We have a huge variety of museums in and around Berkshire – there really is something for everyone. Here are some of our favourites.
Museums in Eton
Eton College Natural History Museum: The only dedicated natural history museum in Berkshire. This family-friendly museum is free to visit and home to over 16,000 specimens from the natural world. Find out more from our visit here.
Eton Museum of Antiquities: The museum is free to enter and houses many different exhibits from the ancient world. There are also lots of hands on learning activities for children.
Museum of Eton Life: The museum is free to enter and showcases the experience of learning, playing and living at Eton College from 1440 to present day. There is plenty for children to do and see, including dressing up in the Eton uniform and designing your own school colours.
Verey Gallery: Temporary exhibitions, showcasing objects and art from Eton’s collections as well as loans from elsewhere.
History on Wheels Motor Museum: The museum houses many military and civilian vehicles and artefacts. There is also a cinema where you can watch many of the featured vehicles in action. The museum is only open for one or two days a month so please check their website before visiting.
Museums in Maidenhead
Maidenhead Heritage Centre: The centre showcases the history of Maidenhead from Roman times to present day. You can also fly in a spitfire simulator! General admission is free.
The Stanley Spencer Art Gallery: The Stanley Spencer Gallery is an art museum dedicated to the life and work of the artist Stanley Spencer. The gallery’s collection comprises over 100 paintings and drawings.
Museums in Reading
Reading Museum: At this free admission museum you can learn more about the history of Reading, the Abbey ruins, animals, art and more. The museum also houses a Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Riverside Museum: This small museum showcases the history of Reading’s two rivers (the Kennet and the Thames). The museum is only open between the months of April and September.
Thames Valley Police Museum: A small museum based at an operational police facility. Collections include items from the Great Train Robbery, uniforms, medals, scenes of crime evidence and lots more. It is only open on Wednesdays.
Cole Museum of Zoology: The museum is owned and managed by the University of Reading. It contains over 4000 specimens, creating a complete tour of the diversity of the animal kingdom (including a fossil of the largest spider to have ever lived!).
Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology: The museum is owned by the University of Reading and houses over 3000 (primarily Greek) archaeological artefacts.
Museums in Slough
Slough Museum: The museum explores Slough’s past, present and future. The museum houses over 6000 objects and 5000 photographs.
Museums in West Berkshire
Greenham Control Tower: Exhibitions share the history of one of the few remaining airfield buildings in the UK. The observation area also gives incredible views across Greenham Common and you can see how the airfield would have looked years ago. There are a range of activities and facilities aimed at all ages to educate, inform and entertain.
West Berkshire Museum: The museum showcases many artworks and collections from Newbury and West Berkshire. They hold talks and family activities throughout the year and there is plenty for children to engage with here. Click here to read all about our visit.
Museums in Windsor
Windsor and Royal Borough Museum: There are over 100 objects on display depicting the history of Windsor, from Stone Age flints to WW1 letters and lots more.
The Royal Berkshire Yeomanry Cavalry Museum: The museum contains a collection of regimental artefacts covering the roles, arms and uniforms adopted by the Regiment since its beginnings in 1794.
Museums in Wokingham
Museum of Berkshire Aviation: Based at Woodley airfield, the museum is packed full of aircraft. There is even a passenger plane outside which you can go aboard and explore. Please see more information here from our visit.
Museums Outside Berkshire
River and Rowing Museum, Henley-on-Thames: The museum covers the history of the River Thames, the sport of rowing and the town of Henley-on-Thames through three permanent galleries. Recently, they opened a Wind in the Willows exhibition. They often run activity trails around the museum for children.
Marlow Museum: A small museum detailing the history of Marlow. They hold special activities for children in the holidays. Please see more information here from our visit plus some other free things you can do in Marlow.
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