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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 321 to 340.
Address
John Nike Way, BRACKNELL, Berkshire, RG12 8TFTelephone
01344 303 333BRACKNELL
The hotel has 4 dining options, live music venue, nightclub, leisure club with pool, beauty treatments and gym as well as perfectly located. Relax at this beautiful Alpine themed hotel.
Address
5 Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HXTelephone
0118 959 0300Reading
Specialising in fine art, the gallery is known far and wide for having 'the best complimentary coffee' for miles.
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
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
01189 574454READING
SWAG is an independent retailer selling the latest women's and children's fashionwear and accessories. They have been trading in Reading for many years.
To enable screen reader support, press Ctrl+Alt+Z To learn about keyboard shortcuts, press…Address
7-11 Station Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LGTelephone
0118 959 2149Reading
Specialist supplier of new and used cameras, lenses, binoculars and photographic equipment.
Address
1st floor, Broad Street Mall, Reading, RG1 7QAReading
Our Post Office offers customers everything they need and expect from a trusted provider of essential services. More than 170 products and services including; foreign currency exchange at 0% commission, passport checks and travel insurance are all…
Address
Peppard Road, Emmer Green, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8XATelephone
07500 967646READING
Reading Abbey was born in the early 1950s as a youth side meeting the playing demand of boys who went to non-rugby playing schools. As a consequence when they wanted adult rugby they were uncomfortable with the established hierarchy at the two clubs…
Address
Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 959 4000Reading
Walk in centre for all things regarding Reading's Bus network and it's 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
Riverside Oracle, 2-4 London Street, Reading, RG1 4PNReading
The London Street Brasserie is the second award winning restaurant by owner and proprietor Paul Clerehugh. Opened in 2000, next to the river Kennet in the heart of Reading, the London Street Brasserie won both critical acclaim and Michelin…
Address
The Oracle Shopping Centre Unit U1, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 957 3931Reading
American diner style burger joint serving hamburgers grilled to perfection alongside chips fried in peanut oil.
Address
Gas Works Road (next to Bel & The Dragon), READING, Berkshire, RG1 3EQTelephone
0118 9373400READING
This small branch site tells the story of Reading's two rivers - the Kennet and the Thames. The Riverside Museum occupies two Listed former waterworks buildings, the Screen House and the Turbine House.
The Turbine House hosts a programme of…
Address
Town Hall Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QHReading
Looking for things to do in Reading? Discover the hidden gems of Reading on an unforgettable walking tour. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this charming town as our knowledgeable guides lead you through its streets.…
Reading
Opened in June 2015, Bakery House focuses on the best of Lebanese food in a relaxed, informal dining environment. Mezze, grills, pastries are the specialty...
Address
1 Queens Walk (corner of Oxford Rd), Broad Street Mall, Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QEBroad Street Mall, Reading
We are a three-screen cinema, bar, coffee shop, live performance space and community hub situated at the heart of Reading’s town centre. Our aim is to offer a fantastic and welcoming venue and create a setting where everyone can relax, work, meet…
Address
Mole Road, Sindlesham, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG41 5DJTelephone
0118 9897500WOKINGHAM
Let tensions melt away and indulge your senses in our beautiful, uplifting spa facilities. Surrounded by palm trees and Roman statues you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean. Unquestionably, our spacious facilities are…
Address
Malmaison Hotel, 18-20 Station Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1JXTelephone
0118 334 1331READING
This former train-house turned hotel has an abundance of style and decadence. Chez Mal Brasserie is the hotel's fantastic restaurant. Located less than a minutes walk from Reading station this hotel is the perfect place to meet friends for food.
Address
London Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 5ANREADING
Founded in 1997, The Berkshire Medical Heritage Centre is based in the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading (built 1881-1882). Located in the old hospital laundry (built 1881-1882), the Museum is the hub of the Centre's activities.
Our…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...
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...
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