23 March 2026
A beloved family activity at the University of Reading's Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL) is returning with a brand-new look, as the museum launches a refreshed version of its popular Rat Trail this Easter.
The free gallery trail – in which children hunt for hidden toy rats dotted around the museum's displays – has long been one of The MERL's most popular activities for younger visitors. It reopens on 28 March, in time for the Easter school holidays, with 12 new rats dressed in beautiful handmade costumes created by Reading-based artist Fong Scott.
Each rat is dressed as a character from historic English rural childhood – from farmhands and chimney climbers to a countryside evacuee – with costumes crafted using techniques that mirror the skills and crafts found throughout the museum's collections.
To ensure many hours of fun for repeat visitors, the rats will be moved around the galleries regularly. Families can also pick up an optional low-cost Rat Trail Passport from the museum gift shop, collecting stickers each time they complete the trail. Visitors with 12 completions will earn a special certificate. 
Danielle Eade, Head of Visitor Experience at The MERL, said: "Listening to our audiences is incredibly important to us. This new Rat Trail reflects our commitment to making The MERL engaging, welcoming, and relevant for all families.
"We hope this new trail encourages people to return more often, look closely at our displays, and discover objects and stories they may not have noticed before."
The trail is part of The MERL's wider commitment to accessible, low-cost family experiences. Other activities include Friday Fledglings, weekly outdoor learning sessions for under-twos; Green Explorers, monthly outdoor sessions for children aged five and over; and ongoing make-and-take and drop-in activities in the museum's Learning Studio.
Fong Scott, artist and designer, said: “It’s been wonderful to work on the Rat Trail, creating costumes that bring stories of rural childhood to life.
“Throughout the design process, I drew inspiration from the Museum’s collections, combining historic techniques, styles, and references. I hope they delight the Museum's visitors and make the rats feel at home in the galleries.”
The refreshed Rat Trail was made possible through funding from Museums Partnership Reading, The MERL's Arts Council England-funded partnership with Reading Museum.
The trail will remain in the galleries as a permanent free feature beyond Easter.
More information about the Rat Trail can be found online.
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