Aug
Whether you’re staying in Reading for business or unwinding in Newbury on a weekend getaway, House of Fisher offers prime locations across the Thames Valley to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Our handpicked guide features the best museums near each of our serviced apartment locations, complete with addresses, opening hours, and what makes each one worth visiting. Perfect for a cultural day out during your stay!
READING (100 Kings Road and City Wall House)
Reading Museum
Located just minutes from Reading Station, this museum offers a comprehensive dive into local history and culture. Highlights include a full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry, Roman artefacts, and the story of Reading’s iconic Huntley & Palmers biscuit brand. Free to enter and great for all ages.
Address: Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm
The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL)
Operated by the University of Reading, MERL focuses on the countryside’s impact on England’s development. With themed galleries, interactive exhibits, gardens, and family-friendly activities, it’s an enlightening experience for anyone interested in farming, food, and rural culture.
Address: Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
NEWBURY (Central Gate)
West Berkshire Museum
Housed in historic 17th-century buildings, this museum showcases everything from local archaeology and geology to modern community stories. The “Lives and Landscapes” gallery is a must-see, offering a journey through West Berkshire’s evolving identity.
Address: The Wharf, Newbury, RG14 5AS
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm
Shaw House Historic Visitor Experience
A striking Elizabethan manor house with royal connections, Shaw House features heritage exhibitions and beautifully restored rooms. It’s a peaceful place to explore history and architecture, just a short walk from the town centre.
Address: Church Road, Newbury, RG14 2DR
Opening Hours: Seasonal hours; usually weekends and school holidays, 10am-4pm
BASINGSTOKE (Central Point)
Milestones Museum of Living History
Step back in time at this immersive indoor museum with cobbled streets, vintage vehicles, and shops recreating life from Victorian times to the 1940s. Fun for all ages, with plenty of interactive exhibits and a working penny arcade.
Address: Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke, RG22 6PG
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4:45pm
Willis Museum & Sainsbury Gallery
Located in the heart of town, the Willis Museum focuses on Basingstoke’s history, including its links to Jane Austen. It also hosts touring exhibitions and art displays in its beautiful 19th-century grand Victorian building that was once Basingstoke’s Town Hall.
Address: Market Place, Basingstoke, RG21 7QD
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm
FARNBOROUGH & CAMBERLEY (Solstice House and Central House)
Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) Museum
This volunteer-run gem celebrates Farnborough’s aerospace legacy with aircraft displays, wind tunnels, flight simulators, and an impressive collection of aviation artefacts. A must-visit for tech lovers and aviation enthusiasts.
Address: 85 Farnborough Road, Farnborough, GU14 6TF
Opening Hours: Weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays only, 10am-4pm
Aldershot Military Museum
Housed in original Victorian barracks, this museum tells the story of Aldershot as the ‘Home of the British Army’. With engaging exhibits on military life, vehicles, and local regiments, it’s both educational and family-friendly.
Address: Queens Avenue, Aldershot, GU11 2LG
Opening Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 10am-4pm
BRACKNELL (Beneficial House)
The Look Out Discovery Centre
The Look Out Discovery Centre is a playful and educational venue for children (and adults) to explore key science themes through immersive, interactive experiences. With enriching indoor exhibits, sheltered outdoor zones for physical play, a mini zoo of insects and reptiles, and leafy woodland surroundings, it’s an ideal destination for a day of learning, fun, and family time.
Address: Nine Mile Ride, Crowthorne, RG12 7QW
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:30pm; weekends, school holidays and bank holidays 9:30am-4:30pm.
Eton College Natural History Museum
This small yet fascinating museum near Windsor offers over 15,000 specimens, from fossils to exotic animals. Run by Eton College, it’s an off-the-beaten-path gem ideal for natural science lovers.
Address: South Meadow Lane, Eton, Windsor, SL4 6EW
Opening Hours: Sunday only, 1:30pm-4pm
Windsor & Royal Borough Museum
Set inside the historic Windsor Guildhall, this small but engaging museum showcases the area’s history – from prehistoric tools to World War letters. Highlights include a 100,000-year-old mammoth tusk, Roman artefacts, and a model of the Hawker Hurricane aircraft. It’s ideal for a short cultural stop during a visit to Windsor.
Address: The Guildhall, High Street, Windsor, SL4 1LR
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday only, 10:00am-4pm
Stay in style and save
Wherever you’re staying with House of Fisher, cultural enrichment is just around the corner. Explore the museums above to add a touch of local heritage to your trip – and if you need directions, day plans, or travel tips, our team is always happy to assist, with 24/7 guest services at hand.
Remember to always book directly on our website, calling 01189 514151 or email reservations@houseoffisher.com for the lowest and best rates available.
