I went here once on my way to the town centre. It's not a big museum but it's really nicely done…read more There are a lot of old rural life equipment. Some large old machinery, wagons, baskets and carriages etc. I thought it was well documented. The exhibits were well presented and with some short videos you could watch about how the land was cultivated and other interesting bits of facts. It took about 1 hour or less for me to completely but probably longer with children. I think it's especially good for a day out with children as they frequently run activities for kids and have a family oriented set up which you can find on their website. I think everyone going to the university of reading should take a bit of time out to have a look at the museum since admission is FREE :) Definitely worth a visit.

A while since my visit here but the museum is quite extensive and has a lot of interesting material…read moreto see. It is on a couple of floors and the displays naturally concentrate on farming as well as some other aspects of rural life but not all topics are covered. Well worth a visit.

Huge crowds and it wasn't even a weekend. Reason: free…read more This is equivalent to Natural History ones in US. However, there are historical contexts with british roman empires and other inclusions that makes this place distinct in a variety of ways. There are also kid packet activities- ask front desk. Some areas have uneven heating and cooling so you may be prone to fainting / esp if the ennui alone is not enough to get you there- ha! Place is great for history buffs, though, as it is free- do not expect high end bathrooms and overall exceptional service. Otherwise, 5 stars for being free and for a very elaborate set up.

British Museum, London, April 5…read more Our family of four with kids ages 9 and 10 spent part of the afternoon at the British Museum as an easy cultural stop during our London stay. Entry to the permanent collection is free and straightforward, with no reservation required, which made it simple to drop in. There are paid special exhibitions, but the main museum itself is open access. Arrival and First Impressions Entry to the building was very easy, and once inside the scale is immediate. The Great Court sets the tone right away, and everything feels larger and more layered than expected. Even just orienting yourself takes a moment because of how expansive the space is. Getting in was smooth and flexible, and the museum handles steady crowds well without ever feeling restrictive, which helped a lot with kids in tow. The Highlights The Egyptian galleries are one of the first moments where the scale really lands. The large stone sculptures and statues are far bigger in person than photos suggest, and they create a dramatic backdrop as you move through the space. The Rosetta Stone was another key highlight. Seeing it in person adds a different level of context, especially knowing its role in unlocking ancient Egyptian writing. It is not large or flashy compared to some of the other artifacts in the room, but it carries a quiet importance that draws attention naturally. The Samurai exhibition was a standout and required a paid entry ticket. It was absolutely worth it. The display of full armor sets, helmets, weapons, and artwork created a complete and visually rich picture of samurai life. The craftsmanship in the armor in particular held everyone's attention far longer than expected, and it felt more immersive than a typical museum exhibit. We also spent time in the hands-on style learning stations, which were a strong break in pace. These included real artifacts like a flint knife that was thousands of years old and a Roman cosmetic jar believed to have been used for eye makeup. Seeing objects like that up close made history feel very tangible for the kids in a way that glass cases alone do not. There is also a family area tucked away downstairs that worked well as a short reset point. It felt quieter and more relaxed, and it gave the kids a chance to decompress before continuing, which made the overall visit more sustainable. The museum works best as a series of short, flexible stops rather than a structured route, and we naturally moved based on interest and energy levels. The Challenges The main challenge is scale. It is very easy to underestimate how large the British Museum is, and even with breaks built in, pacing becomes the key factor in how enjoyable the visit feels. Trying to cover too much quickly would likely be overwhelming, especially for kids. Would We Return Yes, but with a more focused plan and specific sections chosen in advance rather than trying to see everything broadly again. Final Thoughts The British Museum is best experienced in segments rather than as a single continuous visit. The Egyptian galleries, the Rosetta Stone, the Samurai exhibition, and the hands-on artifact stations all offered very different but equally strong experiences. It is free, accessible, and incredibly rich, but the real value comes from slowing down and treating it like a collection of smaller discoveries, with breaks built in, rather than a single museum to "finish."

For only £3.50 admission to this large former aircraft hangar that is on the site of the former…read moreWoodley Aerodrome, you have the opportunity to see aviation history going back to WWI and up to quite recent technologies. Chock full of aircraft, both full size restorations and many model dioramas and walls covered in articles, stories and various implements of flying history. There are also two full-size planes parked outside which may or may not be visitable depending on weather and mood. There is also a small jet "trainer" suitable for children to ride and play with, supervised carefully by staff. A nice visit for kids, if they are interested in planes and flying, and especially if it is part of a school project. This one has been in my bookmarks list for a few months and only now with my bicycle have I been able to make the trip. It was well worth the wait.

Stratfield Saye is best known as the home of the Duke of Wellington, which he purchased with funds…read morevoted to him by the British Parliament after the Battle of Waterloo. It contains a large number of items connected with the Duke, and is well worth a visit by those interested in this period of history. His descendants still live there today, and the house can be viewed on tours limited each year to days in April and August (NB these must be booked in advance). The origins of the house itself dates back to the mediaeval period, and by the 12th century the manor (the forerunner of today's estate) was owned by the Stoteville family. By the early in the 13th century it had passed by marriage to the Saye family (hence the modern name) and it passed again by marriage in the 14th century to the Dabridgecourts. In 1629 the Dabridgecourts sold the property to the Pitt family, cousins of the great father-and-son Prime Ministers, and it is they who were largely responsible for giving the house the form we see today. The house was enlarged some time after 1630 by Sir William Pitt, Comptroller of the Household to King James I, and the two handsome stable blocks were built. Further changes were made, including the landscaping of the estate and raising some of the ceilings, in the 18th century by George Pitt, the first Baron Rivers. (Those familiar with the Pitt Rivers museum in Cambridge will recognise the name.) In 1817, the UK Parliament voted a sum of £600,000 to the Duke of Wellington for him to purchase and estate and build a palace, along the same lines as had been done by the Duke of Marlborough over a century before. After looking at a number of different estates, Wellington chose Stratfield Saye. An important consideration for him was that the estate should have sufficient land to be self supporting, as he was not independently wealthy. Initially, he intended to build a larger palace nearby, but his desire to purchase a house in London (Apsley House) and rising costs, meant the palace was never constructed, although detailed plans were drawn up. (The plans can be viewed on the tour.) Instead, the Duke had more modest changes made, adding additional wings to the existing house, and modern conveniences such as central heating and some of the first ensuite toilet facilities seen in England. The house as we see it now is essentially two stories high with two sets of flanking wings, each with Dutch gables. Originally in brick, the house was rendered in the 18th century and is now a pleasant mustard yellow colour. The interior includes a grand entrance hall, a fine long gallery and other impressive rooms, with elaborate panelling and stuccoed ceilings. The drawing room in particular has wonderfully gilded plasterwork as well as a number of paintings from the Spanish Royal Collection. These were looted by a retreating Joseph Bonaparte, but captured by Wellington at the Battle of Vitoria at the end of the Peninsular War. (The Spanish King later decreed that Wellington could keep the paintings). The house contains many other paintings, sculpture and furniture connected with the previous families, as well as the Duke of Wellington (who was a keen collector) and his descendants. These include some Roman mosaics from nearby Silchester. The library was his favourite room, which is left largely in the condition when he was a resident. In the nearby stables, is the impressive funeral carriage made especially for Wellington's funeral parade in London, constructed partly from melted-down cannon from Waterloo in 1815. Also in the grounds is the grave of his horse, Copenhagen, which he rode during the Battle of Waterloo. The grounds also include some lovely gardens, which can be visited at the same time is it as the house. Tours to visit the house can be booked on the estate's website. These are strictly limited in availability to a couple of months a year, and last for about an hour. Visitors may visit the grounds and gardens, and also the nearby parish church, where all but the 1st and 6th Dukes are buried. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and provided insight into the life of Wellington and his family, as well the house and its contents. Note the house contains steps inside, and it is a 400m walk from the car park, via the cafe, past the stables, to the house itself. Photographs are not permitted inside the house. [Note: I have lodged a correction for the map marker - Stratfield Saye is in fact 12 miles (18km) south west of Reading.]

We had a great time exploring the Pitt Rivers Museum! There is SO much on display it's almost hard…read moreto take it all in. If you're an anthropology buff, this is your place. So many neat things to see and everything you can imagine, too many to list. From clothing to masks to weapons to toys all from different cultures and different times. We even saw a Totem Pole! Overall a fascinating place to visit, just wish we'd had more time to explore!

What you think of Oxford's Pitt Rivers Museum likely depends on how you like your museums. With…read moremore than 500,000 objects on display, Pitt Rivers is ripe for exploration. There's multi-level display cases everywhere, each seemingly containing more than the last. And don't get me started on the drawers; they're everywhere too, and when you pull them out you'll find hundreds more items in each. So if you like your museums with a few paintings on each wall this might not be your jam but you'll still probably be happy you went. You've likely never seen anything like this. A young woman in a shop mentioned, several days before my visit, that she particularly liked this museum and the way she described the entrance intrigued me. As it should: the entrance to this museum is found when you're already inside another museum (The Museum of Natural History; both are free of charge). Officially, the Pitt Rivers Museum displays both the archeological and anthropological collections of the University of Oxford. But unofficially, it's like entering someone's giant garage, very well organized but also packed to the rafters. One could spend months in here and only skim the surface.

Visited the museum while in Oxford for the day. Lots of history and neat exhibits to visit. We…read moresaw insects, fossils and tons of other things, almost too many to list. The day of our visit, there were a few schools visiting but everyone we encountered from the staff to the young preschool students were friendly and considerate. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Oxford.

A museum of natural history would generally be on my list of "museums I don't wish to visit" but…read morethe Oxford Museum of Natural History proved that I barely know myself. First, it's free of charge which automatically makes it attractive. But though free may get me in the door it won't guarantee I'll enjoy it. This museum isn't just free but it is also gorgeous and interesting, a real home run. And, in the event that Natural History isn't your jam even here, this place contains the portal to the almost indescribable Pitt Rivers Museum (also free). One of these is bound to be your happy place.

What an amazing place! We happened to see this museum as we…read morewere walking by and were intrigued by their moving signage. Inside there are plenty of machines that whir and perform small tasks or even make music. Lots of interactive things to see and do, buttons to push, pedals to press, even a magnetic marble track you can build yourself! It's a treat for young and old and definitely worth the small entry fee.

The opening hours are stated for October to March. Opening hours from April to September are a…read morelittle longer (10:30 to 18:30 daily). A friend recommended this place to me thinking that my boys would like it. My friend was right! We did all enjoy the interactive displays. The extent of the interactivity is mainly pressing a button though but it's still good. There is an interesting range of mechanical art and my boys and I were fascinated by the mechanisms. It is quite a small place. It cost £19 for the four of us (2 adults and 2 children) which isn't too bad but, considering we spent less than an hour in there and saw everything, it does seem a little expensive. There are two floors. One very small room on each floor displaying different pieces of art. It can get rather crowded due to the small size, especially downstairs where the entrance/exit is the same. In the same small area, there is a counter where there is a single member of staff who both admits people and serves the gift shop. The gift shop is basically a small portion of the wall within the ground floor of the museum. Many items are over-priced and the selection is very limited. We did enjoy ourselves there and would recommend it but it could get claustrophobic and the upstairs can be noisy (although it does state this on the signage).

This is an amazing 2 story museum with all kinds of artifacts from old wedgewood to Egypt's tomb…read moreand artifacts Teapots and tea cups old coins to everything in between. 2 nd floor loads of paintings to look at. Entry is free which is always a plus.

The Fitzwilliam Museum offers a well rounded and varied collection. It is sure to please most…read moremuseum visitors regardless of interests. If you're a fan of the work of Georges-Pierre Seurat, you're sure to enjoy the 1884 Neo-Impressionism painting, "The Couple" (original title: Un dimanche après-midi sur l'île de la Grande Jatte). Does it somehow look familiar? This was a study for A Sunday on the Island of la Grande Jatte! "This work is one of many that Georges-Pierre Seurat made in preparation for a much larger painting. The woman's stiff posture is accentuated by her tightly buttoned jacket and the exaggerated bustle of her skirt, which echoes the curve of her parasol. Given that the area of Paris depicted here was known for prostitution, it has been suggested that the woman is a sex worker on the arm of a male client." Give yourself several hours if you plan to take in the entire collection. If you are fortunate enough to live nearby and can visit often, take your time and you're sure to fall in love with one of the many wonderfully curated items found within the museum walls.

The Ashmolean was a wonderful surprise during our stay in Oxford. I had heard of the museum and did…read morea little research so I knew what to focus on, but it far surpassed my expectations. There's archeological artifacts, art, and so much more from so many varying parts of the world and times. Best of all, it's FREE! If you're planning a visit to Oxford, carve out some time and be sure to visit the museum. (Great rooftop restaurant to boot)

We were visiting Oxford as part of a tour and had several hours of free time to explore on our own…read more My wife convinced me to that we should visit the Ashmolesn Museum and she wasn't wrong. As with most of the museums we visited in Britain, this one was also FREE. The Ashmolean was fantastic. In some respects it reminded me of the British Museum but it was a much more manageable (enjoyable) size. The exhibits were superb yet not overwhelming. We enjoyed the 2 hours we had to spend here and were sorry we didn't have more time.

Really great place. The staff are so nice, friendly and helpful. Granted, you are probably there to…read morespend a small fortune, but they don't push you to buy which is really nice. They often have wine/champagne receptions with a visiting artist coming in. Really nice event expecially if you like the artist. They do a great little scheme where you get something like a point for every five pounds spent, which is nice as you can put that towards your next purchase.