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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, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQTelephone
0118 950 5741Reading
Fashionable womenswear chain; some stores also include menswear, plus-sizes and maternity clothing.
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQTelephone
0118 958 0568Reading
On-trend shoe chain catering for men and women.
Address
Unit 1, Marcus Close, Tilehurst, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 4EATelephone
+441183045442Reading
At Unleashed Performance, you won’t just train – you’ll transform. Our expert-led group sessions are designed to build strength, improve fitness and grow your confidence… one session at a time. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to push…
Address
29 Chain Street, Reading, RG1 2HXTelephone
0118 958 1892Reading
Upmarket retail chain selling stylish, French-influenced clothes for mothers, babies and children.
Address
132 Caversham Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8AYTelephone
0114 349 8450READING
Convenient and centrally located, easyHotel Reading welcomes visitors to explore the local sights with ease and lay their heads down in clean, comfortable rooms. Whether you’re looking for a short stay or planning a weekend visit, you couldn’t be in…
Address
26 West Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1TZTelephone
0118 951 4151READING
House of Fisher’s City Wall House Aparthotel is based in the very centre of Reading offering a selection of studio, one and two bedroom fully furnished serviced apartments, all with free unlimited WiFi and a lift available to four floors. These…
Address
Stanlake Park, Twyford, READING, Berkshire, RG10 0BNTelephone
0118 934 0176READING
Stanlake Park in Twyford, Berkshire is one of the oldest vineyards and wine producers in England. Our Italian winemaker’s modern and international approach is reflected in award-winning wines that are enjoyable, very drinkable and the perfect…
Address
Goring Lane, Grazeley Green, READING, Berkshire, RG7 1LSTelephone
0333 321 8346READING
Premier Inn Reading South (Grazeley Green) ticks all the boxes. Close to the M4 and M3, just down the road from Reading and Basingstoke, and set in a quiet, rural location. Check, check and check. You're well placed for many local wedding venues.…
Address
9-11 Kings Walk, King Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG12HGTelephone
0118 334 8162Reading
Soju offers authentic and freshly grilled South Korean BBQ in the heart of Reading.
Address
8 Merchants Place, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DTTelephone
0118 958 5887READING
Milk is an independent rum bar in the heart of Reading. Boasting over 100 rums, and a specially made in-house cocktail menu, we have been reading's purveyor of rare rums and prescribed cocktails for nearly ten years.
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
29 Church Street, St Martins Precinct, Caversham, Reading, RG4 8BATelephone
07876 504341Caversham, Reading
Welcome to Spill, Caversham's hottest destination for specialty coffee, craft cocktails, and fine wines in Reading. Their modern industrial space in the heart of Caversham transitions from daytime café to cosy evening wine bar.
Enjoy expertly…
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
110 - 117 Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EPREADING
Popworld is a late-night bar with a difference – we are cheese with style! You'll be greeted by our friendly bar staff and party the night away with like-minded people.
Address
Unit 11A, Riverside Level, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 956 6963Reading
With a menu combining delicious Pizza and Pasta with a superb range of grill and speciality dishes there's something for everybody...
Address
Sonning Lane, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6STREADING
We are a prosperous club with a long tradition of nurturing talented and aspiring young cricketers to be the best that they can be.
Reading Cricket Club is a friendly, vibrant and progressive cricket club that features competitive and successful…
Address
The Oracle Riverside, Reading, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 950 2657Reading
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