Visitor Guidelines

Visiting historic sites is an incredible journey through time, and we're thrilled to have you here. To ensure everyone's enjoyment and the preservation of our precious local heritage, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these gentle guidelines. Thank you for being an important part of preserving Reading’s historic treasure for future generations!

Do's

  1. Respect the Rules: Follow the guidelines set by our guides to safeguard artifacts and maintain the site's integrity.

  2. Leave No Trace: Help us preserve the beauty of the Tavern and grounds; please pack out any litter you bring in and be sure to clean up after your pets.

  3. Listen and Engage: Interact with our knowledgeable guides to deepen your understanding of our history.

  4. Snap with Care: Ask for permission before capturing memories, especially if using flash or tripods, to protect delicate items.

  5. Mindful Manners: Be considerate of fellow visitors by keeping noise levels down while inside the Tavern.

  6. Support Preservation: Consider becoming a member or contributing to the upkeep of the Parker Tavern by making a donation.

  7. Share Your Story: Sign our guest book and leave feedback to help us improve and inspire future explorers.


Photography

General Photography

Photography for personal use is permitted inside the Tavern with your guide’s permission. Please refrain from using flash or tripods, which can damage historic materials and disrupt the tour experience. Be mindful of others—avoid blocking views or interrupting the flow of a group.

Professional Photography

Professional or commercial photography may be permitted at the discretion of Parker Tavern as provided in advance. To inquire, please contact parkertavern1694@gmail.com.

Image Credit — If you share or publish any photos from your visit—personally or professionally—we ask that you include a credit such as "Courtesy of Parker Tavern" if in print or link to us if online. This helps raise awareness of the site's history and supports the continued protection of our shared local treasure. Thank you for your support!

Don'ts

  1. Hands Off History: Please do not touch or lean on structures, furniture, or display items to help us prevent damage.

  2. Preservation, Not Defacement: Resist the urge to leave your mark; vandalism harms our shared legacy.

  3. Respect the Grounds: Please carry out all litter, and keep in mind that digging or metal detecting on the grounds is not permitted.

  4. Pet Politeness: If you use our historic private property to walk your pet, please  leash your pet and be sure to pick up and carry out any pet waste for the health and safety of other visitors.


Accessibility Notice

Due to the age of the building, the Parker Tavern is not fully accessible.

Entry involves uneven ground, and the interior of this historic property includes a steep, winding staircase, uneven floors, and narrow doorways that may pose difficulty for some visitors.

That said, we are committed to sharing Reading's history with all and making your visit as accessible as possible. Please contact us in advance of your visit so we can do our best to accommodate your needs

Group Size Limits

Due to the historic build of the house —small rooms, narrow walkways— group size is limited.