My Planner
My Planner
To build your own Itinerary, click 
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Already saved an Itinerary?
Girls at Oracle Riverside
Searching for something...
-
Accommodation
-
Things to Do
-
Food & Drink
-
Shopping
Accommodation Search
Things to Do Search
Food & Drink Search
Shopping Search
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: 521
, 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
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
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
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
John Lewis, Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BBTelephone
0118 959 4545Reading
Ori Caffe, located within John Lewis, puts its roots down in the origins of the deep Mediterranean, with recipes and flavours that build on a simple principle of quality.
Address
Unit 20 Stadium Way, Tilehurst, READING, Berkshire, RG30 6BXTelephone
0118 942 8390READING
You can visit us on Fridays and Saturdays at our on-site taproom, where we serve a wide variety of beers direct from our warehouse cold store, where our beer is continuously stored between 4-5 degrees, keeping it in the best condition possible for…
Address
Broad Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2BDREADING
Newly opened in October 2022, Gail's bake fresh, handmade bread, pastries and cakes every day, served with our carefully-sourced house blend specialty coffee. We take great pleasure in using the best ingredients we can find for food and drink,…
Address
Thames Valley Park Drive, READING, Berkshire, RG6 1PTREADING
Set in an easy-to-reach spot on Thames Valley Business Park, David Lloyd Reading is a first-class fitness destination for you and your family. With a state-of-the-art gym, wide range of exercise classes, sports facilities, a swimming pool and…
Address
The Oracle Centre, Riverside, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AGREADING
Join us by the Riverside at The Oracle Shopping Centre and enjoy our signature burgers, seasoned fries and a bottomless soft drink for £16.
Address
89 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2APTelephone
0118 958 1270Reading
A mainstream and academic book retailer that encourages browsing.
Address
Reading Gaol, Forbury Road, Reading, RG1 3HYReading
Banksy’s artwork in Reading, Create Escape, appeared in 2021 on the walls of the former Reading Prison building. From Reading Station, it is just a five-minute walk.
Banksy’s Create Escape was inspired by Oscar Wilde’s imprisonment in Reading Gaol…
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
13-14 Gun Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JRTelephone
0118 958 5935Reading
Fashion chain selling clothes and accessories for men and women, some with nature-inspired prints.
Address
Corn Stores, Forbury Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1SBREADING
Thames Valley Wine School is launching in Reading this autumn with a host of in-person wine tastings from introductory evening sessions to eight-week courses and WSET training aimed at both beginners and more experienced wine drinkers. Food…
Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 3343338READING
Manzano's is the home of delicious, healthy, flame grilled cuisine. Expect a fantastic range of healthy grilled food including: juicy steaks, flame grilled peri- peri chicken and the best wings in town; all at great value. Expect to experience great…
Address
Bridge Street, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8AHTelephone
0118 948 1088READING
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 Sonning up to Going and Streatley. Dearting from Caversham Pier in Reading, we sail up to Mapledurham on 45 mnutes, 60…
Address
60 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AFReading
Founded by Eirik and Gabe, university flatmates who quit their job to leave the herd behind and embark on an exciting coffee journey. Striving not only to rid the world of boring coffee but to do this sustainability and ethically. Our coffee is…
Address
The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AGREADING
Skechers is the comfort technology company, where you’ll find the best selection of lifestyle and performance footwear for men, women and kids. Choose from countless options including the latest athletic, casual and fashion sneakers as well as…
READING
Funda is an independent, forward thinking stockist of women’s fashion, jewellery and accessories. In store you will discover a large selection of individual, quirky and unique women’s wear that you will find captivating and irresistible.
Address
The Forbury, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3BBREADING
Forbury Gardens is a delightful Victorian town garden, created at the height of the urban parks movement. The gardens have recently undergone major restoration. They are located between the town centre and the ruins of the 11th century abbey, not…
Follow us on social media
© Visit Reading 2026. All Rights Reserved
