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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: 515
, currently showing 341 to 360.
Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
01189 574454READING
SWAG is an independent retailer selling the latest women's and children's fashionwear and accessories. They have been trading in Reading for many years.
To enable screen reader support, press Ctrl+Alt+Z To learn about keyboard shortcuts, press…
Address
44-52 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7LATelephone
0118 958 1356Reading
Sleek showroom for high-end contemporary furnishings from Europe, plus computerised design service.
Address
1 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HRReading
Siren's Flagship Bar in central Reading opened in summer 2024 and is located just a 2 minute walk from the train station. As well as 28+ lines of beautiful brewery fresh beer, from both Siren and guests we have fully stocked fridges for takeaway…
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
31 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SYTelephone
0118 221 0154Reading
Zambrero Reading brings a contemporary twist to the Mexican favourites you love, with a freshly prepared menu of burritos, bowls, nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and more. You can enjoy delicious Mexican-inspired meals, including vegan and vegetarian…
Address
138-141 Friar St, Reading, RG1 1EXTelephone
0118 207 7016Reading
Cuban rum and cocktail bar in the heart of Reading. A great place to eat, drink and dance in town.
Address
First Floor, 1 Chalfont Court, Chalfont Way, Lower Earley, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 5SYTelephone
0118 9623 826Lower Earley, Reading
Power of Pilates is a modern and welcoming Pilates studio located in Lower Earley, Reading. Our fully equipped Pilates studio was opened in 2007 and we have helped thousands of clients achieve their fitness and movement goals. We offer both Pilates…
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 956 1951Reading
Victoria’s Secret PINK is a spirited lifestyle brand dedicated to the independent collegiate girl. Sometimes cheeky, always fun and absolutely comfy, the range includes hoodies, tees, tanks, sweats, bras, panties, yoga, accessories, beauty and more.
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!
READING
A choice town-centre location, but it's what's inside our hotel that makes all the difference. ibis Reading Centre offers all the necessities with no fussy frills, so from a hearty breakfast spread to free fibre Wi-Fi, a 24hr snack bar to Sweet Beds…
Address
Church Road, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 7ADREADING
Come and enjoy the beauty and long history of Caversham's hidden gem, Caversham Court Gardens on the bank of the River Thames. Owned and cared for by Reading Borough Council with support from The Friends. Open and accessible to all every day except…
Address
97 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AXTelephone
0118 939 1708Reading
Kitchenware chain with innovative gadgets and cooking utensils, plus homewares and garden products.
Address
Lower Basildon, READING, Berkshire, RG8 9NRTelephone
01491 672382READING
Basildon Park is a country house situated to the west of Reading, between the villages of Upper Basildon and Lower Basildon. It is owned by the National Trust and is a Grade I listed building. The house was built between 1776 and 1783 for Sir…
Address
18 Richfield Avenue, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8PATelephone
0118 939 1811READING
Welcome to Genting Casino Reading where you'll find an extensive range of the best and most-popular casino games in both live-dealer and electronic formats.
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, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGReading
Bath and beauty expert L'Occitane brings the Provencal experience to you through its beautiful boutique store here at The Oracle. Natural ingredients go into an unrivalled range of refreshing, relaxing and invigorating soaps, handwashes, body…
Address
The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, RG1 2AGReading
The Oracle is the leading regional shopping centre in the Thames Valley with a wide range of shopping and dining brands, including Apple, Hollister and Next.
READING
Treatz Dessert Parlour is sleek, modern and comfortable, ready to bring you some seriously amazing desserts! The menu includes utterly delicious...
Address
1-3 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SYReading
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, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 956 1951Reading
Victoria's Secret is one of the most powerful, sexy and glamorous stores in the world, where you'll find a dazzling assortment of intimate apparel, beauty products, sleepwear, hosiery and more.
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