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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...Read More
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?
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Number of results: 515
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Address
164-166 Caversham Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8AZTelephone
0118 958 9900READING
A brand new self-service hotel offering. If you have stayed with us before then you will be familiar with our highstandards of service and we welcome you back ike old friends. However, if it is your first visit to Reading then there really is no…
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Reading
House of Flavours Indian Restaurant & Bar, was conceptualised when their founders recognised the need to create a unique dining experience for Reading.
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Address
Liebenrood Road, READING, Berkshire, RG30 2NDREADING
Prospect Park is Reading’s largest open space and gets its name from the fine views across the Kennet Valley and beyond, which can be enjoyed best from the Mansion House.
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Address
Blagrave Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1QHTelephone
0118 937 3400READING
Situated in Reading’s Victorian Town Hall, the Museum tells the story of Reading from its Saxon beginnings to the high-tech town it is today. Explore ten galleries of historic and artistic objects. Discover archaeology from Roman Silchester and…
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Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AHTelephone
0118 958 8555Reading
Upscale chain known for its crystal jewellery, watches, Christmas ornaments and home accents.
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Address
The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 321 3999READING
Lebanese canteen on the Riverside at The Oracle. Comptoir Libanais (French for “Lebanese counter”) offers an abundance of healthy dishes, bursting with flavours and colours. It provides a refreshing and contemporary alternative to the usual casual…
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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…
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Address
96 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2APReading
The UK's Largest Independent Running Store
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Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0344 826 9859Reading
On-trend casual fashions for men and women; some branches include children's clothing.
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Address
Ambrose Place, Chatham Street, READING, Berkshire, RG2 8SLTelephone
0118 9568188READING
Modern bar and rock club with regular DJ sessions and a reputation for staging wild gigs.
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Address
Drake Way, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0GQTelephone
0118 916 9000READING
Hilton Reading is located off the M4 and A33 and offers on-site car parking. The hotel is conveniently positioned less than two miles from indoor shopping centre The Oracle; Select Car Leasing Stadium, the home to Reading FC; and University of…
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Address
Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 958 7859Reading
Superdrug is quite simply the best in everyday accessible beauty and health. They are committed to bring innovation and the latest styles and trends to their stores at fantastic prices. The Superdrug Own Brand collection is not only great value and…
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Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQTelephone
0118 971 9052Reading
Jewellery and accessory specialist offering ear piercing services.
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Address
11 Castle Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7SBTelephone
0118 956 8755Reading
Situated on Castle Street, BrewDog Reading features 29 taps of awesome BrewDog and guest beer. Not only do we have an amazing selection of fresh beer on tap, but also have two open-air fridges full of beery delights to sit in or takeaway. Our…
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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.
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Address
University of Reading, Whiteknights campus, READING, Berkshire, RG6 6LAREADING
The Cole Museum of Zoology is owned and managed by the University of Reading. It was established by Professor Francis Cole in 1906 when the University was known as University College Reading. The Cole Museum of Zoology represents a snapshot of…
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Address
69 Caversham Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8ADTelephone
+44 3450133479READING
Whether you prefer to strength training, cardio, fitness classes, or a little bit of everything, we have all the kit and classes you need at PureGym. All of our gyms in Reading are open 24/7 and have over 50 classes each week included in your…
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Address
20 Market Place, Reading, RG1 2EGReading
Relaxed restaurant featuring souvlaki, gyros & other Greek classics, plus grilled options & drinks.
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Address
Milton Road, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG40 1JYTelephone
0118 989 5100WOKINGHAM
A charming and lush retreat located near Wokingham. Perfect for a relaxing escape to the gorgeous countryside Berkshire has to offer.
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Address
Gun Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2JRREADING
Purple Turtle has been a staple of Reading nightlife for over 30 years, first opening in 1990 and going strong ever since. The bar first opened on Duke Street before moving over to Gun Street when the Oracle was being built in 1997. It is one of the…
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