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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
, currently showing 181 to 200.
Address
Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG40 4HUTelephone
0118 973 3928WOKINGHAM
Situated in beautiful Berkshire countryside we are open all year round – 12 months, 4 seasons where each one brings its own highlights to the surrounding area. We provide the perfect setting to relax and to spend quality time in an impressive and…
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2APTelephone
0333 005 5140Reading
Next, styled as next, is a British multinational clothing, footwear and home products retailer.
Address
Unit 5A, The Oracle Riverside, Reading, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 950 3137Reading
Rubbing shoulders with chic boutiques and vibrant galleries, Browns Reading is the perfect place to soak up the cultural buzz of Berkshire’s well-connected hub...
Address
Sonning Eye, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6TYTelephone
0118 969 8000READING
Award-winning theatre set majestically on the banks of the River Thames. The Mill at Sonning Theatre now celebrates more than 40 years of entertainment and hospitality. Uniquely, with a two course meal enjoyed before the show, The Mill has gained…
Address
39 Broad Street (1st Floor WH Smith), Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2ADTelephone
0118 959 4252Reading
The well-known toy shop brand has opened a new shop inside WH Smith on Broad Street in Reading. Whether you’re just starting out on your parenting journey with a new arrival, your little ones are growing up fast, or you’re buying for a loved one,…
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…
Reading
Carluccio's food is freshly prepared on the premises everyday using the best, freshest and natural ingredients, where possible from Italy...
Address
120 Castle Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7RJREADING
A short walk from Reading town centre, we are specialists in Great Beer from cask, keg & bottle with an ever-changing range; expect craft beer favourites, Belgian bottles and local classics as well as rotating range of traditional ciders and artisan…
Address
21 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 950 4550Reading
Subway is a privately held American fast food restaurant franchise that primarily purveys submarine sandwiches and salads.
Address
Station Approach, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LYTelephone
0118 957 2743Reading
Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself, The Three Guineas was built to serve… and whether you fancy cask ales, commuter coffees or cracking cuisine, we certainly live up to that. Right by Reading Station, we’ve served thousands of travellers…
Address
16 Castle Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7RDTelephone
0118 304 9936Reading
Dating back to the 17th century, this historic Grade II listed coaching inn stands as Reading’s oldest pub, steeped in tales and legacies. Surrounded by history with the Abbey only a few minutes walk, the building itself is famous for being the pub…
Address
40 Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LXTelephone
0118 958 8020Reading
Pret creates handmade natural food avoiding all the obscure extras common to so much of the 'prepared' and 'fast' food on the market today.
Address
18-20 Station Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1JXTelephone
0118 334 1331READING
This former train-house turned hotel has an abundance of style and decadence. Moody lighting, roll-top baths and gigantic soft beds are just a few of the incredible features that gives the Malmaison such character. Located less than a minutes walk…
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…
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…
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQTelephone
0118 939 3800Reading
Spanish fashion chain offering on-trend house-brand clothing, shoes & accessories.
Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 3343338READING
Manzano's is the home of delicious, healthy, flame grilled cuisine. Expect a fantastic range of healthy grilled food including: juicy steaks, flame grilled peri- peri chicken and the best wings in town; all at great value. Expect to experience great…
Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0330 058 2640READING
Holland & Barrett is the UK's leading retailer of vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements. This store is one of our new style stores, complete with many new features including a help yourself fruit, nuts, seeds and snacks Pick and Mix gondola, our…
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.
Address
Peppard Road, Emmer Green, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8XDTelephone
01189 472 496READING
The stables are in approx 43 acres of Oxfordshire countryside and on the Berks/South Oxfordshire border. We are on a bus route and are 3 miles from the centre of Reading.
The Riding school has been in existence since the mid-1960s and stood where…
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