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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: 523
, currently showing 141 to 160.
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 925 4500Reading
Apple retail store selling iPhones, iPads & more in sleekly designed spaces.
Address
42-43 Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 957 3807Reading
Boswells is a family run business that is truly passionate about great value and service. Whether it is breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or just a great coffee, pay them a visit and enjoy their warm and friendly welcome.
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
69 Caversham Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8ADTelephone
+44 3450133479READING
Whether you prefer to strength training, cardio, fitness classes, or a little bit of everything, we have all the kit and classes you need at PureGym. All of our gyms in Reading are open 24/7 and have over 50 classes each week included in your…
Address
Church Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 7AATelephone
0118 946 1440Reading
We welcome you to visit and browse our Berkshire shop where you will find beautiful, unique statement pieces to update your home.
Address
Davidson House, The Forbury, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3EUREADING
Welcome to Celador Apartments, we provide a range of contemporary, high quality serviced apartments throughout a number of locations within central Reading. Thanks to our professional yet personal approach, along with our commitment to excellence…
Address
Harris Arcade, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DNREADING
Specialist tobaconist now owned by Havana House. The business dates back to the late 1800s.
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 956 1951Reading
Victoria's Secret is one of the most powerful, sexy and glamorous stores in the world, where you'll find a dazzling assortment of intimate apparel, beauty products, sleepwear, hosiery and more.
Reading
Relax, indulge, unwind at Thames Lido. Here you will find a heated pool, hot tub and saunas, as well as massage rooms and an award-winning restaurant which is featured in the Michelin Guide.
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQTelephone
0118 939 4389Reading
Trendy chain retailer with Southern-Californian inspired apparel and accessories aimed at young adults.
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
84 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2APTelephone
0118 909 0805Reading
Hair & Beauty supplies stores bringing you the best Hair & Skin care products, Hair Extensions, Salon/Barber supplies
Reading
The layout and atmosphere of Starbucks stores are specifically designed to be cosy and intimate, while at the same time providing people with their own personal...
Address
Chestnut Walk, Reading, RG1 3HYReading
You've just broken out of Reading prison. Now you’re a fugitive on the run in Escapade's latest outdoor escape room! In the next two hours you’ll need to decipher cryptic clues and complete escape room style challenges that will take you all around…
Address
Goring Lane, Grazeley Green, READING, Berkshire, RG7 1LSTelephone
0333 321 8346READING
Premier Inn Reading South (Grazeley Green) ticks all the boxes. Close to the M4 and M3, just down the road from Reading and Basingstoke, and set in a quiet, rural location. Check, check and check. You're well placed for many local wedding venues.…
Address
8 Merchants Place, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DTTelephone
0118 958 5887READING
Milk is an independent rum bar in the heart of Reading. Boasting over 100 rums, and a specially made in-house cocktail menu, we have been reading's purveyor of rare rums and prescribed cocktails for nearly ten years.
Address
Ambrose Place, Chatham Street, READING, Berkshire, RG2 8SLTelephone
0118 9568188READING
Modern bar and rock club with regular DJ sessions and a reputation for staging wild gigs.
READING
Perfectly situated in the heart of the town. The guests can choose from executive and superior rooms, all boasting airy, contemporary designs and warmth.
Address
54 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AFTelephone
0118 391 3865Reading
On-trend chain selling own-label and branded shoes, boots and trainers for adults and children.
Address
The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQTelephone
0118 951 3001Reading
Chain retailer specialising in diamonds and designer watches, plus gold and silver jewellery.
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