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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 121 to 140.
Address
116-117 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BDTelephone
0118 950 4023Reading
Discount fashion chain offering clothes and accessories for all ages, plus homewares.
Address
69 Caversham Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8ADTelephone
+44 3450133479READING
Whether you prefer to strength training, cardio, fitness classes, or a little bit of everything, we have all the kit and classes you need at PureGym. All of our gyms in Reading are open 24/7 and have over 50 classes each week included in your…
Reading
Pan Asian and world dining experience. We believe your taste buds should be intrepid explorers seeking out the best flavours the world has to offer...
Address
10-14 Duke Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4RUREADING
Reading town centre's neighbourood Italian deli.
Address
61-62 Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1DXReading
Nisbets was established in 1983 with the aim to provide high quality catering equipment at affordable prices. We understand the pressures of a commercial kitchen and making your life easier is at the heart of what we do.
Reading
Cmart Oriental Supermarket is a premier oriental food and grocery store with a diverse range of products sourced from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Nepal, Vietnam, and other East Asian countries.
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
1 King Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HGTelephone
01183 914 648Reading
Pho offers healthy, Vietnamese street food. You can choose from delicious phở soup, spring rolls, fresh salads and rice and noodle dishes.
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.
Address
45 West Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TZTelephone
0118 958 1941Reading
Great location in the Town Centre. Traditional Cafe with a menu that has remained the same for over 20 years. Excellent value for money, with an....
Address
Hyde End Road, Shinfield, READING, Berkshire, RG2 9EPTelephone
01189 886 936READING
Burley Lodge Equestrian Centre is a family run riding centre set in 180 acres of land in Shinfield, just south of Reading, Berkshire. We are a 'BHS Approved Centre' and are very proud to have gained the Highly Commended status from our inspection…
Address
Thames Valley Park Drive, READING, Berkshire, RG6 1PQTelephone
0118 926 8280READING
Wokingham Waterside Centre is a unique riverside, water sports and conference venue set on a picturesque stretch of the river Thames in Berkshire. Water sports include canoeing, kayaking, katakanuing, bellboating, dragon boating, stand up…
Address
571 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 1HWReading
571 Oxford Road is new contemporary art gallery based in Reading, England. The gallery is part of Open Hand Open Space (OHOS). OHOS is an artist-led centre that fosters excellence in contemporary art and provides affordable studio and exhibition…
Address
46 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AATelephone
0118 958 5123Reading
Pop into the Card Factory and find greetings cards, gifts, wrap & party supplies all at great value prices.
Address
52 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AATelephone
0118 959 2083Reading
Retail chain specialising in designer branded footwear, casual sportswear and accessories for men, women and children.
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…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…
Address
18 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SNTelephone
0118 951 1114Reading
Beauty salon offering hair cuts, treatments, skin care and more.
Address
University of Reading, Whiteknights campus, READING, Berkshire, RG6 6LAREADING
The Cole Museum of Zoology is owned and managed by the University of Reading. It was established by Professor Francis Cole in 1906 when the University was known as University College Reading. The Cole Museum of Zoology represents a snapshot of…
Address
School Lane, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8HXREADING
Outstanding. Professional theatre at it’s very best” Five Stars, The Stage
RABBLE Theatre is a multi-award-winning theatre company based in Reading, producing work in the region’s iconic spaces. Coming up; Henry I, written by Beth Flintoff…
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