My Planner
My Planner
To build your own Itinerary, click 
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Already saved an Itinerary?
Girls at Oracle Riverside
Searching for something...
-
Accommodation
-
Things to Do
-
Food & Drink
-
Shopping
Accommodation Search
Things to Do Search
Food & Drink Search
Shopping Search
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: 520
, 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
118 Henley Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 6DHReading
Sheabutter Cottage, located on Henley Road in Caversham, is a local independent family-run fair trade shop dedicated to ethical practices. They offer a wide range of unique and handmade products. Experience the allure of locally crafted items from…
Address
18 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DBTelephone
0118 958 8964Reading
Pitcher & Piano Reading is an oasis in the bustle of central Reading. Located just a short walk from the train station, this is the ideal place for a quiet drink after work...
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
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AHTelephone
0118 996 0128Reading
Retail chain specialising in gadgets, accessories, watches and novelty gifts aimed at men.
Address
Friars Walk, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HPReading
Independent coffee house, 1650 Coffee Co, serves exceptional, hand-crafted coffee alongside freshly baked pastries, sandwiches and indulgent cakes.
Address
Butter Market, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2DPTelephone
0118 304 9311Reading
Smoke & Pepper serves bold, smoky comfort food centred around flame-grilled meats and stacked burgers.
Address
Unit A2 Forbury Retail Park, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3HSTelephone
0345 165 7790Reading
Catalogue retailer selling massive range of products.
Address
107 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AXReading
Founded in 1972 Louisiana by Al Copeland who dreamed of serving the best fried chicken. 50 years ago in New Orleans, Louisiana. A taste sensation was born. What started as one small restaurant with a dream of creating the world’s best fried chicken…
Address
24 Harris Arcade, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DNTelephone
0118 957 5075Reading
Specialist shop buying and selling classic 70s vinyl albums plus other eras and new and used CDs.
Address
10-14 Duke Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4RUREADING
Reading town centre's neighbourood Italian deli.
Address
21 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2APReading
Jollibee is famous across the world for delicious crispy fried chicken and fast-food classics with a tropical twist. Founded in 1978 by Tony Tan Caktiong in the Philippines, Jollibee serves up the crispiest, juiciest and tastiest fried chicken…
Address
Riverside, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0345 308 4620Reading
All the latest mainstream movies are shown at this state-of-the-art chain cinema with family deals.
Address
30a Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HXReading
It all started with our founders Mia and Greg, their love of anime and Japanese culture, and a small market stall in the hustle and bustle of Manchester. An unusual place for our sushi story to start, but this humble stall was the perfect spot to…
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 956 1951Reading
Victoria's Secret is one of the most powerful, sexy and glamorous stores in the world, where you'll find a dazzling assortment of intimate apparel, beauty products, sleepwear, hosiery and more.
Address
Odiham Road, Riseley, READING, Berkshire, RG7 1SPREADING
Turn your adventure into a mini break and stay on our campsite. Offering you access to the Park both during the day and ‘after hours’ and being the ideal base for exploring other areas of the Wellington Estate, the local area and beyond. Book your…
Address
Station Approach, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LYTelephone
0118 957 2743Reading
Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself, The Three Guineas was built to serve… and whether you fancy cask ales, commuter coffees or cracking cuisine, we certainly live up to that. Right by Reading Station, we’ve served thousands of travellers…
Address
26 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJTelephone
0118 952 7770Reading
A luxury hotel that oozes elegance, conveniently located in the centre of Reading. This award-winning hotel is minutes walking distance from the Reading station, with journeys as short as 22 minutes to Paddington. Perfect for a weekend escape to…
Follow us on social media
© Visit Reading 2025. All Rights Reserved
