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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: 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
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
The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AGREADING
The Levi’s® brand epitomises classic American style and effortless cool. Since their invention by Levi Strauss & Co. in 1873, Levi’s® jeans have continued capturing the imagination and loyalty of people for generations.
Today, Levi’s® continues to…
Address
The Village (First Floor), 19-23 King Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HGTelephone
+447749030514Reading
Fresh food made with love in the heart of Reading.
At Peppito, we believe that food is a celebration of community. Our menus are thoughtfully designed to enhance any gathering, reflecting our commitment to craftsmanship and flavour. We take pride in…Address
16 Castle Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7RDTelephone
0118 304 9936Reading
Dating back to the 17th century, this historic Grade II listed coaching inn stands as Reading’s oldest pub, steeped in tales and legacies. Surrounded by history with the Abbey only a few minutes walk, the building itself is famous for being the pub…
READING
Locked in a room with no way out, you must search for hidden compartments, secret passageways, and clues to plot your escape – all within 60 minutes! For groups of 2-6, Escape Reading offers three different rooms designed for groups of 2-6. It is…
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!...
READING
The original Guided walks going over 8 years around my home town in fun way. 18 themes, inc.Town Centre, Architecture, Crime/Punishment, Photographic Heritage, Ghosts. All donated go to local charities, raising over £24,000 & taken out 4500 people!
Address
53 Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1PZTelephone
0118 959 4267Reading
At the Oakford Social Club, music is everything. Which is why they put the best bands from across the country on their neon lit stage every week...
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQTelephone
0118 950 5741Reading
Fashionable womenswear chain; some stores also include menswear, plus-sizes and maternity clothing.
Address
29 Chain Street, Reading, RG1 2HXTelephone
0118 958 1892Reading
Upmarket retail chain selling stylish, French-influenced clothes for mothers, babies and children.
Address
18 Prospect Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8JGReading
We’re a table-serviced cocktail bar serving a delicious range of drinks pizza & charcuterie boards. We are based in the heart of Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, we can help you plan private or corporate socials and help you with the smaller details…
Reading
Our Reading serviced accommodations is located in the heart of the University Quarter, just a stone's throw away from the charming River Kennet. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, our prime location is perfect for exploring all…
Address
8 Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7QFTelephone
0118 958 7171Reading
Bierhaus is the first authentic independent German bar and restaurant experience in Reading. Serving an outstanding selection of German beers by the stein and traditional, home-cooked German food. We have a wine cellar function room available for…
Address
30-31 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DXTelephone
0118 951 1460Reading
Home to the legendary flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken. Afro-Portuguese inspired. South African born. Whether you are eating in the restaurants or getting...
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
116-117 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BDTelephone
0118 950 4023Reading
Discount fashion chain offering clothes and accessories for all ages, plus homewares.
Address
96 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2APReading
The UK's Largest Independent Running Store
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...
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