13 Museums to Explore in Berkshire

Aldershot Military Museum tells the story of daily life for both soldiers and civilians in the town since 1854. The Museum tells the story of the British Army in Aldershot, the "Home of the British Army", from the Army's arrival in the area in the 1850s to the present day. Explore the site, admire the tanks and vehicles, join in with the hands-on activities and let your kids take on the assault course challenge.

Didcot Railway Centre is a former Great Western Railway engine-shed and locomotive stabling point located in Didcot. It has a fine collection of over 20 locomotives, passenger coaches and freight wagons. Visitors will be able to take a trip behind one of the Great Western Railway’s steam express engines on the Centre’s demonstration line at weekends and Wednesdays.

Maidenhead Heritage Centre tells the story of the town and its relationships to older nearby villages and towns. It collects and preserves artefacts, photographs, documents, and sound recordings, to illustrate local history. It will be a new experience exploring the lives of this area.

The Museum of Berkshire Aviation is a small aviation museum in Woodley, a suburb of Reading in Berkshire. The museum is at the historic site of Woodley Airfield, near Reading, U.K. - once the center of the thriving aircraft industry. Miles and Handley Page aircraft built at Woodley are being re-constructed and exhibited along with fascinating pictorial records and priceless archives.

Queen Mary's Dolls' House is the largest, most beautiful and most famous dolls' house in the world. Built between 1921 and 1924 for Queen Mary, consort of George V, by the leading British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, it includes contributions from over 1,500 of the finest artists, craftsmen and manufacturers of the early twentieth century.

The Museum of Reading tells the story of Reading through the ages, from its Saxon beginnings to today's high-tech town. Also featuring Britain's Bayeux Tapestry - Reading's famous Victorian replica of the 11thC original, the Silchester Gallery housing artefacts from the Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum and the Exhibition Gallery which hosts a changing programme of exhibitions.

The River and Rowing Museum in Henley on Thames is a museum Opened in 1999, mainly dedicated to the history of the River Thames, its culture and people. its permanent exhibition consists of three main areas: one dedicated to the history of the sport of rowing, another to the history of the town of Henley on Thames since the 12th Century and the third to the story of the River Thames from prehistory onward. Another exhibit depicts the children’s novel The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame.

Stratfield Saye House has been the elegant, but intimate home to the Dukes of Wellington since 1817. The house and gardens offer an intriguing and informative insight into the life of the Great Duke of Wellington. The house contains many of the 1st Duke’s possessions and is still occupied by his descendants, being a family home rather than a museum.

The Museum of English Rural Life is one of the England’s most extensive museums dedicated to farming, food, craft, rural life, and countryside issues. . Whether on your own or with friends and family, discover the new immersive galleries, research our collections, refresh in the café and relax in the garden. Each carefully designed space incorporates different learning styles and areas of focus to draw visitors into the stories and landscape of the English countryside.

The Vale and Downland Museum is situated in the bustling market town of Wantage and has lots to offer for a fun, interactive family day out. It offers a wide range of services, including galleries interpreting the cultural heritage of the Vale of White Horse region, temporary exhibitions, a library, a gift shop, and a cafe with a delightful terrace and patio garden.

The Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology contains one of the finest collections of Greek ceramics in Britain with approximately 2000 objects in the museum. The museum has recently undergone a massive renewal and artifacts are now displayed thematically. It is located on the Whiteknights campus at the University of Reading, where there are also several other important museums.

West Berkshire Museum is housed in two of Newbury’s best-loved historic buildings. This permanent exhibition tells the story of West Berkshire. From the rocks under your feet to the stories of the people who have lived here; our early ancestors, to well know characters like Jack of Newbury to our most recent family: they have created the towns and villages, roads and canals, fields and farms, industries, pastimes and organizations that we know today.

A majestic local history museum where you can discover the history of the town and the area. Listen to the stories of people who lived and worked here. This museum is accommodated within Windsor Guildhall which is a Grade 1 listed building. The museum is managed as part of the local authority of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead.