Group Tours

Reading boasts an excellent selection of walking tours for groups and individuals.

Outdoor Walking Tours with Reading Museum

A programme of outdoor walking tours focusing on the history of Reading Abbey and its surrounding precinct, known as 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 (90 minutes) - Explores the heart of medieval Reading, highlighting 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 10-20 people.

Reading Abbey Gateway tour (45 minutes) -   the newly restored medieval Grade I listed Abbey Gateway and its fascinating history. Hear about the Abbey monks, visiting royalty, links to novelist Jane Austen and the vital conservation work done, 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 10-20 people.

Find out more about the Museum's group offer.

Terry's Reading Walkabouts     

Guided walks (non-profit). These are fun and interactive ways to find out about Reading with 15 different Walkabout routes/themes, including Biscuit Town for 2022:

Email: terry.dixon89@virginmedia.com, 07505351517, www.facebook.com/terrysreadingwalkabouts                                                                  Tours 2 Order   

Bespoke tours by coach, public transport or on foot for groups or individuals around Reading and throughout the Great West Way area with Blue Badge Tourist Guide Graham Horn. Specialised rates for groups, maximum size is: 53 coach tour, 27 walking tour; rates are negotiable, depending on customer requirements.

Email: graham@tours2order.com, 01189342231/07827 715353,

www.tours2order.com

Museum group visits

The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL) welcomes booked groups up 40 with packages which can include refreshments, a meeting room, themed talk or tour. Explore rural England past and present, from farming to environment through the museum's amazing collecitons. 

Reading Museum

You'll find the only full-scale replica of the Bayeux Tapestry alongside every changing exhibitions and the Story of Reading, as well as the Huntley and Plamer gallery. The museum offers talks and tours to groups.

Royal Berkshire Medical Museum

This specialist museum at the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust Hospital opens to the public on two Sundays a month but opens for groups by prior arrangement during the week. The museum collection includes a range of medical, surgical, dental, nursing and pharmaceutical items with particular attractions including an iron lung and live leeches. Enquire about group bookings>>>

Get more ideas from the Reading for Groups 2024 travel trade brochure.