My Planner
My Planner
To build your own Itinerary, click 
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Already saved an Itinerary?
Thames Lido
Searching for something...
-
Accommodation
-
Things to Do
-
Food & Drink
-
Shopping
Accommodation Search
Things to Do Search
Food & Drink Search
Shopping Search
A weekend break in Reading
To make the most out of your visit to Reading, a weekend trip is perfect, allowing you time to experience all the great things to do and attractions in Reading. Of course, if you have longer to spare, Reading makes a perfect base for exploring the wider Thames Valley or as part of a visit along the Great West Way.
Friday Afternoon
If you can, why not arrive in Reading on a late Friday afternoon to start your weekend off with a bang? Check into your accommodation before hitting the shops for a bit of retail therapy or trying your hand at tenpin bowling or crazy golf at social venue, Spinners. Or, visit one of our top-rated Escape Rooms, all located a short stroll apart, within Reading town centre.
Friday Evening
Once you’ve freshened up, head out for an early dinner at one of Reading’s restaurants or bars, before paying a visit to one of Reading’s wonderful theatre and arts venues for an evening of live entertainment. From comedy nights and stand-ups, to local productions and even national ballets, there’s always something on in Reading, so just make sure you check what’s on first and book ahead to avoid disappointment!
When it’s time to call it a night, stay at one of Reading’s conveniently-located hotels, B&Bs or serviced accommodation – there’s plenty to cover all tastes and budgets and many are within easy walk of the town centre.
Saturday Morning
After breakfast, start your day off outside, by exploring some of Reading’s green and blue spaces. For a leisurely start to the day, visit one of Reading’s parks and gardens, such as Caversham Court Gardens on the other side of the river, or Harris Gardens at the University’s Whiteknights Campus. For the more adventurous, why not get waterside and try some water sports? From canoeing to SUP boarding at nearby Caversham Lakes, there’s something for everyone to try.
Saturday Lunchtime
There’s no shortage of options when hunger strikes. From riverside dining at The Oracle Riverside, to independent cafes and bars in the town centre, you’ll find food and drink options to satisfy all appetites.
Saturday Afternoon
After lunch, head to Reading Museum to explore Reading’s past. Pick up a map for the Abbey Ruins while you’re there and visit the ancient ruins and burial place of King Henry I, just around the corner from the museum’s entrance. Once you’ve finished absorbing the heritage, pause for a quick pit-stop at one of the Abbey Quarter bars, overlooking the beautiful Forbury Gardens. Try the Roseate Hotel’s Reading Room, Carluccios or Veeno for a cup of coffee or afternoon tipple.
Finish off the afternoon with a boating and river trip. Join the Thames River Cruise and visit nearby villages of Pangbourne, Goring or Mapledurham and see Reading from the water. Book ahead and you can even reserve a seat and add a cream tea!
Saturday Evening
Once back on dry land and refreshed, end the day with a relaxed dinner at one of Reading’s restaurants. There is so much food and drink on offer in Reading, from cafes to pubs and bars and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.
If you still have energy after dinner you can indulge in a nightcap at one of Reading’s many pubs and bars. Try Malmaison or The Reading Room for a relaxed refreshment, or head to one of Reading’s nightclubs for a livelier evening out.
Sunday Morning
What better way to spend a lazy Sunday morning than with a trip to the spa? A short wander down the river from the town centre will take you to Reading’s very own wellness retreat, the Lido Pool and Spa. A swim, sauna and hot tub session can be pre-booked from 10am and offers a beautiful urban retreat in the heart of Reading, surrounded by a stunning grade-II listed pool and buildings. There are treatments on offer too, to make the most of the experience.
Sunday Lunchtime
While you’re at the Lido, it makes sense to stay for lunch! Indulge in pool-side tapas at the Lido’s very own Restaurant and Tapas Bar. Offering a taste of the Mediterranean with a Spanish inspired menu, it’s a perfect lunchtime spot with a beautifully-unique backdrop.
Sunday Afternoon
After a morning of relaxation at the Lido, head back onto the Thames Path and follow it back towards town. Cut back through Forbury Gardens to the side of Reading Prison, for a view of Banksy’s artwork ‘Create Escape’, showing Oscar Wilde escaping with his typewriter. Continue across the road to Kenavon Drive and you’ll discover the Riverside Museum at Blake’s Lock. This tiny museum occupies two former listed waterworks buildings and tells the story of Reading’s two rivers, the Thames and the Kennet. If there’s time, pop into its neighbour, the Bel and Dragon pub and restaurant, a former biscuit factory on the waterfront of the Kennet and Avon Canal.
From there, it’s just a short stroll back to the town centre to collect your car, or access public transport travel options. And don’t forget, there are lots more attractions and things to do in Reading if you have longer to spare. Take a look at the Great West Way or use Reading as a base to explore many popular walking and cycling routes in and around the Thames Valley. We look forward to welcoming you to Reading soon!
Inspiration
Explore 900 years of history in Reading Abbey Quarter including the burial place of King Henry I, Jane Austen's schoolroom and Oscar Wilde's Gaol. Notably the Quarter includes Reading Museum, St. James' Church, St Laurence's Church, the Forbury Gardens, Reading Gaol and the remains of Reading Abbey. The impressive Abbey Ruins consist of the south transept, the treasury, the chapter house, the dormitory and the refectory.- This small branch site tells the story of Reading's two rivers - the Kennet and the Thames. The Riverside Museum occupies two Listed former waterworks buildings, the Screen House and the Turbine House. The Turbine House hosts a programme of summertime art exhibitions and events by the local cultural community. The Riverside Museum a 15 to 20 minute stroll from Reading Museum through the historic Abbey Quarter.
- Relax, indulge, unwind at Thames Lido. Here you will find a heated pool, hot tub and saunas, as well as massage rooms and an award-winning restaurant which is featured in the Michelin Guide.
Number of results: 116
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Address
Duffield Road, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6GJTelephone
0118 969 3332READING
Sonning’s original layout was designed by JH Taylor with later input from Harry Colt. The course measures 6,329 yards and has a par of 70 and a SSS of 71. It generally plays longer than its yardage due to the elevation of several greens and fairways…
Address
Select Car Leasing Stadium, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0FLTelephone
0118 9681313READING
The Select Car Leasing Stadium (formerly known as the Madejski Stadium) is the home of Reading FC. One of the oldest football clubs in the UK, Reading FC recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. The men's team currently play in the EFL…
Address
Gun Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2JRREADING
Purple Turtle has been a staple of Reading nightlife for over 30 years, first opening in 1990 and going strong ever since. The bar first opened on Duke Street before moving over to Gun Street when the Oracle was being built in 1997. It is one of the…
Address
University of Reading, Whiteknights campus, READING, Berkshire, RG6 6URREADING
The Harris Garden provides an important amenity for all, giving pleasure to an increasing number of visitors, staff and students. It provides facilities for teaching, conservation and recreation.
Address
Wolsey Road, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8BYTelephone
0118 937 3787READING
A large, close-cut grass meadow on the north bank of the Thames, stretching from Caversham Bridge to Reading Bridge. Specimen trees and shrubs feature along the bank, providing shade and interest around the play area. The fenced children’s play area…
Address
7 Goldsmid Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7YBREADING
Welcome to a warm friendly community and the only community to offer, to all Jewish people in the area, regular weekly services and many other activities for adults and children, both inside our wonderful Synagogue & adjoining community hall and at…
READING
South Street is situated just to the South of Reading's town centre, 5 minutes from the Oracle Riverside, and boasts two performance spaces. The small-scale programme focuses on critically acclaimed touring theatre, music, comedy & spoken word.…
Address
Church Road, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 7ADREADING
Come and enjoy the beauty and long history of Caversham's hidden gem, Caversham Court Gardens on the bank of the River Thames. Owned and cared for by Reading Borough Council with support from The Friends. Open and accessible to all every day except…
Address
Lower Basildon, READING, Berkshire, RG8 9NRTelephone
01491 672382READING
Basildon Park is a country house situated to the west of Reading, between the villages of Upper Basildon and Lower Basildon. It is owned by the National Trust and is a Grade I listed building. The house was built between 1776 and 1783 for Sir…
Address
Clayhill Road, Burghfield Common, READING, Berkshire, RG7 3HFREADING
A new immersive room set in a real barbers shop! Burghfield, 8 miles south of Reading. A new barber at Burghfield Barbers suspects their boss is behind the disappearances, but can’t find any evidence. Local men are being reported missing in the…
Address
University of Reading, Whiteknights campus, READING, Berkshire, RG6 6LAREADING
The Cole Museum of Zoology is owned and managed by the University of Reading. It was established by Professor Francis Cole in 1906 when the University was known as University College Reading. The Cole Museum of Zoology represents a snapshot of…
Address
Sonning Lane, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6STREADING
We are a prosperous club with a long tradition of nurturing talented and aspiring young cricketers to be the best that they can be.
Reading Cricket Club is a friendly, vibrant and progressive cricket club that features competitive and successful…
Address
Mole Road, Sindlesham, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG41 5DJTelephone
0118 9897500WOKINGHAM
Let tensions melt away and indulge your senses in our beautiful, uplifting spa facilities. Surrounded by palm trees and Roman statues you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean. Unquestionably, our spacious facilities are…
Address
Wokingham Road, READING, Berkshire, RG6 1LEREADING
This large 50-acre parkland is home to Palmer Park Sport Stadium. It also offers a large children’s play area and adjacent cafe next to Wokingham Road with a second smaller accessible play area (known locally as ERAPA) near London Road. As well as…
Address
Forbury Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3FDREADING
St James catholic Church is built within the ruins of the great Benedictine Abbey. Today we continue the practice of the monks to celebrate the Sacred Liturgy in Word and Sacrament. The church was built between 1837 and 1840, the architect was A W…
Address
The Mount, READING, Berkshire, RG1 5HLREADING
Progress Theatre is a self-governing, self-funding theatre group, run by volunteers, and founded in 1946. We are members of the Little Theatre Guild and the National Operatic and Dramatic Association, and are a registered charity. Our intimate 96…
Address
Mapledurham Village, READING, Berkshire, RG4 7TRREADING
A 12th Century family house and farming estate tucked in beside the Thames in the heart of a unique English village away from the distractions of town, business or busy hotels, Mapledurham is an oasis of peace. The estate is a haven of tradition…
Address
Star Lane Wharf, Behind Queen's Road car park, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4ARReading
A trip boat on the Kennet and Avon Canal in Reading from Kennet & Avon Trust. 45-minute trips on Fridays (during school holidays), Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays at noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm from Easter weekend onwards.
Address
110 - 117 Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EPREADING
Popworld is a late-night bar with a difference – we are cheese with style! You'll be greeted by our friendly bar staff and party the night away with like-minded people.
READING
Beale Park is an outdoor wildlife park within 40 acres set against the River Thames in Berkshire. A home to an exciting mix of animals and attractions.
Follow us on social media
© Visit Reading 2024. All Rights Reserved
