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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: 518
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Abbey Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3BATelephone
0118 937 3400READING
Explore 900 years of history in Reading Abbey Quarter including the burial place of King Henry I, Jane Austen's schoolroom and Oscar Wilde's Gaol. Notably the Quarter includes Reading Museum, St. James' Church, St Laurence's Church, the Forbury…
Address
Caversham Pier, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8BDTelephone
0118 948 1088READING
We are based at the heart of the Upper Thames and cruise through some of the most stunning reaches of the Thames from Henley, Sonning, Going and Streatley. Departing from Caversham Pier in Reading, we sail up to Mapledurham on 45 minutes, 60 or 90…
Address
St James' Church, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3FDTelephone
07889 654979Reading
We are a local walking holiday company who offer four to eight day self-guided walking itineraries along the St James' Way from Reading to Southampton. Our packages include B&B accommodation, daily baggage transfers, transport to and from…
Address
Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 958 2760Reading
Independent retailer offering second hand games, consoles, phones, technology and more, as well as buying unwanted goods.
Address
Select Car Leasing Stadium, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0FLTelephone
0118 925 3500READING
Family friendly hotel with leisure facilities including a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, gym and treatments with a choice of restaurants. Ideally situated just a half mile from the M4 motorway.
Address
132 Caversham Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8AYTelephone
0114 349 8450READING
Convenient and centrally located, easyHotel Reading welcomes visitors to explore the local sights with ease and lay their heads down in clean, comfortable rooms. Whether you’re looking for a short stay or planning a weekend visit, you couldn’t be in…
Address
24 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SNTelephone
0118 958 1462Reading
Tailor offering alterations and other services.
Address
60 Oxford Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7LTTelephone
08719 846211READING
Situated just 0.8 miles from the city of Reading and 0.5 miles from Reading train station, the Reading Central hotel is an excellent choice if you’re looking for accommodation around this historic, bustling Berkshire town.
Address
30a Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HXReading
It all started with our founders Mia and Greg, their love of anime and Japanese culture, and a small market stall in the hustle and bustle of Manchester. An unusual place for our sushi story to start, but this humble stall was the perfect spot to…
Address
163-165 Southampton Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2QZTelephone
0118 931 4700Reading
Hop Back Brewery is the home of the multi-award winning Summer Lightning. While not quite as good as tasting the real thing, here you'll get...
Address
4 The Riverside, The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 950 2199Reading
Home to the legendary flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken. Afro-Portuguese inspired. South African born. Whether you are eating in the restaurants or getting...
Address
Broad Street, Reading, RG1 7QEReading
Broad Street Mall is a shopping centre based in the heart of Reading. The mall has a unique mix of big brand and independent retail and lifestyle brands, as well as diverse food brands.
Address
Station Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1LGREADING
Fast-food burger chain serving sides such as chili & baked potatoes.
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…
Reading
Discover our 13 exceptional apartments in the heart of Reading, offering a mix of stylish 1 and 2-bedroom homes, some nestled within historic listed buildings.
Address
31 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, RG1 1SYTelephone
0118 4020979Reading
ITSU's eat beautiful menu celebrates the amazing flavours of the Far East; high in nutrients yet refreshingly low in calories and saturated fat. Protein packed low carb salads...
Address
10 Castle Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7RDTelephone
0118 958 6466Reading
Restaurant with acclaimed pies and deli selling pasties, sausage rolls and free range scotch eggs.
Address
26 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJTelephone
0118 952 7770Reading
A luxury hotel that oozes elegance, conveniently located in the centre of Reading. This award-winning hotel is minutes walking distance from the Reading station, with journeys as short as 22 minutes to Paddington. Perfect for a weekend escape to…
Address
Mapledurham Village, READING, Berkshire, RG4 7TRREADING
A 12th Century family house and farming estate tucked in beside the Thames in the heart of a unique English village away from the distractions of town, business or busy hotels, Mapledurham is an oasis of peace. The estate is a haven of tradition…
Address
60 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AFReading
Founded by Eirik and Gabe, university flatmates who quit their job to leave the herd behind and embark on an exciting coffee journey. Striving not only to rid the world of boring coffee but to do this sustainability and ethically. Our coffee is…
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