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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: 520
, currently showing 501 to 520.
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
The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AHReading
Boux Avenue are obsessed with fit, designing unique lingerie, nightwear and loungewear collections, inspired by YOU. With exceptional service, including an expert bra fitting experience and inclusive size offering; you'll find lingerie available in…
Address
46a West Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TZTelephone
0118 957 4018Reading
Albin & Co are highly respected solicitors offering legal advice to legal aid & privately funded clients.
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AHTelephone
0870 070 0191Reading
Fibre broadband, digital TV, landline phone and mobile services from Virgin Media. Order online for the best broadband, cable TV, phone and mobile deals.
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.
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
South Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4QUREADING
Reading-based independent promoters with over ten years of experience in promoting gigs in Reading/ Oxford. We also run the award-winning multi-venue charity fundraiser festival Are You Listening?, Down at the Abbey Festival in Reading Abbey Ruins…
Address
47-48 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AETelephone
0118 957 1135Reading
Shop our extensive range of health and beauty products from leading brands, fragrances for her and him, gift sets and much more.
Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 951 0637READING
Therapists on the High Street is a Sports Therapy and Wellness Walk in Clinic, offering accessible, convenient and affordable Sports Therapy. Sports Therapy is an essential healthcare for everyone, from sporting and non-sporting backgrounds.
Choose…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…
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.
Address
21 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TGTelephone
0118 958 2331Reading
Discover your smile with TUI, the world's biggest travel group. We offer you even more handpicked holiday choices, city breaks, short breaks, cruises as well First Choice holiday packages.
Address
16 Broad Street Mall, Reading, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 9580223Reading
As one of the most successful and well recognised bakery and café outlets on the High Street, Gregg’s pride themselves on exceptional customer service, great tasting products and remarkable value for money. Products are made fresh throughout the…
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
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 958 4031READING
Perfect Beauty Salon is home to the team of experienced and qualified beauticians offering a wide range of beauty treatments from make-up, shellac nails and IPL hair removal. The team are experts in eyebrow grooming and shaping, using the ancient…
Address
Station Road, Lower Shiplake, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxfordshire, RG9 3NYTelephone
0118 940 3332HENLEY-ON-THAMES
Warm and welcoming hotel paired with an award winning restaurant and pub. The Baskerville Arms is the perfect spot for an overnight or weekend stay where you can enjoy incredible food and drink without leaving the hotel.
Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QEREADING
Mooboo opened its doors last summer and offers a huge selection of teas, smoothies and mocktails. Their passion is to create the highest quality drinks and desserts for all, and stay one step ahead of the competition!
Mooboo’s menu boasts an array…
Reading
Meadway Sports Centre offers a varied range of activities and facilities to suit everyone. Facilities include a fully equipped gym, a 20 metre swimming pool, squash and badminton courts, a fitness class and group cycle studio and a multi sports area.
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