Reading Museum welcomes group visits to the historic Reading Abbey Quarter. We offer private tours for groups of 10 people and over.
Advance booking is essential and we recommend booking as far ahead as you can.
Outdoor Walking Tours
We offer a programme of outdoor walking tours focusing on the history of Reading Abbey and its surrounding precinct, known as the Reading Abbey Quarter.
All tours start in the Story of Reading gallery at Reading Museum and are led by our knowledgeable, friendly volunteer tours guides.
Reading Abbey Quarter tour
This tour runs for 90 minutes and explores the heart of medieval Reading. It highlights key features in the Abbey Quarter, including the Hospitium where medieval pilgrims stayed, Reading's involvement in the English Civil War and ends in the newly-conserved Reading Abbey Ruins.
Cost £150 for a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 20 people
Reading Abbey Gateway tour
This 45 minute tour goes inside the newly restored medieval Abbey Gateway and this Grade I listed building’s fascinating history and its role in the Abbey Quarter. Hear about the Abbey monks, visiting royalty, links to novelist Jane Austen and the vital conservation work done, as part of the Reading Abbey Revealed project, to bring it back to life.
Please note that the Gateway has no step free access and there are uneven steps and floors.
Cost £75 for a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 20 people
Reading Museum talks
Reading Museum offers a range of talks and tours for groups with prices from £45. Our talks include our popular Welcome & Wow! introduction to the museum and an insight into our fascinating collections. Please contact us to request more information.
Entry to the Museum is free but we suggest a donation of £5 per person.
Travel and coach drop-off
Reading Museum and the Reading Abbey Ruins are located in the town centre, conveniently located less than two minutes from Reading rail station and bus stops. There is a coach drop-off point opposite the Museum on Valpy Street. Find out more about how to get here.
How to Book
Please use the online enquiry form on the Museum website for your request for talks and tours, letting us know the size of your group and the preferred subject and we will let you know what is available.
If you are interested in educational visit, please visit our Schools page for further information.
Please note your booking is only provisional until you have received a confirmation email from our Learning Team. If you have any questions please email us for more details.