Activity Quest is the podcast packed with stuff to do!

This week, Adam visits the Museum of English Rural Life in Reading.

He explores the various galleries and exhibits that showcase the history of agriculture and rural life in the area and learns about the different farming practices throughout the seasons. He even gets to try on costumes related to rural jobs of the past!

The museum also challenges stereotypes and explores topics like rural healthcare.

What is the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL)?

The Museum of English Rural Life is owned by the University of Reading.

It was established in 1951 and is dedicated to showcasing the history and heritage of rural England, focusing on the countryside, agriculture, and rural life!

The museum’s extensive collection includes artifacts, documents, photographs, and archives related to various aspects of rural life, such as farming, rural crafts, agricultural machinery, rural industries, rural customs, and more.

It offers insights into the social, economic, and cultural history of rural communities in England over the past few centuries.

How much is the Museum of English Rural Life?

Entry to the museum is free but donations are very much encouraged.

Find out more

How can I get to the Museum of English Rural Life?

The Museum of English Rural Life is located on Redlands Road, on the University of Reading London Road Campus.

🚘 By Car

There is a small car park for Museum visitors at the front of the building. Spaces are limited.

Sat nav users, please use the postcode RG1 5EX

The closest public car park is the Queens Road car park.

🚝 By Train

Reading is easily accessible by regular, fast trains from London Paddington, as well as via London Waterloo.

It is well connected by routes from the North, South and West via Bournemouth, Bristol, Oxford, Guildford and Basingstoke.

MERL is about a twenty minute walk from Reading train station

🚌 By Bus

From stop SA at Reading Station you can catch the Leopard 3, Leopard 10, Silver 9 or Claret 22.

Get off the bus outside the Reading Berkshire Hospital on Craven Road or as soon as the bus turns right onto Addington Road (except the Claret 22, which turns left onto Addington Road).