Reading

Properties and events in Reading

Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.

Print selected events below

AudaTours Reading Audio Tour: Biscuit Town

Reading railway station, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ
Online & In person
Book on day

A self-guided audio tour of Reading, exploring the Huntley & Palmers biscuit workers, brewers and clerks who built Reading.

Behind the Garden Wall - Gardeners' tales from Caversham Court

Caversham Court Gardens, Church Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 7AD
In person
Pre-booking not required

Head for the vinery for stories about those who toiled in the gardens of Caversham Court, growing food and flowers for the household and winning prizes at horticultural shows. Look into the former kitchen garden with its 18th century yew hedge.

Behind the Scenes tour of the Royal Berkshire Archives

Royal Berkshire Archives, 9 Coley Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 6AF
In person
Pre-booking required

Discover more about what we do on a FREE behind the scenes tour of the Royal Berkshire Archives.

Berkshire Heritage

L14 London Road Campus, Redlands Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5EX
In person
Pre-booking not required

Come and visit the Family Research Centre in the old dairy building, now the home of Berkshire Family History Society and see a display of everyday lives in Berkshire.

Brock Keep

Brock Keep, 571 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 1HL
In person
Pre-booking not required

Come and see the current exhibition and join tours around the historic former armoury and gatehouse which is home to artist studios and a contemporary art gallery.

Caversham Road: An area shaped by Victorian aesthetics and innovation

The Moderation, 213 Caversham Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8BB
In person
Pre-booking required

A guided walk around a Victorian townscape that still has many traces of its rich industrial past as well as plenty of original architectural features.

Celebrating 100 Years: University of Reading Museums and Collections

Museum of English Rural Life, 6 Redlands Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5EX
In person
Pre-booking required

A unique chance to view pop-up displays of items from the University of Reading’s Special Collections and Art Collections, housed at The MERL.

Everyday Histories: The Ukrainian Community in Reading

21 Sidmouth Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4QZ
In person
Pre-booking not required

Did you know that Ukrainians have been living in Reading since the 1950s? - Join us between 12 – 4 pm to explore the centre - Hear a special talk at 1 pm on the history of the Ukrainian community - Try delicious food

Exploring the Architecture of Georgian Reading

Town Hall Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH
In person
Pre-booking required

A walking tour of Reading's extensive Georgian architecture led by Dr Stephen Gage, Lecturer in Architecture at University of Reading. Reading has over 400 listed buildings from the Georgian period, representing a substantial part of its built heritage.

Festival Evensong

Christ Church, Christchurch Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 7AR
In person
Pre-booking not required

Festival Evensong with refreshments afterwards.

Guided Tour of Reading Old Cemetery

Cemetery Arch, London Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3AQ
In person
Pre-booking required

Join us for a guided walk of Reading Old Cemetery. Find out about the history of the site, some of the monuments and the life stories of people buried there. Dressing up optional but fun!

Join us for a nostalgic walk as we retrace the Reading University (UoR) 1984 RAG Float Parade route

The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) at UoR Reading, 6 Redlands Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5EX
In person
Pre-booking required

A nostalgic walk through Reading streets we retrace the 1984 RAG Float Parade route – a celebration of creativity, community and charity. ‘Raising and Giving’ (RAG) has long been at the heart of Reading Students’ Union’s fundraising spirit.

Millwrighting Exhibition and Art Workshop

The Mills Archive Trust, Watlington House, 44 Watlington Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4RJ
In person
Pre-booking not required

Explore the story of the millwrights through this exhibition of records held by the Mills Archive Trust, and take part in our drawing and screen printing workshop.

Reading Abbey Quarter Tours

Reading Museum Service, Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH
In person
Pre-booking required

Don’t miss the opportunity to join one of Reading Museum’s popular Abbey Quarter tours during Heritage Open Days 2026. Discover the rich history of Reading town centre led by the Museum’s experienced volunteer tour guides.

Reading Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin

St. Marys Church, Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HX
In person
Pre-booking not required

Explore over 900 years of history at Reading Minster. Discover historic parish records alongside Norman foundations, Gothic architecture and Victorian restorations, revealing the rich story of Reading and its people.

Reading Quaker Meeting House

Reading Quaker Meeting House, 2 Church Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2SB
In person
Pre-booking not required

Reading Quaker Meeting House will be open from 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday 19th September. We will have two talks on ‘The History of Quakers in Reading’ at 11h and ‘Huntley and Palmer's’ at 14h. Garden, art display and refreshments.

Reading Town Hall Organ: Lessons for beginners

Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH
In person
Pre-booking required

Come along and meet our majestic Father Willis Organ, and learn how to play – for free!

Reading Town Hall Organ: Lessons for pianists

Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH
In person
Pre-booking required

Whether you are already an organist, or handy on the keyboard or are simply curious, come along and meet our majestic Father Willis Organ, and learn how to play – for free!

Reading Town Hall Organ: Meet the Father Willis Organ Talk

Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH
In person
Pre-booking not required

Whether you are already an organist, or are simply curious, come along and meet our majestic Father Willis Organ.

RISC Edible Roof Garden

35-39 London Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4PS
In person
Pre-booking not required

Discover a small edible roof forest garden that was developed to demonstrate sustainability and our dependence on plants.