Reading Museum
Reading Museum is in the centre of Reading at the Town Hall. The main entrance is on Blagrave Street. We recommend using public transport or park and ride to reach central Reading.
Public transport
We are only a two minute walk from Reading train station (served by mainline and Elizabeth Line services) and all main bus stops. For local bus services including park and ride go to the Reading Buses website.
Car
If you are coming by car we recommend that you use park and ride to reach the centre of Reading.
If you do drive into central Reading from the M4 Junction 10 follow the A329M towards the A4 and town centre. From M4 Junction 11 follow the A33 towards the town centre and from M4 Junction 12 follow the A4 to the town centre. The museum postcode is RG1 1QH. The Museum does not have its own car park but there are three Blue Badge parking spaces at the front of the building and nearby public car parks include Reading Station and Queen’s Road.
Coach
There is a coach set-down point on Valpy Street, opposite the Museum. Please note it is then necessary to cross Valpy Street to access the Museum entrance at the front of the building.
Riverside Museum at Blake's Lock
The Riverside Museum is about 20 minutes walk from Reading train station and Reading Museum, off Kenavon Drive or Gasworks Road (pedestrians only), see the bottom of this page for a downloadable walking route. Access is through the car park of The Narrowboat pub and along the riverside terrace (please note The Narrowboat pub permanently closed on 30th March 2024, but Fullers continue to be responsible for opening the Riverside Museum for visitors from 1st April 2024).
Public transport
Bus number 17 from the town centre stops on nearby King's Road, outside the Prudential offices (Huntley & Palmers stop - also served by other buses), it is then a short walk along Gasworks Road to the site.
Car
From the M4 Junction 10 follow the A329M towards the town centre (you will end up on the A4, London Road on the map). From Junction 11 follow the A33 towards the town centre. From Junction 12 follow the A4 to the town centre.
The site is accessed via Kenavon Drive off Forbury Road. Museum visitors can use the pub car park provided that their stay is less than four hours. The nearest public car park is at Queen’s Road. Alternatively use park and ride buses to the centre of Reading. The site postcode is RG1 3DH.
The Abbey Quarter
The Abbey Quarter encompasses the former grounds of Reading Abbey. It includes the Abbey Ruins, the Abbey Gateway, Reading Gaol, the Forbury Gardens and the surrounding area including Reading Museum.
Please see above for details of how to get to Reading Museum - we suggest you begin your visit on the Museum ground floor where there are displays about the Abbey Quarter and further information. The Abbey Ruins are a 5 to 10 minute walk away through the Forbury Gardens. See our Abbey Quarter pages for more information.
Abbey Quarter map
Reading's Abbey Quarter. Dotted lines show footpaths
