Reading Abbey Quarter Tour

Book an Official Abbey Quarter Tour - back for a new season from Saturday 5 April 2025!

Every tour includes exclusive access to Jane Austen's school.

Enjoy a walking tour exploring the heart of Reading led by our Official Reading Museum tour guides.

Starting in the Story of Reading Gallery in Reading Museum and continuing outdoors, this tour will lead you on a discovery of the history and heritage of Reading's Abbey Quarter including Jane Austen.

You will explore the highlights of the Abbey Quarter, including the Hospitium where medieval pilgrims stayed and the impressive Reading Abbey Ruins.

This year, to celebrate Jane Austen's 250th anniversary, the tour will also look at the links of Reading with the famous author and we will give you exclusive access to the Abbey Gateway, the building that was once part of the school where Jane Austen studied and lived as a girl.

Please note that the Gateway has no step free access and there are uneven steps and floors. The visit to the rooftop is not recommended with small children.

Who

All ages

When

Regularly every Saturday morning. A one-and-a-half hour tour starting at 11am.

Where

Meet at Reading Museum, main reception.

Please note that the meeting place and some of the stops during the tour might change depending on site accessibility at the time of your tour. 

Reviews of the Official Reading Abbey Quarter Tour:

'Lots of very interesting sites to visit'

'Excellent - lively guide. Thanks'

'Really interesting tour, it brought the Abbey to life'

'Engaging guide. Very informative regarding Abbey and some of the wider history of Reading'