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View one of the three medieval churches in Reading. Open 10 am - 4pm on Saturday 13th and Saturday 20th September

Visitors will be able to view and hear about a traditional synagogue from the guides who will be present on the day. There will also be a Jewish Living Exhibition which has been prepared by the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin blends Norman foundations, Gothic features, and Victorian restorations, reflecting over 900 years of architectural history. It stands as a testament to the town’s rich ecclesiastical and cultural heritage.

An exciting opportunity to visit the Abbey Gateway building where Jane Austen went to school between 1785 and 1786.

Between Monday 15 to Thursday 18, discover 400 acres of historic parkland and gardens with an 18th-century house at its heart. The impressive mansion and picturesque pleasure grounds will be open to explore. The tearoom will be open for refreshments.

WB with Richard Bennett (Chair of RCS), our 6th collaboration. We go back 150 years to when it looked so different. Inc. Enormous Lost Swimming baths, only 1 pub, Kendrick Rd. & Court, 2 Sec. Schs., Redlands Rd, Reading Univ. London. Rd Campus.

Foxhill House is a fine example of mid-Victorian architecture, designed by Alfred Waterhouse. Situated on raised ground near the northern corner of the University Whiteknights campus, it overlooks the meadows and the lake. Please book by 7 September.

Hear and Play the famous 'Father' Willis Organ.

After success last year, the University Great Hall is open to the public, giving an opportunity to hear about its history, view the organ, enjoy the architecture and the internal decor and see behind the scenes backstage. Please book by 7 September.

The RISC Roof Garden is a small edible roof forest garden developed to demonstrate sustainability and our dependence on plants. All plants in the garden have an economic use for food, clothing, medicine etc, and come from all over the world.

Church Open Day and Festrival Evensong

Reading Library's Local Studies Collection holds all sorts of resources relating to architecture in the town, and this film will look at some of these.

Self-guided tours of the chapel, display of pots and glassware found in a pit under the floor during renovations; search for your ancestor in the baptismal register (1884-present).

Tony Page had served Reading for 51 years until he stepped down in May 2024. He will share his years of experience in this talk which will range across the various schemes he has seen during his time as a Councillor in his different roles.

Explore the story behind One Station Hill, the tallest building in Reading, through an exclusive architectural tour, an in-depth public talk, and a visual exhibition that traces the journey from concept to construction.

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.

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

Simple Quaker architecture, a peaceful garden and burial ground - and an exhibition on buildings we love. Two talks - Quakers In Reading at 11.00 and Alfred Waterhouse (Quaker-born 19th C architect) at 14.00. Open 10.00 till 16.30. Free refreshments

St Mary's, Aldermaston - a 12th Century church with wall paintings: Medieval, Post Reformation and Victorian. The History Group will highlight the architecture of Aldermaston.

Book into one of these special events for 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 site and not currently on public display. 

New 2025 Medieval Reading Walkabout (WB) - It started as a suggestion by Jennifer Berdollt & has led to us being able to take you back over a 1,000-year period, 476AD to 1450s. Jennifer has co-produced. We will be in period costume to add some fun

Join us in beautiful Caversham Court Gardens for LOOK DRAW BUILD - a fun, creative drop-in workshop for families! Explore, sketch and build inspired by nature and architecture. Drop in activities 1100 to 1300 and 1400 to 1600.

Join a richly illustrated talk telling the story of Reading Bridge and the old and new Caversham Bridges.

A guided walk around Central Reading showcasing the town's renewable energy history.

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

Jane Austen spent 18 months at school in Reading in the 1780s. Our walk around central Reading will include some contemporary descriptions of the town, and some of the sights with which an inhabitant or a visitor would have been familiar.

Join Jelly and the Mills Archive Trust for a hands-on, drop-in arts workshop exploring renewable energy through creativity, history, and imagination.

Rooms which are not normally open to clients with interesting beam construction, Diamond chimneys, carriage mounting block and Victorian staircase.

Travel through time with us as we explore the fascinating history of beekeeping and beehives in this talk

A talk all about the landmark Green Park wind turbine

A walking tour of prolific Victorian architect Alfred Waterhouse's works in Reading, led by Waterhouse expert Dr Stephen Gage, Lecturer in Architecture at University of Reading.

An exhibition of photographs set in a beautiful and historic church, incorporating: A sale of pictures by local photographers; Self-guided tours of the building and churchyard; Concert by local Chamber Choir "Chorate" at 2pm

A chance to visit and hear more about the Caversham Baptist Church which opened in 1877 and was designed by the well- known architect Alfred Waterhouse

A walking tour of Reading's extensive Georgian architecture 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.

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

Join us at the Ukrainian Community Centre for Ukrainian Wonders, a special event celebrating the rich heritage of Ukraine. Discover the stories behind Ukraine, from the golden domes of Kyiv to the intricate wooden churches of the Carpathians.

Eleanor Pinches (FRMetS), Education Officer of the Royal Meteorological Society will talk about the story of Meteorology over the last 175 years and look forward to future challenges and opportunities.

Learn about some of the many historical, unusual and sometimes hidden churches and churchyards in and around Berkshire and the people associated with them.

Join us behind the scenes at our Museum store in Whitley for a special tour.