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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...Read More
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?
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Number of results: 515
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Address
126 Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EPREADING
Bringing you a little piece of Polynesian paradise and a true taste of the tropics, Lola Lo’s unique party and night club experience will instantly seduce your senses and sweep you off to the South Pacific – the perfect place to kick back, relax and…
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Address
9-11 Kings Walk, King Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG12HGTelephone
0118 334 8162Reading
Soju offers authentic and freshly grilled South Korean BBQ in the heart of Reading.
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Address
Oxford Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7RHTelephone
0118 958 6222READING
Penta Reading is a vibrant hotel in the heart of the City, offering 206 stylish bedrooms, 11 conference and meeting rooms and at the heart of the hotel you'll find the Pentalounge; part bar, part restaurant and part chill-out area, it’s the ideal…
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Address
7-10 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DBTelephone
0118 959 7090Reading
Slug & Lettuce Friar Street is a cool and contemporary bar, which has just undergone a huge refurbishment with the most instagrammable decor you can imagine! Serving all of your S&L faves from Afternoon Tea to Boozy brunches! Start planning your…
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Address
Richfield Avenue, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8EQTelephone
0118 937 5000READING
Rivermead Leisure Complex is a brand-new flagship development which provides first class leisure facilities as part of the £40m reinvestment into upgrading sport & leisure centres in Reading. Facilities include a 120 station gym which offers…
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Address
Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 959 4000Reading
Walk in centre for all things regarding Reading's Bus network and it's services.
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READING
South Street is situated just to the South of Reading's town centre, 5 minutes from the Oracle Riverside, and boasts two performance spaces. The small-scale programme focuses on critically acclaimed touring theatre, music, comedy & spoken word.…
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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…
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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.
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Address
12 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BHTelephone
0118 959 1711Reading
Multi-national retailer selling groceries, clothing and other household items.
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Address
1-5 King St, Reading, RG1 2HDTelephone
07393 546112Reading
A concept like no other, offering a soon to be world-famous selection of botanical cocktails, craft beers and ales, Champagne and wine...
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Address
5-6 Gun Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2JRREADING
Looking for a nightclub in Reading? Gun Street Garden! With many VIP packages available making it an exclusive venue in Reading to party like a celeb!
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Address
8 Merchant's Place, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DTTelephone
0118 956 1482Reading
Gourmet sandwiches and soups, plus coffee and cakes, in a cafe with exposed brick in an old forge.
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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…
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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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Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQTelephone
0118 939 4389Reading
Trendy chain retailer with Southern-Californian inspired apparel and accessories aimed at young adults.
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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…
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Address
500 Basingstoke Road, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0SLTelephone
0871 942 9067READING
The hotel is situated 10 minutes south of Reading city centre and offers on-site parking for cars and coaches. The hotel is also close to the Madjeski Stadium and has a welcoming Open Lobby and bar plus Spirit Health Club ensure our guests have a…
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Address
Reading Gaol, Forbury Road, Reading, RG1 3HYReading
Banksy’s artwork in Reading, Create Escape, appeared in 2021 on the walls of the former Reading Prison building. From Reading Station, it is just a five-minute walk.
Banksy’s Create Escape was inspired by Oscar Wilde’s imprisonment in Reading Gaol…
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Address
108-113 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BBTelephone
0118 957 5955Reading
If shopping makes you gasping for a refreshing pick-me-up, a treat from the patisserie counter or a full-blown Sunday lunch, then try the in-store cafe and restaurant at John Lewis.
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