Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 08

TURNER’S HOUSE, TWICKENHAM
Sandycombe Lodge was where J.M.W. Turner went as his
retreat away from the London art world. The architecture of
this little building is quirky, reflecting Turner’s own designs but
also the influence of his good friend, John Soane. Many rich
stories have emerged during research into the years Turner
spent at Sandycombe, such as those relating to the Napoleonic
wars. Visit the museum to see the beautiful etchings from his
Liber Studiorum on display, several of them of them responding
to those troubled years when England was under threat of
invasion, along with beautifully crafted models of ships,
variations on those which Turner had here.
THE HISTORY ON WHEELS MUSEUM, ETON WICK,
WINDSOR
You will find an absorbing, privately-owned collection of civilian
and military motor vehicles and militaria at The History on
Wheels Museum. As a bonus, there’s also an all-encompassing
exhibition of Princess Diana memorabilia, painstakingly
assembled and, reputedly, second only to the Althorp
collection. Plus don’t miss the Air Raid Shelter from 1943.
BERKSHIRE
MAIDENHEAD HERITAGE CENTRE, MAIDENHEAD
At the Maidenhead Heritage Centre you can both trace the
two thousand years of the town’s history and, unforgettably
for enthusiasts of all ages, ‘fly’ in a WWII Spitfire simulator.
In its permanent and temporary exhibitions, Maidenhead
Heritage Centre tells the story of the town and its
relationships to older nearby villages and towns (there was
a Roman villa at Cox Green and Cookham and Bray were
recorded in the Domesday Book).
READING MUSEUM, READING
The Reading Museum is full of fascinating regional history
and artefacts, a 70-metre long, woven replica of the famous
Bayeux Tapestry and the Huntley & Palmer exhibition,
reflecting on the 150 years of local biscuit manufacture.
Highlight for 2023 is the Discovering Untold Histories
exhibition showing until 10 June 2023. Created by
communities participating in Reading's High Street Heritage
Action Zone, this display showcases some of their creative
collaborations, telling the story of how local people and
artists are responding to the vibrant everyday life, rich cultural
diversity and fascinating untold stories of our streets.
THE MUSEUM OF ENGLISH RURAL LIFE, READING
The Museum of English Rural Life is where agriculture, through
the ages, is brilliantly brought to life with interactive exhibits
as well as comprehensive displays of implements, machinery
and vehicles, and the Abbey Galleries are a great introduction
to exploring the ruins of Reading Abbey and finding out more
about Henry I, England’s last ‘unfound’ king. Don’t miss the
Country Crafts Weekend 3 June - 4 June 2023 where you can
explore the museum and see demonstrations of rural, rare and
disappearing crafts demonstrated by their volunteers.
WEST BERKSHIRE MUSEUM, NEWBURY
The West Berkshire Museum is a treasure trove of information
and exhibits illustrating the origins of the county and its
people. Housed in two of Newbury’s best loved historic
buildings - the 17th century Cloth Hall and the old Granary/
Corn Stores in the Wharf. The permanent exhibition ‘Lives and
Landscapes’ tells the story of West Berkshire. The second floor
galleries host a series of special exhibitions so there is always
something new to see along with a year round program of
events and family activities.
STEAM, SWINDON
Moving forward in time, the history of 19th and 20th-century
steam railways is retold at STEAM, the Museum of the Great
Western Railway. Be sure not to miss the Swindon Railway
26 GreatWestWay.co.uk