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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 281 to 300.
Address
39 Broad Street (1st Floor WH Smith), Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2ADTelephone
0118 959 4252Reading
The well-known toy shop brand has opened a new shop inside WH Smith on Broad Street in Reading. Whether you’re just starting out on your parenting journey with a new arrival, your little ones are growing up fast, or you’re buying for a loved one,…
Address
55 Donkin Hill, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 5DGTelephone
0118 947 8853Reading
We are an independent family business based in Caversham, with almost 45 years’ experience in the tile industry. Our reputation is based on service and advice you can trust. Client satisfaction is everything - we will not let you down.
Our showroom…Address
163-165 Southampton Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2QZTelephone
0118 931 4700Reading
Hop Back Brewery is the home of the multi-award winning Summer Lightning. While not quite as good as tasting the real thing, here you'll get...
Address
123 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BDTelephone
0118 956 8787Reading
Fashionable chain retailer selling outdoor casualwear & accessories for men, women & children.
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, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGReading
Oliver Bonas has evolved from curating others’ designs to creating our own. Our team of designers now take Olly’s exploratory spirit and channel it into our fashion and homeware collections. We are inspired by the alchemy of great design and fresh…
Address
Minster Court, Minster Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JFTelephone
01183249700Reading
Premier Suites are the perfect choice of accommodation when visiting the bustling and energetic town of Reading, with an enviable location beside the Oracle Shopping Centre and close to Broad street. All of our one and two bedroom apartments are…
Address
Gas Works Road (next to Bel & The Dragon), READING, Berkshire, RG1 3EQTelephone
0118 9373400READING
This small branch site tells the story of Reading's two rivers - the Kennet and the Thames. The Riverside Museum occupies two Listed former waterworks buildings, the Screen House and the Turbine House.
The Turbine House hosts a programme of…
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 957 6766Reading
Inventors of the bath bomb and home of bath art. Vegetarian, vegan and cruelty free cosmetics, handmade by real people fresh from our kitchens straight to your bathroom.
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
43 St Martin’s Precinct, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8BATelephone
01189 475698Reading
A beloved Costa Coffee franchise nestled in the heart of Caversham, proudly serving the Caversham community since 2007. Recently renovated to the highest standards, this store offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere to enjoy handcrafted coffee and a…
Reading
Valpys is a cellar bar and bistro nestled in the heart of the town, just a minutes walk from Reading Station. They have a real love of all things food, drink and service...
Address
155 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HETelephone
0118 2301923Reading
Our sushi chefs bring priceless passion and professionalism to the IRO Sushi family, resulting in inspiring sushi dishes and Japanese classics for convenient collection in London.
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQTelephone
0118 959 1588Reading
Hotel Chocolat is a British chocolatier and cocoa grower, with over seventy shops in the United Kingdom. Hotel Chocolat is the only company in the United Kingdom to grow cocoa on its own plantation.
Reading
Be At One on Gun Street has been undergoing a refurbishment. Due to reopen on the 3rd of November with a brand new look and exciting new features like a karaoke booth with a DJ available to hire. Just in time for Christmas too!
Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
01189 574095READING
Your best loved plus size clothing brand, shop sizes 16 – 36. Yours Clothing believe that all women should look and feel great, regardless of their dress size. Fabulous ladies curve fashion does not end at a size 14, and we’re the proof! The UK’s…
Address
St. Marys Butts, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2LNREADING
The Gym Group believe that fitness should be fun, flexible and affordable. That is why they are open 24 hours a day, so you can eat, sleep, train and repeat regardless of your schedule. They are proud to be the cheapest contract-free gym in town…
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
3-5 Cremyll Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8NQTelephone
07952 714 385Reading
A welcoming space where you can learn how to move well for life. Yoga Reading is a community yoga studio based on the Caversham-Reading border. It’s where you can find the perfect movement practice to suit your mind and your body. Our teachers are…
Address
London Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 5ANREADING
Founded in 1997, The Berkshire Medical Heritage Centre is based in the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading (built 1881-1882). Located in the old hospital laundry (built 1881-1882), the Museum is the hub of the Centre's activities.
Our…
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