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, 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

Times: 12:15 | 12:45 | 13:45 | 14:15 | 14:45 | 15:15 | 15.45

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.

Meeting point: Pink zone, Palmer 104

Length of tours: varies from 15 to 30 minutes

Times:

12:30: Welcome to the BioBlitz. Meet fellow nature lovers and find out how to get involved in recording species on campus.

13:00: Plant Discovery Walk (30 minutes). Meet the plants growing all around you.

14:00: Bug Hunt (30 minutes). Uncover the busy little creatures that keep nature thriving.

15:00: Fungi Up Close (15 minutes). A quick dive into the weird and wonderful world of fungi.

15:30: Bird Walk: Meet the Locals (30 minutes). Learn to spot and identify common birds.

16:30: BioBlitz Celebration. Share highlights, compare finds, and we reveal our species total!

Meeting point: Library foyer

Times: any time between 12:00 and 17:00

Length of tour: 15 minutes

Ever wondered what's behind the gates inside the University of Reading Library? Come and take a look at your own pace with our self-guided tour or with one of our staff if you’d like a guided experience.

Our Library also houses items from the University art collection throughout the building.