Summer Holidays at The MERL

This Summer, enjoy trails, activities, crafts at The Museum of English Rural Life. Our new Rat Trail: Explore our galleries with a new, reimagined version of our classic scavenger hunt. Garden trails: Seasonal trail and woodland brass rubbing trail.

Summer Family Activity Packs: Enjoy arts and crafts at the museum or take them home. Studio drop-in activities: Free hands-on make-and-take crafts plus brass rubbing (subject to room availability). Special events – please book: Summer Celebration event for all on 6 August (12:30pm – 4:00pm).

Summer Celebration, My Way event for neurodivergent visitors of all ages on 6 August (10:30am – 12noon). Museums, My Way session on 24 August. Play and refreshments: Outdoors: Let off steam in our safe, walled garden.

Climb on our fabulous wooden play-on tractor, or meet our chatty chickens. Food and drink: Bring a picnic to enjoy in the garden or treat yourself to an snack in our café. Find out more about planning your visit.

Parking: Please note that the museum’s car park can fill up quickly at busy times. Parking is also available in the University car park on Acacia Road, adjacent to the museum. Please collect a permit from reception on arrival if parking in Acacia Road car park.

We encourage visitors to use public transport wherever possible. Please visit our Getting Here page for details.