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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
44-52 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7LATelephone
0118 958 1356Reading
Sleek showroom for high-end contemporary furnishings from Europe, plus computerised design service.
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Address
Napier Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8FRTelephone
0118 207 0460READING
Relax, indulge, unwind at Thames Lido.
Thames Lido is the result of a three-year sympathetic restoration project of a beautiful, historical landmark in Reading: the Edwardian Kings Meadow swimming baths, which first opened in 1902. Tucked away…
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Address
Corn Stores, Forbury Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1SBREADING
Thames Valley Wine School in Reading offers a host of in-person wine tastings from introductory evening sessions to eight-week courses and WSET training aimed at both beginners and more experienced wine drinkers. Food pairing and themed and events…
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Address
6 Redlands Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 5EXTelephone
0118 378 8660READING
The Museum of English Rural Life is owned and managed by the University of Reading. We use our diverse and surprising collection to explore how the skills and experiences of farmers and craftspeople, past and present, can help shape our lives now…
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Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQTelephone
0118 958 2451Reading
Women's clothing store selling self-designed, stylish and luxurious fashion with new selections every season.
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Address
21 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BHTelephone
0118 957 5514Reading
Retail chain providing mobile phones, tablets & broadband services.
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Address
164-166 Caversham Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8AZTelephone
0118 958 9900READING
A brand new self-service hotel offering. If you have stayed with us before then you will be familiar with our highstandards of service and we welcome you back ike old friends. However, if it is your first visit to Reading then there really is no…
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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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Reading
Metro Bank has opened a different kind of High Street bank. A bank with stores that are open when it suits you, 7 days a week. A bank where you can walk in without an appointment and walk out with a working account, debit card and more. A bank that…
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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…
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Address
1-5 King Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG12HGReading
Great British burgers, homemade rosemary chips and much more.
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Address
The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 951 1117Reading
TK Maxx delivers great value on ever-changing selections of brand names and designer products. Prices are up to 60% less than the RRP and at a significant discount on the prices in a department store or on the high street. TK Maxx offer brands from…
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Address
7 Gun Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JRTelephone
0118 939 3424Reading
Subway is a privately held American fast food restaurant franchise that primarily purveys submarine sandwiches and salads.
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Address
21-23 St Marys Butts, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LNTelephone
0118 951 9001Reading
One of Reading's newly refurbished bar's in the Town Centre. A popular place for beer and burgers especially with the students...
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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.
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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…
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Address
Bridge Street, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8AHTelephone
01189 481088READING
We are based at the heart of the Upper Thames and cruise through some of the most stunning reaches of the Thames from Henley and Sonning up to Going and Streatley. Dearting from Caversham Pier in Reading, we sail up to Mapledurham on 45 mnutes, 60…
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Address
Unit 11A, Riverside Level, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 956 6963Reading
With a menu combining delicious Pizza and Pasta with a superb range of grill and speciality dishes there's something for everybody...
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Address
116-117 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BDTelephone
0118 950 4023Reading
Discount fashion chain offering clothes and accessories for all ages, plus homewares.
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Address
27 Russell Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7XDTelephone
0118 956 9014READING
In the heart of Reading, this family guest house offers rooms with Freeview TV, tea/coffee facilities and free WiFi.
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