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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: 532
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Address
35-39 London Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4PSREADING
Founded in 1987, we are one of the UK's largest fair trade shops. Our selection of gifts, books, cards and food is wide ranging and we pride ourselves on having something for everyone; little ones love our wooden toys and puzzles; our natural body…
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQTelephone
0118 959 1588Reading
Hotel Chocolat is a British chocolatier and cocoa grower, with over seventy shops in the United Kingdom. Hotel Chocolat is the only company in the United Kingdom to grow cocoa on its own plantation.
Address
3 Cavendish Road, Emmer Green, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8XUTelephone
01183044981Reading
Located in Emmer Green, Stop & Taste delivers a bold, eclectic menu that blends street-food favourites with playful gourmet touches.
READING
South Street is situated just to the South of Reading's town centre, 5 minutes from the Oracle Riverside, and boasts two performance spaces. The small-scale programme focuses on critically acclaimed touring theatre, music, comedy & spoken word.…
Address
Milton Road, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG40 1JYTelephone
0118 989 5100WOKINGHAM
A charming and lush retreat located near Wokingham. Perfect for a relaxing escape to the gorgeous countryside Berkshire has to offer.
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
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 950 9696READING
Perfect Fried Chicken is known for its generous portions, reasonable prices, friendly service, and richly varied halal menu of fried chicken, burgers and ribs. Every dish is meticulously prepared in- house using only the best spices and ingredients.…
Address
45 West Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TZTelephone
0118 958 1941Reading
Great location in the Town Centre. Traditional Cafe with a menu that has remained the same for over 20 years. Excellent value for money, with an....
Address
3 Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HXTelephone
0118 402 8736Reading
Shop in-store with the UK's leading outdoor retailer. With over 70 stores nationwide, unrivalled expertise and a price match guarantee on everything.
Address
7 Goldsmid Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7YBREADING
Welcome to a warm friendly community and the only community to offer, to all Jewish people in the area, regular weekly services and many other activities for adults and children, both inside our wonderful Synagogue & adjoining community hall and at…
Address
97 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AXTelephone
0118 939 1708Reading
Kitchenware chain with innovative gadgets and cooking utensils, plus homewares and garden products.
Address
The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 951 1117Reading
TK Maxx delivers great value on ever-changing selections of brand names and designer products. Prices are up to 60% less than the RRP and at a significant discount on the prices in a department store or on the high street. TK Maxx offer brands from…
Address
57 St Marys Butts, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LGTelephone
0118 958 3323Reading
The Allied Arms is located in what was the area of Saxon Reading, and is almost certainly part of the original land on which the first church...
Address
The Oracle Riverside, Unit R13, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 214 1080Reading
American diner style burger joint serving hamburgers grilled to perfection alongside chips fried in peanut oil.
Address
School Lane, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8HXREADING
Outstanding. Professional theatre at it’s very best” Five Stars, The Stage
RABBLE Theatre is a multi-award-winning theatre company based in Reading, producing work in the region’s iconic spaces. Coming up; Henry I, written by Beth Flintoff…Address
26 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJTelephone
0118 952 7770Reading
The Reading Room will offer delicious modern cuisine revolving around the freshest, seasonal ingredients and best of British produce from Executive Chef Rajesh Maharjan. Guests can opt to try the delectable Tasting Menu, which also has a specialised…
Address
Reading Gaol, Forbury Road, Reading, RG1 3HYReading
Banksy’s artwork in Reading, Create Escape, appeared in 2021 on the walls of the former Reading Prison building. From Reading Station, it is just a five-minute walk.
Banksy’s Create Escape was inspired by Oscar Wilde’s imprisonment in Reading Gaol…
Address
Hills Meadow, George Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8DHTelephone
07778787308Reading
Discover Reading’s most unique dining destination. Moored near the historic Reading Bridge, Whittington’s Tea Barge offers a tranquil escape from the city hustle. This family-run, restored narrowboat specializes in award-winning Afternoon Tea with…
Address
1-2 Market Place, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2EGTelephone
0118 304 3400READING
A bar, hotel, event space & restaurant situated in the heart of Reading town centre near Reading Train Station. Designed to impress the Market House, once an historic Lloyds Bank, has been transformed into an industrial chic venue with bars, food…
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