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24 hours in Reading
Reading is a great day trip location. Just 23 minutes from London Paddington Station by train and also on the Elizabeth Line, which is free for TFL Freedom Pass holders.
Here’s an example itinerary for a day visit to Reading. Be warned and set your alarm– we’ve packed lots in!
9am | Start your day with breakfast at one of Reading’s best indie cafes
Reading is home to lots of places to eat and drink, with a superb cafe culture that rivals many other towns – so start your trip (and day) right with a visit to one of our fabulous independent cafes for breakkie. Try C.U.P. for a touch a Greece or Shed for homemade goodness. Gail's Bakery and Paul's Patisserie are also fantastic options on the high street.
10am | Get cultural with Reading’s heritage
After breakfast, why not explore a bit of Reading’s local heritage? Reading Museum is perfectly located right in the centre of town and has the only full size Bayeux Tapestry replica among its relics, while the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) gives a fascinating history of the UK's countryside and people. After you’re topped up your knowledge in the museums, why not walk through 900 years of history at the Abbey Ruins, Reading’s very own ancient ruins and burial place of King Henry I, just around the corner from the main shopping streets. You can even view the ruins as they would have been 400 years ago with the help of AR.
11.30am | Hit the shops
From casual window shopping to serious retail therapy, it’s no wonder Reading is known for its fantastic shopping offer. From high street brands to quirkier independents and household names such as John Lewis, Reading has some of the best shopping in the South East, as well as three indoor shopping centres all within a short walk. There’s always time for a quick mooch, right?
1pm | Have lunch on the riverside
Once you’ve finished with the shops (or just need a pit-stop), head to the Oracle Riverside, where you’ll find a great selection of bars and restaurants dotted alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal, which flows rather scenically through the shopping centre. Providing a picturesque backdrop to a perfect lunch spot, The Oracle boasts some brilliant eateries for even the most discerning foodies, from fast food favourites and chains, right through to fine dining (and everything in between!).
3pm | Test your limits at an Escape Room
Reading is home to some of the best Escape Rooms in the country, offering a total of four top-rated sites with a variety of rooms, themes and difficulties, many of which are easily walkable from the town centre. So, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned escape artist, there’s a puzzle for you waiting to be solved.
4:30pm | Explore on foot with an afternoon stroll
What better way to clear your head after the escape room excitement, than with a short afternoon stroll around Reading. Reading town centre is just 500 metres from the Thames. Head to the river and sample a small section of the famous Thames Path or take a short circular cruise with Thames River Cruise. Reading's Victorian pleasure gardens, Forbury Gardens, are next to the amazing medieval Abbey Ruins which are open every day. You can continue through to the old Reading Prison site to visit Banksy’s ‘Create Escape’. Popping up in 2020, the artwork shows Oscar Wilde escaping from the Prison with his typewriter. A must-see for any Banksy fan!
6pm | Prepare to be entertained
When the evening comes, there’s no shortage of activities in Reading to keep you amused. Why not try tenpin bowling, darts, or crazy golf at Spinners? Try your hand at cocktail making at The Botanist, or wine tasting at Vino.Vita? For something requiring less energy, check out the Hexagon’s programme of live shows or visit the independent Reading Biscuit Factory for films, terrace and bar.
8pm | Eat, drink and be merry
Foodies, prepare yourselves – Reading has a great selection of restaurants and eateries from every corner of the globe. Burger fans should head for Wendy’s or Honest Burger, while some of the nation’s well-known chains can be found at the Oracle Riverside. If you’re looking for a treat, visit The Reading Room or London Street Brasserie, or if more of an independent vibe is what you’re after, try the restaurant at Thames Lido for incredible tapas.
10pm | Sample the nightlife
When it comes to nightlife, Reading has it all. If you’re looking to dance off dinner, try one of Reading's nightclubs such as Lola Lo or the iconic Purple Turtle. Cocktail-lovers should head to Be at One, Milk or Revolution de Cuba, or for more of a relaxed vibe try Market House or the Oakford Social Club. If you fancy a good old-fashioned pint to keep you going into the early hours, visit one of Reading’s traditional pubs such as the Allied Arms or The Ale House. For local beer, there's Zero Degrees and Siren Craft Brew in the town centre.
We hope this has inspired you to visit Reading on your next day trip and we look forward to welcoming you soon! Don't forget to take a look at accommodation options if you need a place to stay, or travel options, from travelling to, and from Reading. There’s always so much to do in Reading, so why not make your trip longer and extend your visit to a weekend break?
Number of results: 521
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Abbey Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3BATelephone
0118 937 3400READING
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…
Address
St James' Church, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3FDTelephone
07889 654979Reading
We are a local walking holiday company who offer four to eight day self-guided walking itineraries along the St James' Way from Reading to Southampton. Our packages include B&B accommodation, daily baggage transfers, transport to and from…
Address
Caversham Pier, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8BDTelephone
0118 948 1088READING
As a small family-run business with over 50 years of river life experience, we take great pride in the vessels that form the soul of our operation. From our very own Little Ship of Dunkirk, rich with heritage, to our spacious multi-deck party and…
Address
Reading Museum, Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QHTelephone
0118 9373400Reading
The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the world’s most famous pieces of medieval art. It is 70 metres long, and chronicles the legendary tale of the Norman conquest of England in 1066. In the late 19th century, an extremely ambitious project was undertaken…
Address
Liebenrood Road, READING, Berkshire, RG30 2NDREADING
Prospect Park is Reading’s largest open space and gets its name from the fine views across the Kennet Valley and beyond, which can be enjoyed best from the Mansion House.
Address
Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 958 2760Reading
Independent retailer offering second hand games, consoles, phones, technology and more, as well as buying unwanted goods.
Address
Abbey Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3BDTelephone
0118 937 3400Reading
Jane Austen's former schoolroom, located in Reading’s Abbey Quarter, is often cited as the inspiration for Austen’s Mr Goddard’s School in Emma.
Address
128-129 Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1EPTelephone
0118 959 1144Reading
Address
3 Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HXTelephone
0118 402 8736Reading
Shop in-store with the UK's leading outdoor retailer. With over 70 stores nationwide, unrivalled expertise and a price match guarantee on everything.
Address
Gas Works Road (next to Bel & The Dragon), READING, Berkshire, RG1 3EQTelephone
0118 9373400READING
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…
Address
The Piazza, Kennet Island, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0GXTelephone
0118 931 0271Reading
Fidget & Bob is the new all-day café bar in Kennet Island, Reading.
READING
ThaiGrr! serves enticing, ready-to-go Thai food, cooked to perfection by our experienced Thai chefs with a menu that brings you Thailand’s favourite dishes. Our tempting choice of tasty Thai hot meals are available to take out or to deliver.
To…Address
42-43 Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 957 3807Reading
Boswells is a family run business that is truly passionate about great value and service. Whether it is breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or just a great coffee, pay them a visit and enjoy their warm and friendly welcome.
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AHTelephone
0118 958 8555Reading
Upscale chain known for its crystal jewellery, watches, Christmas ornaments and home accents.
Address
43-35 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 950 7200Reading
Döner & Gyros is a casual fast-food restaurant that serves healthy, delicious and affordable products. We take traditional sandwiches and give them an urban and modern twist. Since opening our first store 2014, we’ve come a long way. At Döner &…
Address
75 - 76 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2APTelephone
0118 957 2390Reading
Caffè Nero Group Ltd was founded in 1997 and is currently the largest independent coffee retailer in the UK, with over 400 stores in the UK...
Address
Stonor, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxfordshire, RG9 6HFHENLEY-ON-THAMES
Family home of Hon. William and Lady Ailsa Stonor and the Stonor family for over 800 years with a 13th Century chapel with earlier origins, built on the site of a late neolithic stone circle. The house was built in the late 12th Century and…
Address
Proctor End, Reading Gateway, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0GGTelephone
0330 135 9038READING
Close to Reading town centre and right on top of the nearest motorway, our Premier Inn Reading Gateway, M4/J11 hotel is ideal for short breaks in Berkshire. The Oracle shopping centre is a must-visit for bargain-hunters, while the Dinton Pastures…
Address
5 Church Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 7AAReading
HUMOS is a distinguished natural perfumery based in Reading, Berkshire, dedicated to crafting unique fragrances that reflect the individuality of its clients. Offering an array of services including private bespoke design, fragrance commissions for…
Address
The Forbury, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3BBREADING
Forbury Gardens is a delightful Victorian town garden, created at the height of the urban parks movement. The gardens have recently undergone major restoration. They are located between the town centre and the ruins of the 11th century abbey, not…
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