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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 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 Gails Bakery or Paul's Patisserie.
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 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 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, the Ale House, or Zero Degrees with its very own micro-brewery. Just opened, the Rising Sun is a new gastropub and restaurant and Siren Brew Bar serves local beer in a modern setting at Station Hill.
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: 518
, 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 seven 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
Caversham Pier, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8BDTelephone
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 Sonning up to Going and Streatley. Dearting from Caversham Pier in Reading, we sail up to Mapledurham on 45 mnutes, 60…
READING
Located less than 5 minutes’ drive from Junction 12 of the M4, Flexistay Reading West Aparthotel is ideally situated for corporates, contractors and leisure guests. Reading town centre is just a 20-minute drive away and the towns of Newbury,…
Address
Waitrose Car Park, Church Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8AYReading
Caversham Artisan & Farmers Market has been and always will be here to serve the community. We believe in providing our shoppers with quality products as well as outstanding service. Since day one, a genuine love and passion for our own market…
Address
57 St Marys Butts, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LGTelephone
0118 958 3323Reading
The Allied Arms is located in what was the area of Saxon Reading, and is almost certainly part of the original land on which the first church...
Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0330 058 2640READING
Holland & Barrett is the UK's leading retailer of vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements. This store is one of our new style stores, complete with many new features including a help yourself fruit, nuts, seeds and snacks Pick and Mix gondola, our…
Address
Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QFTelephone
0118 960 6060READING
The Hexagon is a multi-purpose entertainment venue in the heart of Reading, hosting an eclectic mix of entertainers from big name Comedians, Spectacular Musicals, Children's Shows, Classical Concerts, Opera, Pantomime, Theatre, Dance and everything…
Address
39 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2ADReading
The well-known stationers and bookshop. Also has the post office on the first floor.
Address
128-129 Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1EPTelephone
0118 959 1144Reading
Address
The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AGREADING
At Buenasado Argentine Steakhouse experience a unique combination of top quality beef from grass-fed cattle, reared in the fertile lowlands of Las Pampas, and superb world-famous Argentinian wine.
Address
35 Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1PWTelephone
0118 958 6775Reading
Stylish gay-friendly bar with fantastic champagne and wine menu. Gorgeous decor, great atmosphere and regular live entertainment and events, including karaoke every Thursday, and just a stone's throw from the station...
Address
The Oracle Riverside, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
023 8214 5522Reading
Introducing a slice of South American life at Las Iguanas – Reading, with sizzling Mexican & Southern American dishes alongside our legendary cocktail menu. Perfectly located on the Riverside next to The Oracle Shopping Centre, next to Vue Cinema.…
Address
8 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJTelephone
0118 950 8133Reading
Made-to-measure men's clothing.
Address
Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QEReading
Making deliciously good food, baked fresh every day, Muffin Break use the best Arabica beans to make the perfect coffee for the local community in Reading. Sink your teeth into mouth-watering muffins, cakes and slices including a selection of…
Reading
Relax, indulge, unwind at Thames Lido. Here you will find a heated pool, hot tub and saunas, as well as massage rooms and an award-winning restaurant which is featured in the Michelin Guide.
Address
4 Chatham Place, Reading, RG1 7JFReading
We are a small team of passionate bakers dedicated to bringing better bread to the people of Reading. Our focus is on naturally fermented sourdough and pastries, made by hand, from scratch, using local and seasonal produce wherever possible. Our…
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
Sandford Lane, Hurst, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG10 0SUTelephone
0118 934 4424Wokingham
Dinton Pastures is an oasis of woodland, meadow and lakes in the midst of the most urbanised part of the Thames Valley. Easily accessible for both visitors and local residents with nearby public transport and motorway links.
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