Tours

Meeting point: Pink zone information point

Times: every 15 minutes

Length of tour: 20 minutes

Discover the University of Reading’s public art collection on a guided tour led by our trained student ambassadors and designed by University curator Hannah Lyons.

Explore key works across campus, including ‘The World Reimagined Globe Sculptures’ and the brand new Centenary Mural. Uncover the stories, ideas and creativity behind the artworks that shape our University environment.

Meeting point: Pink zone information point

Sign up: on the day at the Pink zone information point

Times: 12:30 | 14:00 | 15:30

Length of tour: 20 to 30 minutes

Step inside more than a century of weather‑watching at Reading. Since 1901, our observatory has captured daily temperature, rainfall and atmospheric data without a single break – a rare and remarkable climate record.

Today, traditional glass thermometers sit alongside cutting‑edge automatic sensors, quietly logging data every second to help us understand our changing world.

Join us for a behind‑the‑scenes tour of this unique scientific time capsule and discover how our instruments – past and present – support teaching, research and the wider community.

Open to all (ages 8+).

Meeting point: Pink zone information point

Sign up: on the day at the Pink zone information point

Times: 13:30 | 15:00

Length of tour: 20 to 30 minutes

Watch a live weather balloon launch and see real-time data collected as it ascends. Learn how these balloons and their sensors help measure weather patterns, cloud droplets, volcanic ash and even energetic particles from space.

Meeting point: Pink zone, Minghella building foyer

Sign up: on the day at the Pink zone information point

Times: 12:00 | 13:00 | 14:00 | 15:00 | 16:00

Length of tour: 30 minutes

Bring Power to the Garden invites you to step into the past, explore real-world sustainability on campus, and experience renewable energy up close.

Through immersive storytelling, a guided trail, and interactive displays, this tour reveals how history and innovation shape our shared future.

Image credit: Mills Archive Trust

Meeting point: Orange zone information point

Length of tour: 30 minutes

We are delighted to offer a sneak peak into our new Learning Garden before its official launch in June.

The garden has been specially designed for students of all ages, benefiting local schools, University staff and students, and our wider community. 

Guided tours will give an overview of the garden, highlighting the different zones and educational themes, which include climate, biodiversity and sustainability challenges. Tours will also demonstrate ways to increase biodiversity and climate resilience in our homes and schools.