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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: 523
, 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
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
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
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
Unit 5A, The Oracle Riverside, Reading, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 950 3137Reading
Rubbing shoulders with chic boutiques and vibrant galleries, Browns Reading is the perfect place to soak up the cultural buzz of Berkshire’s well-connected hub...
Address
Unit 2-3 Meadow Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8LBREADING
Phantom Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in Reading, Berkshire. With the main goal of producing the freshest beer, made with the highest quality ingredients, we have worked hard to provide a welcoming community hub in our taproom in Reading…
Reading
We are authentic Italian wine bars boasting quality wines and tempting Italian food. Vino.Vita was born in 2013 with two friends who shared a love for Italian Aperitivo, the ritual of drinking, nibbling and relaxing after work. A daily occasion to…
Address
4-8 Duke Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4RYTelephone
0118 957 2717Reading
Dining in luxury at the Royal Tandoori you will be served authentic Indian food, cooked in the traditional way using the freshest ingredients.
Address
Lower Mall, The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2ASTelephone
0844 406 0614Reading
Enjoy 24 bowling lanes, an American diner, a live sports bar and exciting amusements! What more could you ask for?
Address
34 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DXTelephone
0118 939 3939Reading
Subway is a privately held American fast food restaurant franchise that primarily purveys submarine sandwiches and salads.
Address
64 Kings Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3BJREADING
Experience a uniquely Sri Lankan dining adventure at The Coconut Tree, where every detail reflects the warmth and vibrancy of the island.
Address
(Mercure George Hotel), Yield Hall Lane, Reading, RG1 2HFTelephone
0118 957 2802Reading
Welcome to Bhel Puri House, serving the Berkshire community the finest Indian street food. Restaurant and take away serving, vegetarian, fresh juices, desserts and savouries!...
Address
9 Bridge Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LRTelephone
0118 959 7959Reading
Bar, restaurant and microbrewery, Zero Degrees is situated within 1 minute walking distance of the Oracle Shopping Centre and offers a wide range of settings that are perfect for any occasion. The Tank Lounge on the mezzanine level, complete with…
Address
The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 951 1117Reading
TK Maxx delivers great value on ever-changing selections of brand names and designer products. Prices are up to 60% less than the RRP and at a significant discount on the prices in a department store or on the high street. TK Maxx offer brands from…
Address
35-39 London Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4PSREADING
Founded in 1987, we are one of the UK's largest fair trade shops. Our selection of gifts, books, cards and food is wide ranging and we pride ourselves on having something for everyone; little ones love our wooden toys and puzzles; our natural body…
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0344 826 9859Reading
On-trend casual fashions for men and women; some branches include children's clothing.
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
Northumberland Avenue, READING, Berkshire, RG2 8DFREADING
South Reading Leisure Centre offers a range of indoor and outdoor facilities for the local community. The gym features a range of cardio and resistance stations, a dedicated free weight area and a spin and dance studio offering a range of fitness…
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