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Girls at Oracle Riverside
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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: 525
, 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
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
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
Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EHREADING
The building of Greyfriars Church was completed in 1311 by Franciscans, followers of St Francis of Assisi who were monks, then called friars, who wore grey, hence the name Greyfriars. It is now a Grade 1 listed building, being the oldest Franciscan…
Address
The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AGReading
Holland & Barrett is the UK's leading retailer of vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements. This store is one of our new style stores, complete with many new features including a help yourself fruit, nuts, seeds and snacks Pick and Mix gondola, our…
Address
18 Alberto House, Marino Way, Finchampstead, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG40 4RFWOKINGHAM
Siren Craft Brew was born in 2013 with a simple idea in mind: to introduce exciting, full-flavoured and forward-thinking beers to as many people as possible. There are now six Sirens of Siren Craft Brew. These Sirens characterise our flagship beers.…
Address
84 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2APTelephone
0118 971 9300Reading
Fashion-chain specialising in branded footwear, accessories and sportswear for men, women and children.
Address
35 Church Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8BATelephone
0118 375 9295Reading
Pop Classics is a Vinyl Record shop in the heart of Caversham offering a wide range on new and used records and CDs with something to suit all tastes and budgets.
Address
Church Lane, Dunsden, READING, Berkshire, RG4 9QDTelephone
0118 948 1111READING
Our beers have been hailed for their quality and consistency since 2003 – winning awards all over the UK. Built on traditional foundations, we’ve continued to evolve and take our beers to the next level. From firkins of classic bitter to cans of New…
Address
The Oracle, Lower Ground Level, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQReading
Cosy Club Reading serves up delicious all-day dining in stylish, retro-inspired surroundings. From indulgent brunches and elegant mains like King Prawn and Cod Linguine to standout cocktails and treats like their signature Monkey Bread, the menu…
Address
12 Dunbar Drive, Woodley, READING, Berkshire, RG54HAREADING
E bike vineyard tour - English wine is enjoying a boom right now. Join Broomwagon Cycle Tours for a ride through the beautiful Chilterns with a stop at one of the country’s most exclusive vineyards. Nestled in the foothills of the Chilterns, South…
Address
99-103 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1EPTelephone
0118 958 2266Reading
The site of this Wetherspoon pub was once occupied by the Hope Brewery, which had its own pub, The Hope Tap.
Address
6 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TGTelephone
0118 958 8875Reading
Nail salon in Reading town centre.
Address
65 Caversham Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8ADTelephone
01182 292233Reading
Central Bowl offers boutique bowling lanes alongside darts, pool and a lively bar, as well as a modern, cashless arcade.
Address
Unit 10, Kings Walk, 19-23 King Street, Reading, RG1 2HGReading
Fuwa Fuwa, meaning “fluffy fluffy” North America’s largest soufflé pancake and dessert cafe. From breakfast to dinner, and everything in between. We aim to deliver happiness, one pancake at a time.
Address
108-113 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BBTelephone
0118 957 5955Reading
If shopping makes you gasping for a refreshing pick-me-up, a treat from the patisserie counter or a full-blown Sunday lunch, then try the in-store cafe and restaurant at John Lewis.
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
8 Gun Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JRTelephone
0118 959 0030Reading
Shotz salon for men and women's hair, skin care, massage and facial treatments, all conveniently situated near the Oracle, the Purple Turtle and historic church in the heart of Reading.
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