Museum offers rooftop tour of Abbey Gateway
READING Museum is offering a rooftop tour of the Abbey Gateway.
It will take visitors inside the building to learn about its fascinating history and its role in the Abbey Quarter.
Visitors will also have the chance to access the rooftop for an aerial view of the Forbury Gardens and Abbey Ruins.
The tour is £15 per person and lasts for 45 minutes to an hour. Tours are limited to
15 people per tour, so booking is essential.
The Abbey Gateway is a Grade I listed building that was built in the 14th century.
It was originally part of the Reading Abbey, which was one of the largest and most important abbeys in England.
The Abbey was dissolved in the 16th century, but the Abbey Gateway survived and was used for a variety of purposes over the years.
In the 19th century, it was used as a police station and a fire station.
The Abbey Gateway was restored in 2022 and is now open to the public.
The tour will give visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the history of this important building and to see some of the best views in Reading.
The tour is available on Saturday, May 27, and Saturday, July 15, at 2pm.
■ To book a ticket, visit the Reading Museum website or call 0118 937 5950.
The annual Caversham Arts Trail (CAT) runs over two weekends, giving people the chance to explore the area as well as discovering great art.
The event takes place in a range of venues, including studios and homes, and reduces the barriers between creators and viewers.
Many of the pieces from the 33 artists on show in 13 venues were available to purchase.
Julie Simmonds, one of the trail’s organisers, was thrilled with how the opening weekend had gone.
“I have visited many of the venues and I have been so impressed by the quality of the work on show, the warm welcome and, as organiser, it is so lovely to see CAT artists talking to visitors and spending time explaining their work, process and the ideas behind it.”
She continued: “This year we have reinstated the much loved demonstrations during the Trail with more to come next weekend. One visitor loved the demonstration so much they bought the work: how wonderful.
“I believe the demonstrations really help visitors understand the processes behind the work and I wholeheartedly believe in demystifying the nature of art and craft to make it accessible to all.
“Anyone can be creative, you’ve just got to try and not worry.”
While most venues are