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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
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
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
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
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 959 4845Reading
Fashion brand known for its modern takes on classic, casual & formal designs for men & women.
Address
Market Place, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2DEReading
The Bap is an independent Korean restaurant founded by people passionate about Korean Food. Leading our business with a passion for food and the belief that good food heals the body and mind; we have curated a menu that introduces you to the most…
Address
10/11 Harris Arcade, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DNTelephone
0118 950 7769Reading
Located in the Harris Arcade, Reading, Crunch Comics have a selection of new release and back-issue comic books, together with graphic novels, collectibles and t-shirts. Go and visit for all your comic book needs.
Address
Hosier Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2LNREADING
In March 2022, we turned this derelict and abandoned yard into Blue Collar Corner - Reading’s newest independent venue and our first permanent site. Featuring 1 bar, 2 floors & 4 kitchens, a huge beer garden in the Summer and with cover in the…
Address
163-163A Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HETelephone
0118 950 7592Reading
The name of this Stonegate pub, and the street it is in, recalls the Franciscan monks who came to Reading in the 13th century.
Address
9-11 Kings Walk, King Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG12HGTelephone
0118 334 8162Reading
Soju offers authentic and freshly grilled South Korean BBQ in the heart of Reading.
Address
Brunei Arcade, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LTTelephone
0118 956 8106Reading
Subway is a privately held American fast food restaurant franchise that primarily purveys submarine sandwiches and salads.
Address
Cumberland Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3LBREADING
In 1974 the Methodist church in Cumberland Road, Newtown, Reading became available and the Sikh community decided that it need a more permanent place of worship where Guru Granth Sahib Ji could be installed on permanent basis, Akhand Paht (continues…
Address
60 Kings Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3AAReading
Lincoln Coffee House is an independent coffee shop and roaster, serving up single-origin coffee in Reading town centre.
Address
10 Prospect Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8JGReading
Geo-Café is a family-run café, bakery and grocery, providing a range of Georgian delicious food and local produce.
Address
Station Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1LGREADING
Fast-food burger chain serving sides such as chili & baked potatoes.
Reading
The layout and atmosphere of Starbucks stores are specifically designed to be cosy and intimate, while at the same time providing people with their own personal...
Address
13-14 Gun Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JRTelephone
0118 958 5935Reading
Fashion chain selling clothes and accessories for men and women, some with nature-inspired prints.
Address
14-16 Oxford Rd, Reading, RG1 7LATelephone
0118 956 1649Reading
Located oppositie Broad Street Mall is Creams, the American styled parlour that specialises in Italian Gelato & desserts. Sundaes at Creams mostly cost between..
Address
26 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJTelephone
0118 952 7770Reading
The Reading Room will offer delicious modern cuisine revolving around the freshest, seasonal ingredients and best of British produce from Executive Chef Rajesh Maharjan. Guests can opt to try the delectable Tasting Menu, which also has a specialised…
Address
Blagrave Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1QHREADING
A vibrant and contemporary space providing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle for a coffee or taking time over lunch, you’ll find a great big welcome in comfy surroundings.
Offering a delicious…
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