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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 81 to 100.
Address
53 Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1PZTelephone
0118 959 4267Reading
At the Oakford Social Club, music is everything. Which is why they put the best bands from across the country on their neon lit stage every week...
Address
The Oracle Centre - Riverside, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGReading
Udon noodles made with skillful hands in our open kitchen, unhurried broths, flavour-filled, freshly fried tempura topped with condiments to compliment. All served with love, that’s the Marugame way.
Address
10/11 Harris Arcade, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DNTelephone
0118 950 7769Reading
Located in the Harris Arcade, Reading, Crunch Comics have a selection of new release and back-issue comic books, together with graphic novels, collectibles and t-shirts. Go and visit for all your comic book needs.
Address
60 Oxford Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7LTTelephone
08719 846211READING
Situated just 0.8 miles from the city of Reading and 0.5 miles from Reading train station, the Reading Central hotel is an excellent choice if you’re looking for accommodation around this historic, bustling Berkshire town.
Address
Riverside, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0345 308 4620Reading
All the latest mainstream movies are shown at this state-of-the-art chain cinema with family deals.
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2APTelephone
0333 005 5140Reading
Next, styled as next, is a British multinational clothing, footwear and home products retailer.
Address
5-6 Gun Street, Reading, RG1 2JRReading
Reading, are you ready for the biggest cocktail party to arrive in town? Arriving Soon, The Cocktail Club will land on Gun Street and we cannot wait to get the party started with you. Want to be part of the launch weekend madness? Bookings are now…
Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QEREADING
The Home Fragrance Store has become the most recognised name in the candle business and offers a large and compelling selection of scented candles, bath bombs and home fragrances. They have a range of Yankee Candle's on offer, which capture every…
Address
Market Place, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2EGREADING
Our oldest market and your twice a week fix of Blue Collar in Reading town centre. 8+ food traders including jerk chicken wraps, Peruvian street food, dry aged, pasture fed burgers and inventive vegan options. Check our social media pages for…
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
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 951 0064Reading
Fashion chain for men & women blending vintage Americana with Japanese & British inspirations.
Address
207 Broad Street Mall, Reading, RG1 7QHTelephone
0118 959 7213Reading
Taco Bell® is the world’s leading Mexican-inspired restaurant chain. The menu features famous craveable eats, from the Crunchwrap Supreme, to the founder Glen Bell’s famous invention – the crunchy taco. All Taco Bell products are prepared to order…
Reading
Perry’s is a fantastic Caribbean restaurant in the centre of Reading! It has a varied menu and the option to take away....
Address
Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EHREADING
The building of Greyfriars Church was completed in 1311 by Franciscans, followers of St Francis of Assisi who were monks, then called friars, who wore grey, hence the name Greyfriars. It is now a Grade 1 listed building, being the oldest Franciscan…
Address
29 Chain Street, Reading, RG1 2HXTelephone
0118 958 1892Reading
Upmarket retail chain selling stylish, French-influenced clothes for mothers, babies and children.
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…
Address
83 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 958 5379Reading
Retail chain with brand-name athletic shoes, clothing & related accessories for men, women & kids.
Address
Wharfedale Road, Winnersh Traingle, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG41 5TSTelephone
0118 944 0444WOKINGHAM
Looking for an authentic British Restaurant in the Reading, Wokingham or Bracknell area? Look no further, our Caprice Restaurant boasts 2 AA Rosettes sat within our 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza Reading East easily accessed from the M4 Jct10. We are…
Address
Unit 8, The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, RG1 2AGTelephone
0344 264 6052Reading
TGI Friday's Reading Oracle is an award-winning restaurant, home to legendary food and drink. Fresh ingredients are used to craft a huge burger range...
Address
39 Christchurch Road, READING, Berkshire, RG2 7ANTelephone
0118 931 1311READING
Whether you're sightseeing, working or visiting Reading University, you can expect clean, comfortable and affordable accommodation for the budget conscious traveller at Sure Hotel by Best Western Reading. This eye-catching red and grey brick…
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