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24 hours in Reading
If time is short, you’ll still find lots of things to do to fill 24 hours in Reading. Here’s an example itinerary for a day visit to Reading, if you’re on a flying visit. 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 café 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 CUP for a touch a Greece, Shed for homemade goodness, or try Workhouse Coffee for an unbeatable choice of coffee beans (not to mention epic snacks!).
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.
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 five 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. Head to the river and sample a small section of the famous Thames Path, or walk through the Victorian pleasure gardens, Forbury Gardens, for a shorter loop. 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 the new social venue, Spinners? Try your hand at cocktail making at The Botanist, or wine tasting at Veeno? For something requiring less energy, check out the Hexagon’s programme of live shows or visit the independent 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 Thames Lido, Valpy Street Bar & Bistro or Pepe Sale.
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 Revolution, 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 Malmaison, 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, or Zero Degrees with its very own micro-brewery.
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?
Inspiration
Number of results: 409
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Bridge Street, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8AHTelephone
01189 481088READING
We are based at the heart of the Upper Thames and cruise through some of the most stunning reaches of the Thames from Henley and Soniing up to Going and Streatley.
Established in 1973 our family business has grown from simple roots when we had…
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
Mole Road, Sindlesham, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG41 5DJTelephone
0118 9897500WOKINGHAM
Let tensions melt away and indulge your senses in our beautiful, uplifting spa facilities. Surrounded by palm trees and Roman statues you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean. Unquestionably, our spacious facilities are…
Reading
With a passion for Real American BBQ, Bluegrass bring the genuine flavours of the Southern States to the UK. They take British meats and cook them the true...
Address
3 Broad street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2HXREADING
In 2013 Chipstar adventure begins: just a simple idea delight potato lovers all over the world, thanks to high quality fresh products. Our core products are Chipstar Fries: fries are served in the distinctive cone, in three different size, and can…
Address
10 Forbury Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1SBTelephone
0118 324 6768READING
Committed to consistently delivering a first-class service and high-quality British ingredients in relaxed and modern environments, our stunning venue reinforces our core company values; to bring a bold and energetic concept to life. This passion is…
Reading
Eating out in Reading has never been more divine. Relax in a comfy banquette and take in the stylish surroundings of the Chez Mal Brasserie with its exposed walls and ceiling...
Address
Gas Works Road (next to Bel & The Dragon), READING, Berkshire, RG1 3EQTelephone
0118 9373400READING
This small branch site tells the story of Reading's two rivers - the Kennet and the Thames. The Riverside Museum occupies two Listed former waterworks buildings, the Screen House and the Turbine House.
The Turbine House hosts a programme of…
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AHTelephone
0118 950 0870Reading
Retailer selling humorous greeting cards for special occasion, plus stationary and gift wrap.
Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QAREADING
Building, painting and playing with the best fantasy miniatures in the world. A Warhammer store is the gateway to a range of exciting hobby activities that can provide hours of fun, whether enjoying Warhammer alone, with friends and family, or…
Address
41 Market Place, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2DGTelephone
0118 959 9959Reading
Looking for a stunning and durable bag for work or leisure? For a wide choice of bags in Reading pop into The Bag Shop!
Address
21 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BHTelephone
0118 957 5514Reading
Retail chain providing mobile phones, tablets & broadband services.
Address
Harris Arcade, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DNREADING
Harris Shopping Arcade is an original Art Deco gem hidden away near the town center in Reading.
Full of Unique & Independent shops, take a slow wander through and see what we have to offer !Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQTelephone
0118 959 1588Reading
Hotel Chocolat is a British chocolatier and cocoa grower, with over seventy shops in the United Kingdom. Hotel Chocolat is the only company in the United Kingdom to grow cocoa on its own plantation.
Address
16 Broad Street Mall, Reading, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 9580223Reading
Address
20 Market Place, Reading, RG1 2EGReading
Relaxed restaurant featuring souvlaki, gyros & other Greek classics, plus grilled options & drinks.
Address
2 Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HXTelephone
0118 950 5952Reading
Lingerie, swimwear and clothes for women who are a D-L cup.
Address
Henley Road, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 9RATelephone
07935 604463READING
We wanted to bring the great outdoors to the Thames Valley with a brand new outdoor adventure centre, a social sanctuary and a safe playground for everyone set on a stunning freshwater lake. We strive to create opportunities for individuals and…
Address
Mapledurham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 7UTTelephone
0118 9478600READING
The Eyston Course is a fantastic championship course measuring between 5,536 to 7,319 yards. Located just outside Reading, built to USGA standards and is in great condition year-round due to excellent drainage.
Address
104-108 Kings Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3BYTelephone
0118 959 5906Reading
This Wetherspoon pub stands on the site of a ginger-beer factory, later used as a Salvation Army barracks, and takes its name from its location on the edge of town...
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