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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
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
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
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQTelephone
0118 971 9052Reading
Jewellery and accessory specialist offering ear piercing services.
Address
2nd Floor, The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGReading
Located in The Oracle, JOE & THE JUICE offers a fresh, fast-paced menu of made-to-order juices, smoothies, wellness shots and speciality coffee.
Address
40 Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LXTelephone
0118 958 8020Reading
Pret creates handmade natural food avoiding all the obscure extras common to so much of the 'prepared' and 'fast' food on the market today.
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
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
4 Butter Market, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2DPTelephone
0118 950 8313Reading
Hand-making a cup of coffee is an art. It takes time and skill to perfect. That's why every single barista, in every single Costa store is professionally trained in...
Address
Crowne Plaza Reading East, Wharfedale Road, Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5TSTelephone
0118 944 0444Winnersh, Wokingham
Relax in the inviting ambiance of Monty's Lounge Bar, surrounded by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Indulge in a specialty Lavazza Coffee or Savor your preferred cocktail while enjoying quality bar meals, including a delightful Indian menu.…
Address
6 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TGTelephone
0118 958 8875Reading
Nail salon in Reading town centre.
Address
54 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AFTelephone
0118 391 3865Reading
On-trend chain selling own-label and branded shoes, boots and trainers for adults and children.
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AHTelephone
0118 959 5811Reading
Jewellery chain featuring a variety of necklaces, rings, customisable charm bracelets and more.
Address
5 Church Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 7AAReading
HUMOS is a distinguished natural perfumery based in Reading, Berkshire, dedicated to crafting unique fragrances that reflect the individuality of its clients. Offering an array of services including private bespoke design, fragrance commissions for…
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
Proctor End, Reading Gateway, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0GGTelephone
0330 135 9038READING
Close to Reading town centre and right on top of the nearest motorway, our Premier Inn Reading Gateway, M4/J11 hotel is ideal for short breaks in Berkshire. The Oracle shopping centre is a must-visit for bargain-hunters, while the Dinton Pastures…
Address
Malmaison Hotel, 18-20 Station Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1JXTelephone
0118 334 1331READING
This former train-house turned hotel has an abundance of style and decadence. Chez Mal Brasserie is the hotel's fantastic restaurant. Located less than a minutes walk from Reading station this hotel is the perfect place to meet friends for food.
Reading
Carluccio's food is freshly prepared on the premises everyday using the best, freshest and natural ingredients, where possible from Italy...
Address
Unit R12 Oracle Riverside, The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 951 1599Reading
Wagamamas combines fresh and nutritious food in an elegant yet simple setting with helpful, friendly service and value for money. Serving Asian food...
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