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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.

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.

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.

A drop-in event to celebrate our Roman Silchester Gallery.

Special handling talks looking at objects from our Roman Silchester collection. Part of our Romans Reimagined Day.

St Mary's, Aldermaston - a 12th Century church with wall paintings: Medieval, Post Reformation and Victorian. The Aldermaston History Group stewards give personal tours of the church detailing it's history and it's artefacts.

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.

A flower festival set in a beautiful and historic church, incorporating self-guided tours of the building and churchyard.

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

Visit Basildon Park for free from Monday 14 - Friday 18 September 2026. As part of Heritage Open Days the whole site, including the house, garden and parkland, will be free to access.

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.

St Luke's Church (1882-83) is a Victorian church built to serve the growing population of the Redlands area of Reading. Today, the Church continues to engage with our local multicultural community.

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!

View one of the three medieval churches in Reading. Open 10 30am -.3.30pm on Saturday 12th and Saturday 19th September

See the iconic Green Park Wind Turbine up close and benefit from one of our expert tours.

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.

Festival Evensong with refreshments afterwards.

Holy Trinity Church is a Grade II listed building on Oxford road in Reading, built in 1826 as a proprietary chapel following the design of local architect Edward Garbett. In 1870 it became a parish church in its own right.

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

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

The Reading Temperance Tavern built in 1877 is one of the less well known local buildings designed by Alfred Waterhouse. Explore the historic context with guided tours, temperance drink tasting, magic lantern exhibition, music, readings & talks.

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

A walking tour of Reading's rich Victorian architecture by Dr Stephen Gage, Lecturer in Architecture at University of Reading. From early 18th century houses to the iconic Reading Town Hall and Reading School, the works of Alfred Waterhouse.

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.

A 5‑mile walk along the St James’ Way, uncovering the heritage and lived experiences of the monks and pilgrims - past and present - at the once magnificent Reading Abbey, jewel in the crown of King Henry I.

We are opening, as Heritage Open Days, on Saturday 19th September and Sunday 20th September, from 2pm to 4.30pm.

Our 2nd Period Themed Walkabout - We'll be looking at Reading from 1485 to 1660, covering the reigns of five Tudor monarchs: Henry VII & VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, & Elizabeth I. to beginning of the Stuart Dynasty (James I & Charles I), into Civil War.

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.

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.

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.

Thomas Macey will give his talk about Jacksons Department Store which covers how the store and the staff worked. Andy Briggs, Destination Director of the Oracle Shopping Centre will then explain how shopping works today.

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!

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

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

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).

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.

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