tasks.

30-60 min Medieval section and Bayeux Tapestry replica - Children complete hands-on crafts including illuminated manuscript design and medieval costume exploration.

60-90 min Upper floor galleries and collection exploration - Follow scavenger hunt clues through exhibits on Reading's industrial and social history.

Final 30 min Prize collection and café break - Complete the activity sheet, collect rewards, and relax in the museum café with light refreshments.

The whole experience takes 2 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Reading Museum entrance.

• Hands-on medieval crafts and costume props
• Bayeux Tapestry replica with educational context
• Age-differentiated activity sheets for 6-10 and 11-14 age groups
• Free return visits within one month
• Interactive object-finding challenges throughout galleries
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible throughout museum. Accessible toilets available. Activity sheets can be adjusted for visual impairment.

What is included: Activity sheet tailored to child's age, Access to all museum galleries, Hands-on craft materials, Prize for completing trail.

Not included: Café refreshments, Souvenir purchases, Photography of exhibits (personal use only). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Pencil or pen for activity sheet, Comfortable walking shoes, Small bag for craft activity sheet. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Weekday mornings (9:30am-12pm) for smaller crowds. Summer school holidays busier but offer extended opening hours..

Tip: Activity sheets provided for different age groups

Tip: Free return visits within one month

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible throughout museum. Accessible toilets available. Activity sheets can be adjusted for visual impairment..

Operator: Reading Museum | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 118 937 3400

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Reading Abbey Ruins (5 min walk)
• Forbury Gardens (8 min walk)
• Greyfriars Church (3 min walk)

This activity is run by Reading Museum.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Non-refundable once purchased. Activity sheets valid for return visits within one calendar month..

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible throughout museum. Accessible toilets available. Activity sheets can be adjusted for visual impairment..

Best time to go: Weekday mornings (9:30am-12pm) for smaller crowds. Summer school holidays busier but offer extended opening hours..

What age is the Reading Museum Family Trail suitable for?

The trail is designed for children aged 6-14. Activity sheets are differentiated by age: younger (6-10) and older (11-14) versions. Children under 6 can attend with an adult but may find some activities challenging without adult support.

Can we return to the museum within a month to complete the trail again?

Yes. Your £8 entry ticket grants free return visits within one calendar month. This allows families to explore specific exhibits in detail or discover sections they missed on the first visit without additional cost.

Are there facilities for younger children or babies at the museum?

The museum has accessible toilets, baby-changing facilities, and a small café area. Pushchairs are permitted throughout, and parents can sit while children explore. The ground floor is fully accessible but upper galleries require stairs.