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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 cafe 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 C.U.P. for a touch a Greece or Shed for homemade goodness. Gail's Bakery and Paul's Patisserie are also fantastic options on the high street.
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 Vino.Vita? For something requiring less energy, check out the Hexagon’s programme of live shows or visit the independent Reading 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 restaurant at Thames Lido for incredible tapas.
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 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 or The Ale House. For local beer, there's Zero Degrees and Siren Craft Brew in the town centre.
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: 526
, currently showing 81 to 100.
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…
Reading
The layout and atmosphere of Starbucks stores are specifically designed to be cosy and intimate, while at the same time providing people with their own personal...
Address
4 Chatham Place, Reading, RG1 7JFReading
We are a small team of passionate bakers dedicated to bringing better bread to the people of Reading. Our focus is on naturally fermented sourdough and pastries, made by hand, from scratch, using local and seasonal produce wherever possible. Our…
Address
Britten Road, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0AUTelephone
0118 975 6298READING
We have over 175 dedicated top rope and lead routes, with a variety of grades, styles from some of the UK’s best setters! Our routes are reset on a quarterly basis to also keep things this fresh and interesting for our climbers.
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…
Address
The Piazza, Kennet Island, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0GXTelephone
0118 931 0271Reading
Fidget & Bob is the new all-day café bar in Kennet Island, Reading.
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
RG4 7QXTelephone
07979 758330Walk Works is a friendly, mixed walking group run by experienced walk guides Liz and Caroline.
They walk every other Friday morning in Berks, Bucks and South Oxfordshire. Join them to learn lots of woodland routes and trails, often with a coffee /…Address
Friars Walk, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HPReading
Independent coffee house, 1650 Coffee Co, serves exceptional, hand-crafted coffee alongside freshly baked pastries, sandwiches and indulgent cakes.
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
Goring Lane, Grazeley Green, READING, Berkshire, RG7 1LSTelephone
0333 321 8346READING
Premier Inn Reading South (Grazeley Green) ticks all the boxes. Close to the M4 and M3, just down the road from Reading and Basingstoke, and set in a quiet, rural location. Check, check and check. You're well placed for many local wedding venues.…
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
228 King Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HFTelephone
0118 959 6092Reading
Modern Italian dining in a stylish and elegant setting, providing the perfect surroundings to make any occasion a celebration...
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…
Address
Old Bath Road, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6TQTelephone
0118 969 5259READING
The club was founded as Old Redingensians in 1924 by former pupils of Reading School. The Club changed its name in 2018. Rams 1st XV made club history and achieved promotion to National League 1 (Level 3 rugby) during 2018-19.
Address
12 Dunbar Drive, Woodley, READING, Berkshire, RG54HAREADING
E bike vineyard tour - English wine is enjoying a boom right now. Join Broomwagon Cycle Tours for a ride through the beautiful Chilterns with a stop at one of the country’s most exclusive vineyards. Nestled in the foothills of the Chilterns, South…
Address
32b Church Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8AUReading
NOOD Stores is an eco friendly gift, home fragrance & plant shop with vegan skincare, made in Caversham. It has a soothing and friendly environment with quirky gifts and supports many local makers along with your bigger brands offering you your…
Address
99-103 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1EPTelephone
0118 958 2266Reading
The site of this Wetherspoon pub was once occupied by the Hope Brewery, which had its own pub, The Hope Tap.
Address
4-6 Broad St, Reading, RG1 2BHTelephone
0118 950 2769Reading
Among the hustle and bustle of busy Broad Street, you’ll find our Reading crew rolling deliciously fresh burritos and tacos, to eat in or takeaway! Opened in 2020 and not far from the station, pop in to say hi and we’ll do our best to brighten your…
Address
Crowne Plaza Reading East, Wharfedale Road, Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5TSTelephone
0118 944 0444Winnersh, Wokingham
Relax in the inviting ambiance of Monty's Lounge Bar, surrounded by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Indulge in a specialty Lavazza Coffee or Savor your preferred cocktail while enjoying quality bar meals, including a delightful Indian menu.…
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