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Girls at Oracle Riverside
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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 301 to 320.
Address
Station Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1JXTelephone
01184 693506Reading
BOOM BATTLE BAR Reading is the ultimate entertainment hotspot in the heart of town, serving up high-energy games like axe throwing, AR darts, beer pong, shuffleboard, and more.
Reading
This historic building was said to have been opened in 1843 by the British literacy icon, Charles Dickens. Conveniently situated in the centre of Reading, Hotel 1843 is directly opposite The Oracle shopping centre, and is a 10-minute walk from…
Address
Church Lane, Dunsden, READING, Berkshire, RG4 9QDTelephone
0118 948 1111READING
Our beers have been hailed for their quality and consistency since 2003 – winning awards all over the UK. Built on traditional foundations, we’ve continued to evolve and take our beers to the next level. From firkins of classic bitter to cans of New…
Address
Mohawk Way, Woodley, READING, Berkshire, RG5 4UETelephone
0118 944 8089READING
Berkshire's dynamic contribution to aviation history is graphically recaptured at the museum. Run as a charitable trust, the museum is at the historic site of Woodley Airfield, near Reading, U.K. - once the centre of a thriving aircraft industry.…
Address
Unit R12 Oracle Riverside, The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 951 1599Reading
Wagamamas combines fresh and nutritious food in an elegant yet simple setting with helpful, friendly service and value for money. Serving Asian food...
Address
The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 321 3999READING
Lebanese canteen on the Riverside at The Oracle. Comptoir Libanais (French for “Lebanese counter”) offers an abundance of healthy dishes, bursting with flavours and colours. It provides a refreshing and contemporary alternative to the usual casual…
Address
4 Chatham Place, Reading, RG1 7JFReading
We are a small team of passionate bakers dedicated to bringing better bread to the people of Reading. Our focus is on naturally fermented sourdough and pastries, made by hand, from scratch, using local and seasonal produce wherever possible. Our…
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQTelephone
0118 951 2607Reading
Family run jewellers trading since 1919, with high standards and a passion for fine jewellery.
Address
Prospect Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8JGTelephone
0118 327 1910Reading
Welcome to The Edit Caversham, a local independent store rooted in the heart of Caversham. We offer a carefully curated selection of unique, high-quality gifts, often from independent UK-based brands and other makers who share our philosophy of…
Address
The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AGREADING
Skechers is the comfort technology company, where you’ll find the best selection of lifestyle and performance footwear for men, women and kids. Choose from countless options including the latest athletic, casual and fashion sneakers as well as…
Address
Brunei Arcade, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LTTelephone
0118 956 8106Reading
Subway is a privately held American fast food restaurant franchise that primarily purveys submarine sandwiches and salads.
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AHTelephone
0118 959 5811Reading
Jewellery chain featuring a variety of necklaces, rings, customisable charm bracelets and more.
Address
2 South View Avenue, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 5ABREADING
Built 1902-21, it includes a shrine chapel, re-designed between 1954-58 to include the external squint on South View Avenue for observance by passers-by. This has a large 500-year old oak statue of Our Lady and Child. The shrine was redecorated in…
Address
Market Place, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2DEReading
The Bap is an independent Korean restaurant founded by people passionate about Korean Food. Leading our business with a passion for food and the belief that good food heals the body and mind; we have curated a menu that introduces you to the most…
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
1 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HRReading
Siren's Flagship Bar in central Reading opened in summer 2024 and is located just a 2 minute walk from the train station. As well as 28+ lines of beautiful brewery fresh beer, from both Siren and guests we have fully stocked fridges for takeaway…
Address
Unit 2-3 Meadow Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8LBREADING
Phantom Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in Reading, Berkshire. With the main goal of producing the freshest beer, made with the highest quality ingredients, we have worked hard to provide a welcoming community hub in our taproom in Reading…
Address
11 Castle Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7SBTelephone
0118 956 8755Reading
Situated on Castle Street, BrewDog Reading features 29 taps of awesome BrewDog and guest beer. Not only do we have an amazing selection of fresh beer on tap, but also have two open-air fridges full of beery delights to sit in or takeaway. Our…
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…
Address
Rose Kiln Lane, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0SNTelephone
0118 402 7800READING
Grosvenor Casino Reading is the perfect leisure destination with a fantastic restaurant, amazing bar, live Show Bar, and Games Lounge.
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