Riverside Museum at Blake's Lock
Free small branch of Reading Museum in two listed former waterworks buildings at Blake's Lock, telling the story of the Kennet and Thames; open April to September.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Riverside Museum at Blake's Lock is a small branch site of Reading Museum. It tells the story of Reading's two rivers, the Kennet and the Thames, and fills two listed former waterworks buildings, the Screen House and the Turbine House, beside the River Kennet.
The Screen House shows a gypsy caravan built by the Reading firm Dunton and Sons in the "Ledge" design, together with objects that illustrate life by the river, from stuffed fish to regatta tickets. A medieval wooden wheel from St Giles Mill, found during archaeological excavations on the site of The Oracle shopping centre, is also on display.
The Victorian Turbine House spans the River Kennet and holds preserved turbine machinery. Since 2003 it has hosted a summer programme of art exhibitions and events by the local cultural community. The site is also used by Fullers for a Kitchen Academy that is not open to the public, and Fullers have been responsible for opening the museum to visitors since 1 April 2024.
Highlights
- Gypsy caravan built by Dunton and Sons in Reading
- Medieval wooden wheel from St Giles Mill
- Preserved turbine machinery in the Victorian Turbine House
- Summer art exhibitions in the Turbine House since 2003
- Riverside location on the Kennet
Permanent exhibitions
- Screen House: life by the river – A gypsy caravan by Dunton and Sons and objects from river life, including a medieval wooden wheel from St Giles Mill.
- Turbine House – A Victorian building across the River Kennet with preserved turbine machinery.
- Operated by
- Reading Museum
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: not available
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The two small buildings can be used by wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility, but they are historic listed buildings with uneven surfaces. Access is step-free, with a small cobbled ramp with handrails up to the Turbine House, and help may be needed to open its original Victorian door. The approach from the car park and the ground between the buildings is cobbled, and the Turbine House has uneven wooden flooring. There are no public toilets at the site. Guide, hearing and assistance dogs are welcome.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Huntley & Palmers, King's Road
Bus 17 from the town centre stops on King's Road outside the Prudential offices (the Huntley & Palmers stop, also served by other buses), from where it is a short walk along Gasworks Road. The site is about a 20 minute walk from Reading station and from Reading Museum.
By car
Parking available
Museum visitors can use the site car park for stays of less than four hours. The nearest public car park is at Queen's Road, and park and ride buses serve the town centre.
Access is from Kenavon Drive off Forbury Road, through the car park of the former Narrowboat pub and along the riverside terrace; Gasworks Road is for pedestrians only. The postcode is RG1 3DH.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
There are no public toilets at the site.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The museum is a 15 to 20 minute walk from Reading Museum along the Riverside Trail, for which the museum offers a downloadable walking route. Local community groups can enquire about exhibiting in the Turbine House. |
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