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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: 516
, currently showing 241 to 260.
Address
2 South View Avenue, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 5ABREADING
Built 1902-21, it includes a shrine chapel, re-designed between 1954-58 to include the external squint on South View Avenue for observance by passers-by. This has a large 500-year old oak statue of Our Lady and Child. The shrine was redecorated in…
Address
Davidson House, The Forbury, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3EUREADING
Welcome to Celador Apartments, we provide a range of contemporary, high quality serviced apartments throughout a number of locations within central Reading. Thanks to our professional yet personal approach, along with our commitment to excellence…
Address
Stanlake Park, Twyford, READING, Berkshire, RG10 0BNTelephone
0118 934 0176READING
Stanlake Park in Twyford, Berkshire is one of the oldest vineyards and wine producers in England. Our Italian winemaker’s modern and international approach is reflected in award-winning wines that are enjoyable, very drinkable and the perfect…
Address
1-5 King Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG12HGReading
Great British burgers, homemade rosemary chips and much more.
Address
The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AGREADING
Accessorize was first born in 1984 with the opening of our first store in the Piazza, Covent Garden, London. Our founder Peter Simon was inspired from a trip to Paris, where he discovered a small selection of stores selling fashion jewellery that…
Reading
Our Reading serviced accommodations is located in the heart of the University Quarter, just a stone's throw away from the charming River Kennet. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, our prime location is perfect for exploring all…
Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0800 056 5275READING
Paddy Power is Ireland’s biggest, most successful; security conscious, friendly and innovative licensed betting shop. You can get all the latest betting offers, bonuses, free bets and promotions from a friendly customer service team.
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2ATTelephone
0118 958 5626Reading
Enduring specialist supplier of tea, coffee beans and hot chocolate, plus brewing accessories.
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…
Address
Stanlake Park, Twyford, READING, Berkshire, RG10 0BNTelephone
0118 934 0176READING
Stanlake Park in Twyford, Berkshire is one of the oldest vineyards and wine producers in England. Our Italian winemaker’s modern and international approach is reflected in award-winning wines that are enjoyable, very drinkable and the perfect…
Address
14 Kings Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3AATelephone
0118 959 6961Reading
Framing specialist providing custom and pre-made frames for everything from single photographs up to multiple photo's, posters and more.
Address
Hampstead Farm, Binfield Heath, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxfordshire, RG9 4LGTelephone
07511 208490HENLEY-ON-THAMES
Located in an 18th century threshing barn just three miles outside out of Reading, The Henley Distillery, voted New Distillery of The Year 2022 by The Gin Guide, offers tours, gin tastings and fully-immersive gin-making experiences inviting people…
Address
11 Broad Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2BHREADING
MINISO is a fun design-led lifestyle retail store for all the family, offering a full range of high-quality and innovative products including toys, tech, stationery, accessories, homeware, food, health, and beauty - all for great value.
MINISO…Address
8 St Johns Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4EHTelephone
0118 957 1593Reading
Reading's favourite back-street pub, The Retreat is an unspoilt terraced Victorian former beer-house. They are cask-ale specialists and host regular live music nights with jazz, blues and more.
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQTelephone
0118 958 0568Reading
On-trend shoe chain catering for men and women.
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.
READING
Perfectly situated in the heart of the town. The guests can choose from executive and superior rooms, all boasting airy, contemporary designs and warmth.
Address
Broad Street Mall, 9 Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7QFReading
Classic Japanese sushi restaurant opposite the Hexagon.
Address
110 Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EPTelephone
0118 959 5395READING
Live music venue hosting up-and.-coming and established acts, live bands, stand-up comedy and club nights
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