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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: 525
, currently showing 161 to 180.
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2ATTelephone
0118 956 6144Reading
Millie's Cookies creates hand-iced, personalised, giant cookies and mini biscuits ideal for birthday gifts and special occasions.
Address
Unit 8, The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, RG1 2AGTelephone
0344 264 6052Reading
TGI Friday's Reading Oracle is an award-winning restaurant, home to legendary food and drink. Fresh ingredients are used to craft a huge burger range...
Address
Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QFTelephone
0118 960 6060READING
The Hexagon is a multi-purpose entertainment venue in the heart of Reading, hosting an eclectic mix of entertainers from big name Comedians, Spectacular Musicals, Children's Shows, Classical Concerts, Opera, Pantomime, Theatre, Dance and everything…
Address
1-2 Market Place, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2EGTelephone
0118 304 3400READING
Retro industrial chic hotel with 24 uniquely decorated rooms in the heart of Reading centre. A few minute’s walk from Reading train station, a stone throw away from The Oracle shopping centre and all the other great amenities Reading town centre has…
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…
Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QEREADING
The original home of the Whopper and known for serving high-quality, great-tasting, affordable food. Founded in 1954, Burger King is one of the largest fast food chains in the world. The commitment to premium ingredients, signature recipes, and…
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.
Reading
Discover our 13 exceptional apartments in the heart of Reading, offering a mix of stylish 1 and 2-bedroom homes, some nestled within historic listed buildings.
Address
47 West Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TZTelephone
0118 959 5050Reading
You don't have to go all the way to Thailand to enjoy this exotic and delicious cuisine. They are a family owned business serving food prepared by authentic Thai chefs.
Address
4 Butter Market, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2DPTelephone
0118 950 8313Reading
Hand-making a cup of coffee is an art. It takes time and skill to perfect. That's why every single barista, in every single Costa store is professionally trained in...
Address
24 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SNTelephone
0118 958 1462Reading
Tailor offering alterations and other services.
Address
118 Henley Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 6DHReading
Sheabutter Cottage, located on Henley Road in Caversham, is a local independent family-run fair trade shop dedicated to ethical practices. They offer a wide range of unique and handmade products. Experience the allure of locally crafted items from…
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 956 5620Reading
BOSS epitomises authentic, understated luxury. The men’s collection offers modern, refined business wear and premium leisurewear; fusing timeless design and precision craftsmanship.
Address
108-113 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BBTelephone
0118 957 5955Reading
If shopping makes you gasping for a refreshing pick-me-up, a treat from the patisserie counter or a full-blown Sunday lunch, then try the in-store cafe and restaurant at John Lewis.
Address
31 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SYTelephone
0118 221 0154Reading
Zambrero Reading brings a contemporary twist to the Mexican favourites you love, with a freshly prepared menu of burritos, bowls, nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and more. You can enjoy delicious Mexican-inspired meals, including vegan and vegetarian…
Address
De Vere Wokefield Estate, Goodboys Lane, Mortimer, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 3AETelephone
0118 933 4000Mortimer, Reading
There has been an estate at Wokefield since the first house was built in the 1560s for the wealthy Plowden family. Set in 250 acres of Berkshire countryside, it’s history is etched in the different architectural features that greet you throughout.
…Address
Reading Road, Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5HGTelephone
01189788766Wokingham
Showcase Cinema de Lux offers a premium film viewing experience, including luxurious seating with extra legroom, in-theater dining options, and access to a VIP Gallery bar and lounge. These features, along with impeccable service, create a more…
Address
9 Bridge Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LRTelephone
0118 959 7959Reading
Bar, restaurant and microbrewery, Zero Degrees is situated within 1 minute walking distance of the Oracle Shopping Centre and offers a wide range of settings that are perfect for any occasion. The Tank Lounge on the mezzanine level, complete with…
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…
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