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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: 515
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Reading
Haslams are an Estate and Lettings agency specialising in all aspects of the property market place around Reading, Berkshire.
Address
30 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TGTelephone
0118 959 0409Reading
Savings, mortgages, pensions and investments - plan for your life ahead with Skipton Building Society.
Address
Level 1, The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AHTelephone
0845 600 2803Reading
Welcome to NatWest. Our extensive personal banking products including bank accounts, mortgages, credit cards, loans and more. Visit today to find out more.
READING
Bride To Be Bridal Boutique boasts over 30 years of award winning service. In relaxed and friendly surroundings they cater to the needs of every individual bride with sophistication and expertise. Appointments required everday, please call the store…
Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QEREADING
Introducing NOW TV - Amazing entertainment on your terms. No contract. Dip in and out at any time. Love TV but hate contracts?
We do as well, so no matter how you join NOW TV you can get the best of pay TV without a contract. That means unmissable…Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 958 1357READING
With over 3000 stores nationwide, Premier is one of the UK’s number one convenience store. Offering the best in essential products, bringing amazing value locally.
Address
Broad Street Mall, Reading, RG1 7QGReading
Whatever you are in the mood for, our Subway store have a huge range of subs, salads, treats and drinks to choose from. And the best bit – every one of their Subs is made fresh in front of you, exactly the way you want it with the bread, salad and…
Address
Creativ.Spaces Art Studio & Event Spaces, 2b Southview Business Park, Marsack Street, Caversham, Reading, RG4 5AFMarsack Street, Caversham, Reading
Bespoke Art & Craft Parties & Themed Immersive Events. Looking for something a little different for your party or event? From urban industrial unit to clandestine party pad - our quirky artist designed venue hides the ultimate escape for…
Hen…
Address
10 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SNTelephone
0118 957 5192Reading
Savings, mortgages, ISA's and insurance products. Over 140 years of experience in the industry with Leeds Building Society.
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Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 958 1795READING
Poundland’s retailing concept is extremely simple: a range of more than 3,000 items – representing AMAZING VALUE for money.
Address
51 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AATelephone
0800 554 0353Reading
The world's largest building society, run for the benefit of its members. Helping you with your current account, mortgage, savings and other personal finance needs. From April 2021, Nationwide is open to the public on Saturdays, 9:30 till 1 and …
Address
Hosier Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2LNREADING
In March 2022, we turned this derelict and abandoned yard into Blue Collar Corner - Reading’s newest independent venue and our first permanent site. Featuring 1 bar, 2 floors & 4 kitchens, a huge beer garden in the Summer and with cover in the…
Address
Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QFREADING
CultureMix Arts is an international music and carnival arts company based in Berkshire, UK. We encourage participation and development offering employment opportunities in the music industry and the carnival sector. An Arts Council England National…
Address
The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AQReading
Boost make fresh, nutritious stuff that tastes good, makes you feel great and always gives you something to smile about. Here at Boost we pride ourselves on making it easy for you to be healthy. Our menu of juices and smoothies, featuring fresh…
READING
Savers specialise in branded health, home and beauty products at everyday low prices. We stock a wide range of Hair Care, Personal Care, Oral Care, Household Cleaning, Fine Fragrance, Toiletries, Health Care, Skin Care, Food, Drink products.
You…
Address
Great Knollys Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7HDREADING
Reading's friendly farmers' market showcases locally-produced food and drink, direct from the producers. You'll find it at the old cattle market on Great Knollys Street on the first and third Saturday of every month, between 8.15am and 12pm.
It's…Address
Great Knollys Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7HDREADING
Reading's friendly farmers' market showcases locally-produced food and drink, direct from the producers. You'll find it at the old cattle market on Great Knollys Street on the first and third Saturday of every month, between 8.15am and 12pm.
It's…Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 9500886READING
Delikatesy Polskie Smaczek is an authentic grocery store offering a wide variety of imported Polish products. Their range includes: fresh meats, cakes, pastries, fruits and vegetables.
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