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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 café 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 CUP for a touch a Greece, Shed for homemade goodness or Gails Bakery or Paul's Patisserie.
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 Veeno? For something requiring less energy, check out the Hexagon’s programme of live shows or visit the independent 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 Thames Lido, Valpy Street Bar & Bistro or Pepe Sale.
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 Malmaison, 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, the Ale House, or Zero Degrees with its very own micro-brewery. Just opened, the Rising Sun is a new gastropub and restaurant and Siren Brew Bar serves local beer in a modern setting at Station Hill.
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
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Address
The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AGREADING
What began as a small buffalo-style chicken wing restaurant in Garland, Texas, continues to soar to great heights.
Since setting up shop in '94, they've been putting flavor first. And they're not about to stop. Wingstop are all about taking their…
Address
Hyde End Road, Shinfield, READING, Berkshire, RG2 9EPTelephone
01189 886 936READING
Burley Lodge Equestrian Centre is a family run riding centre set in 180 acres of land in Shinfield, just south of Reading, Berkshire. We are a 'BHS Approved Centre' and are very proud to have gained the Highly Commended status from our inspection…
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
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQTelephone
0843 221 0302Reading
Home of entertainment. hmv.com is the place to read exclusive interviews, features and reviews on the latest albums, films, TV shows and games.
Address
Wolsey Road, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8BYREADING
We are based in Christchurch Meadows, Wolsey Road, Reading, Berkshire. We have 4 Hard Courts that are open all year round utilising a state-of-the art court booking and gate access system.
There are two ways, that you and your family can come and…
Address
The Oracle, Town Mall Walk, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AHTelephone
0118 957 5876Reading
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
University of Reading, Whiteknights campus, READING, Berkshire, RG6 6URREADING
The Harris Garden provides an important amenity for all, giving pleasure to an increasing number of visitors, staff and students. It provides facilities for teaching, conservation and recreation.
Address
(Mercure George Hotel), Yield Hall Lane, Reading, RG1 2HFTelephone
0118 957 2802Reading
Welcome to Bhel Puri House, serving the Berkshire community the finest Indian street food. Restaurant and take away serving, vegetarian, fresh juices, desserts and savouries!...
Address
APEX, Forbury Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1AXTelephone
+441183045442Reading
At Unleashed Performance, you won’t just train – you’ll transform. Our expert-led group sessions are designed to build strength, improve fitness and grow your confidence… one session at a time. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to push…
Address
20 Market Place, Reading, RG1 2EGReading
Relaxed restaurant featuring souvlaki, gyros & other Greek classics, plus grilled options & drinks.
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
41 Market Place, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2DGTelephone
0118 959 9959Reading
Looking for a stunning and durable bag for work or leisure? For a wide choice of bags in Reading pop into The Bag Shop!
Address
Oxford Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7RHTelephone
0118 958 6222READING
Penta Reading is a vibrant hotel in the heart of the City, offering 206 stylish bedrooms, 11 conference and meeting rooms and at the heart of the hotel you'll find the Pentalounge; part bar, part restaurant and part chill-out area, it’s the ideal…
Address
Church Lane, Dunsden, READING, Berkshire, RG4 9QDTelephone
0118 948 1111READING
Our beers have been hailed for their quality and consistency since 2003 – winning awards all over the UK. Built on traditional foundations, we’ve continued to evolve and take our beers to the next level. From firkins of classic bitter to cans of New…
Address
The Piazza, Kennet Island, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0GXTelephone
0118 931 0271Reading
Fidget & Bob is the new all-day café bar in Kennet Island, Reading.
Address
Minster Court, Minster Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JFTelephone
01183249700Reading
Premier Suites are the perfect choice of accommodation when visiting the bustling and energetic town of Reading, with an enviable location beside the Oracle Shopping Centre and close to Broad street. All of our one and two bedroom apartments are…
Address
Select Car Leasing Stadium, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0FLTelephone
0118 925 3500READING
Family friendly hotel with leisure facilities including a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, gym and treatments with a choice of restaurants. Ideally situated just a half mile from the M4 motorway.
Address
128-129 Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1EPTelephone
0118 959 1144Reading
Address
155 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HETelephone
0118 2301923Reading
Our sushi chefs bring priceless passion and professionalism to the IRO Sushi family, resulting in inspiring sushi dishes and Japanese classics for convenient collection in London.
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.
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