A great museum in the heart of Reading! Must See! The Reading, UK museum is a fantastic place to explore if you're curious about history and local culture. It is located at the southeast corner of Blagrave and Volpy intersection. When I visited, it was under construction but signs directed you toward the entrance. As a new visitor, you'll find it full of interesting things to see and learn about. When you walk in, You are looking at an information counter. The museum is a multi-story affair to the left of the entrance. It was a friendly atmosphere and the staff was very friendly and willing to offer any help to guide you. The museum has a wide variety of exhibits, like ancient artifacts, artwork, and interactive displays. They make history come alive! The bottom floor had a section about the town's history. You can discover how Reading has changed over time, from its beginnings to the present day. It's like taking a journey through time! The 2nd floor had a recreation of the Bayeux tapestry with an explanation that was fascinating. The upper floors have wonderful art pieces including one of the largest Roman Mosaics that I have ever seen intact from the area. In summary, the Reading, UK museum is a welcoming place where you can explore history, art, and culture. Whether you're a history buff or just curious, it's a great spot to visit and learn something new about this charming town. I highly recommend it. Enjoy your visit!

A lovely museum with a great central location (just a stone’s throw from the train station). As a needlework geek and history geek, seeing the full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry was a dream come true. It’s very simply presented in lit cabinets with brief translations/explanations below each panel, interspersed with more detailed information and other relevant artworks. There’s an interesting history of Reading exhibit on the ground floor, with some great artefacts from the time of Henry I; a terrific guide to the Roman town of Silchester, with hundreds of archaeological finds; a small natural history display; a modern art exhibit; and the Huntley and Palmers gallery which I sadly didn’t have time to explore. The museum was very quiet on a Tuesday midday, which was nice for an adult to be able to wander without the screams of overexcited school children. There were several volunteers dotted about who were all helpful and friendly. Highly recommend taking a couple of hours to visit if you’re in the vicinity. Entry is free with donations welcomed.

An interesting local museum that includes information about the local area and also a replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. Some areas may be closed off of there is a school group visiting.

Good amount of information, bit random layout on the ground floor but interesting information. Not very big but just enough information and items on display to not be disappointed, or be overwhelmed. Nice staff. Toilets very clean. The Bayeux tapestry replica is amazing

Lovely museum and I liked how a staff member was at the entrance welcoming visitors and explaining what there was to see. Plenty about the town's history, the Victorian copy of the Bateaux Tapestry and a special exhibition about the town's football club. Free of charge, but professionally managed. Would recommend.

As someone who recently moved to Reading, I wanted to find out more about its history on a dreary January saturday. I was quite blown away by this local museum, I left feeling like I see Reading in a completely different light, and much more excited about living here than before, which in my opinion it’s exactly what a town museum should be like. If your into history like I am, you’ll find yourself immersed in a pool of interesting facts and stories about the rise and fall of the Abbey, about how the town changed over generations. It was much more extensive than I expected, that is why I couldn’t even see it all in one go, but that is a personal preference when it comes to museums, as I like to spend more time than the usual visitor if there is something that I enjoy and am interested about.

Had a good time with my partner here and learnt a lot about the community and the history in this country. They have children’s activities/ lessons as well which is great. It is good to come here with your partner, family or friends

A lovely hidden gem! It’s free to visit but remember to donate! It’s got a lovely collection and the best of it all is the Bayeux Tapestry

There is more to this museum than what first meets the eye. Presently they have an exhibition about the Windrush generation on a series of large banners. The information is detailed, somewhat repetitive and covers the whole of the UBK. I thought they might have more information specifically about the Reading community but there is only a brief mention of Reading. There is a great display on the first floor with a complete copy of the Bayeux Tapestry with good explanation for each frame. Also interesting is the information about the finds in nearby Roman Silchester. The history of Reading town is also informative. Good use of an hour or two, and the entrance is free.

We didn’t manage to see all of it, but we thoroughly enjoyed the Bayeux tapestry, which is why we visited in the first place. The staff was very sweet with our children and they were helpful. If you’re going for the tapestry and you plan to see it properly, set aside at least an hour. We arrived 1.5 hours before closing time and had little time to see anything else. Entrance is free, there’s a lift inside (there are some stairs too, but I think they can be avoided). All information is in English. A small museum but worth visiting.

Spectaculars ! Spent nearly 2hrs. Many things to do and see for kiddos...love this place..

Great museum all about the historical events of Reading plus the more recent times as well which will provoke some memories for older generations. Quite a variety of artifacts with information displays and paintings. They cater for young people as well with things to keep them interested. Great little café with reasonable lunch snacks (jacket potatoes, sandwiche rolls, soup) and a pleasant seating area. All good 😎 👍 👍 👍

Love the building especially the bits still visible in the interior. A delightful local museum. Will return as the Huntley & Palmer rooms off limits at time of visit.

Incredible Museum lotto history amen.

First time visiting and really enjoyed it. Surprised by the Bayeux Tapestry & Reading Festival display, but the history was fascinating too. Went for a walk after to discover an ancient arch we never knew existed before our visit.

We enjoyed a 'Victorian fossil Hunting's experience here. A brief chat about fossils, different types of fossils and the children were given some clay to press shapes in, before filling with plaster to recreate a realistic fossil! We then had access to the remainder of the Muse and enjoyed learning throughout the space. Fun dress up opportunities and crafts available.

This museum has lots of interest. The ground floor explores the history of the city through the ages. A nice section on the commission of the Abbey by Henry I, and good sections on Reading as a market town between 1700 to 1840. The post 1840 with the advent of steam trains and the industrialisation of the city. The first floor has a reproduction of the Bayeux Tapistry, produced by 35 members of the Leek Embroidery Society in the 1880s, a very impressive piece of work stretching around the walls of the room. Reading was also home to the famous biscuit manufacturers, Huntley and Palmer. Don't miss the wonderful exhibition of their 19th and 20th century colourful biscuit tins on the 2nd floor, along with exhibitions of ladybird book illustrations and the roman settlement of Calliva. Free entry to museum, toilets, caffe and lift access to all floors.

A nice museum based in the Reading town hall. Entry is free. There are three floors of exhibits some of which are about the nearby abbey ruins. The displays include information on the Saxon origins of Reading and exhibits from the Victorian age. On the second floor is a copy of the Bayeux tapestry.

If you want to visit the museum precovid, you must book online on their website, although the did not look at my ticket strangely enough. The museum has a one way system throughout the building for safety regarding covid. This was very well done and well thought out to prevent people from walking by each other in tight spaces or corridors. The museum is three stories high. The first floor has all the information, history, paintings and items on the history of Reading. I had a delightful time reading and viewing all the items and pieces of art. The second floor has a replica of a 70 metre tapestry on King Henry and his son. It was almost a form of a picture story. This was unique and I had a blast reading the notes and looking at what had happened through embroided pictures. The third story had art and taxidermy. It's a must see for those who stop over in Reading. I really enjoyed myself!

If you want it know the history of reading not a bad place to visit

Really liked my experience here. The staff behaviour is so great. Welcoming, friendly and very helpful. Very easy to reach. It's just a few minutes from the rail station. A very good introduction to Reading's fascinating history. Entry is free for all.

It's not a magnificent museum, but it does tell a good story about the history of Reading. A lot is about the abbey and its dramatic end a few hundred years ago. If you find it interesting then the ruins are still there to view, just a few minutes walk from the museum. Don't forget to take a look at the embroidered tapestry upstairs...quite impressive I must say.

Nice museum, free admission, family-friendly, and fully accessible. Museum trail, bingo, and dressing up spots brightened our visit.

Nice place to visit to learn more about local history.

Wonderful little gem! Worth going to see the Bayeux replica (which itself is still quite amazing given the hard work the ladies put into it). The only complaint (which is minimal so I didn’t knock anything off) is hopefully they can put more activities for small children. There was a child running around who was clearly too young to be interested in the museum, which is down to the parents really, but maybe if they had an activity area that might help? Just a suggestion. Still definitely worth going if you’re in Reading (and maybe have kids over 5 😉)

Nice free museum. I thought the best section was upstairs with the animals and tapistry. Although a little smaller than hoping was okay for a good 35 minutes to see most things and leave a fairly enjoyable day out.

Don't overlook this wonderful treasure trove of history and art. You can easily spend a good 4 hours here learning about the rich history of Reading and the surrounding are. It's accessible for wheelchairs and buggies. The museum is close to the train station and bus stops, and sits in the Abbey Quarter so you can step outside and see some of the history for yourself.

Very interesting morning spent going through local history, only downside was interactive displays out of operation due to covid.

My recent visit with friends was the first for many years. The place has been transformed and is 'state of the art'. There is so much of interest ... all displayed in a number of small dedicated rooms. Must go back ... soon!

Excellent Halloween trail. Kids and I loved it! Clear one way system. Spacious and not too busy. Really wonderful. We will be back next holidays!

Great visit with our granddaughters (3 & 5) today. They enjoyed the treasure hunt while the adults wished they had more time. Very informative about the foundation of Reading and stimulated interest in exploring more of the Roman history in the area. Really worth a visit. Well done.

A consistently inspiring space, with friendly staff and good public engagement. A great haven from the town's frenetic energy. More public events e.g. music nights and food pop ups would be grand. No doubt negated by these Covid times.

Very good place to learn more about the history of Reading. Entry was free and they have a small gift shop for souvenirs

It's a really wonderful museum. Personal highlights for me were the British Bayeux Tapestry gallery, a beautiful piece displayed equally as beautifully, and the Silchester Gallery. I was an archaeology student at Reading University and trained the Silchester Gallery from 2010-2013, and Gallery brought back some very fond memories.

I visited the museum because I wanted to see the reproduction of the Bayeux tapestry and I was not disappointed. Aside from the no audio guide, the tapestry was a very very good reproduction. Reading is much nearer than Normandy from London so I would recommend this to anyone who wants to see the wonderful tapestry.

Free entry donation box upon entry good day out for young children tapestry was amazing also has a lift for people who can't do the stairs if you park jn the oracle it's a 8 min walk next to the lovely tower good for those non expensive days out

This Museum is situated near to reading station and town center. It depicts history of reading since ancient age till 19th century. Worth to visit once to get to know your history and culture. Great!! Cheers to life!!

Great museum saw something close to my heart Merrryweather fire brigade helmets plus got to see the Victorian replica of the bayeux tapestry sadly the area of reading is lacking parking facilities for disabled and normal car parking !

What a great museum. Went for the Windrush exhibition which was interesting. Loved the Bayeux tapestry copy, amazing crafting by those ladies. The Huntley & Palmer exhibition was great, loved the display of all the tins. It was great to find out more about the history of Reading too and was very well written and displayed. We stopped at the cafe for tea and cake and the staff were so friendly, very nice setting, the cakes were delicious and all very reasonably priced. Will definitely be back.

I enjoyed the Museum as 80 % of the displays are well light and the information relating to objects within is concise. However, I did find the Silchester gallery very poorly light which made seeing some things difficult. Bring a torch 🔦

Nice museum about life in Reading at different eras. The staff was lovely, I ended up spending more than an hour here. I really liked the Huntley & Palmers exhibition on last floor.

A bit of a hidden gem. They have an 1880's reproduction of the Bayeaux Tapestry which is well worth a detour. Also the rest of the content in the museum serves to remind you what a historic place Reading has been over the last thousand years

Fabulous replica of the Bayeux tapestry, and also interesting to see history of Huntley and Palmer biscuit tins. These were the only exhibits I visited on this occasion. Very pleasant cafe.

Only went to see the tapestry so I can't comment on the rest of the museum, but my visit was amply rewarded by the replica tapestry mounted around the upper gallery. Extremely enjoyable and fascinating visit.

Work related visit

Brilliant experience well worth the visit

Smalluseum, but an interesting exhibit about Silchester and the replica of the Bateaux tapestry. Some great things for kids to play with and burn energy that is free. Also a nice shop and cafe.

(Translated by Google) Replica of the Bayeux tapestry, with a full explanation of the facts. Very interesting (Original) Réplique de la tapisserie de Bayeux, avec toute une explication des faits. Très intéressant

Really interesting info.

Amazing! The staff are awesome and so helpful and knowledgeable. The kids loved it.

Expected more history...nearly nothing related to science.

An amazing free museum with an extensive range of history through the years of Reading town

Interesting little museum in Reading city centre just next door to the town hall Home to the reproduction of the bayeux tapestry

Worth going to Reading just to see the replica Bayeux tapestry.

Staff were lovely and knowledgeable. Some wear and tear here and there with regards to exhibits.

I like it a lot is really organized and have the tapestry that is quite famous.

❤️

Nice time to spend a few hours with the family

Interesting local history museum. Includes a review of the history of the Reading Abbey, as well as a locally produced copy of the Bayeux Tapestry. Additionally there is a section covering the Roman ruins south of Reading. Notably includes The Eagle statue, upon which the Eagle of the Ninth book/movie is based.

Lovely little local museum perhaps most well known for its full-size reproduction of the Bayeux Tapestry which tells the story of the Battle of Hastings, 1066 and all that. Last time I visited they also had a taxidermied badger. So something for everyone.

Fun day out! Staff are friendly and there was so much to look at. Very interesting!

Lovely and extensive museum chronicling the early history of Reading, as well as some good focus on some more recent and modern developments of the city. They also have a replica of the Bayeux Tapestry which is a real highlight of an important artifact in the country's history.

Brilliant museum and telling the history of Reading.And a lovely cafe in the basement of the building quite cheap and home made sausage roll very tasty.

It may be small but it is definitely worth a visit. Wonderful. And the staff? What can I say the man welcoming us in today was hilarious. We had a great time. Really recommend 😉 oh and the picture frame upstairs, lol, we thought we were in Alice through the looking glass for a second. So much fun.

3 fantastic floors of varied & interesting exhibits including activities for kids. Very helpful & knowledgeable staff. Loved it.

Small Museum but good for you to know the history of Reading. A lady is stand by the main entrance to introduce some guidance during Covid-19. Should follow their directions to keep the social distances. Keep safe !

Small yet highly interesting, comfortable and well explained museum. From the history behind Reading, to art and natural history. Super covid friendly and really respectful of social distancing measures.

The victorian copy of the Bayeux tapestry is a must see, not just for the horses wearing boxers to hide anything that might have shocked a Victorian lady's eyes...

Excellent!

Very good experience with history & knowledge for whole family.

Lovely place to visit for a glimpse into the past of the town. Very good value given it is free to enter, with constantly changing exhibits to accompany the fixed exhibits on the town.

(Translated by Google) Nice museum with nice staff (Original) Mooi museum met aardig personeel

Fairly standard museum set up, trying to make mundane stuff interesting. But on the top floor an exhibition of biscuit tins and the history of Huntley and Palmers. Sadly no biscuits to try or buy.

Very educational

Small but still packed with history and a great recreation of the tapestry chronicling the events up to the battle of Hastings. I liked the sections showing the animals and Reading Festival especially.

Great place for readings history

Very good local museum. A nice collection, including a lot of Huntley And Palmer's memorabilia in a beautiful building (Town Hall). Only negative points are early closing (4 p.m. when we visited) and lack of parking nearby.

Good local museum.

Fantastic museum, great selection of interesting items, lots of information, activities for younger ones and helpful, informative staff. A great gift shop too.

So interesting! The opportunity to see the Bayeux Tapestry was worth it, and it was FREE! I highly recommend it for anyone wo visits Reading.

Really interesting exhibits. The bayeux tapestry replica is mad.

Good place to know reading history and good for ki ds

(Translated by Google) Thanks to this museum one can see and get a little idea of ​​the history of the English town of Reading. The museum has a good collection of objects, figures, paintings that make this place a pleasant place to visit (Original) Gracias a este museo uno puede ver y hacerse una pequeña idea de la historia de la localidad inglesa de Reading. El museo cuenta con una buena colección de objetos, figuras, cuadros que hacen de este lugar un sitio agradable de visitar

They hold nice family events for kids during the breaks. Staff are always warm and approachable