Bayeux Gallery

View Britain's famous full-size Victorian version of the Bayeux Tapestry in its magnificent entirety.

This faithful replica is 70-metres long. It was made by 35 skilled Victorian women embroiderers in 1885 and depicts the events leading up and includes to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. For more information visit our Britain's Bayeux Tapestry webpages.

The gallery also explores the background and impact of the Norman Conquest by William I. His youngest son King Henry I founded Reading Abbey in 1121, and you can discover more about one of Europe's most important medieval monasteries in the Story of Reading Gallery.

Bayeux Tapestry Gallery Access

The Bayeux Tapestry gallery is usually open every day during our opening hours. However, the gallery is popular for guided tours and school groups, so may sometimes be closed to the general public. The tapestry can get very busy but tends to be quieter before 11am and after 3pm.

Many school groups use our galleries in term-time weekdays between 10am and 2.15pm, the Bayeux Tapestry may be closed during school workshops.

You can open this Calendar to see all days and times when the Bayeux Gallery will be closed to the general public in next few months. 

Please note that we might add more dates if new bookings come in so please check the calendar before you plan a visit.

Saturday 21st November is our Christmas Market - we strongly advice considering another date to view the tapestry.

If you wish to see a particularly gallery it is advisable contact us in advance to check access and opening times.

Bayeux Tapestry tours

Every Saturday at 2pm and Tuesday and Thursday at 2.30pm, we run tours of the Bayeux Tapestry. You can book your tour now. These guided tours, led by Museum staff, are suitable for all ages. If you are coming as a group please call 0118 937 3400 and ask to speak to our Education team, or use the Group Visits enquiry form.