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A weekend break in Reading
To make the most out of your visit to Reading, a weekend trip is perfect, allowing you time to experience all the great things to do and attractions in Reading. Of course, if you have longer to spare, Reading makes a perfect base for exploring the wider Thames Valley or as part of a visit along the Great West Way.
Friday Afternoon
If you can, why not arrive in Reading on a late Friday afternoon to start your weekend off with a bang? Check into your accommodation before hitting the shops for a bit of retail therapy or trying your hand at tenpin bowling or crazy golf at social venue, Spinners. Or, visit one of our top-rated Escape Rooms, all located a short stroll apart, within Reading town centre.
Friday Evening
Once you’ve freshened up, head out for an early dinner at one of Reading’s restaurants or bars, before paying a visit to one of Reading’s wonderful theatre and arts venues for an evening of live entertainment. From comedy nights and stand-ups, to local productions and even national ballets, there’s always something on in Reading, so just make sure you check what’s on first and book ahead to avoid disappointment!
When it’s time to call it a night, stay at one of Reading’s conveniently-located hotels, B&Bs or serviced accommodation – there’s plenty to cover all tastes and budgets and many are within easy walk of the town centre.
Saturday Morning
After breakfast, start your day off outside, by exploring some of Reading’s green and blue spaces. For a leisurely start to the day, visit one of Reading’s parks and gardens, such as Caversham Court Gardens on the other side of the river, or Harris Gardens at the University’s Whiteknights Campus. For the more adventurous, why not get waterside and try some water sports? From canoeing to SUP boarding at nearby Caversham Lakes, there’s something for everyone to try.
Saturday Lunchtime
There’s no shortage of options when hunger strikes. From riverside dining at The Oracle Riverside, to independent cafes and bars in the town centre, you’ll find food and drink options to satisfy all appetites.
Saturday Afternoon
After lunch, head to Reading Museum to explore Reading’s past. Pick up a map for the Abbey Ruins while you’re there and visit the ancient ruins and burial place of King Henry I, just around the corner from the museum’s entrance. Once you’ve finished absorbing the heritage, pause for a quick pit-stop at one of the Abbey Quarter bars, overlooking the beautiful Forbury Gardens. Try the Roseate Hotel’s Reading Room, Carluccios or Veeno for a cup of coffee or afternoon tipple.
Finish off the afternoon with a boating and river trip. Join the Thames River Cruise and visit nearby villages of Pangbourne, Goring or Mapledurham and see Reading from the water. Book ahead and you can even reserve a seat and add a cream tea!
Saturday Evening
Once back on dry land and refreshed, end the day with a relaxed dinner at one of Reading’s restaurants. There is so much food and drink on offer in Reading, from cafes to pubs and bars and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.
If you still have energy after dinner you can indulge in a nightcap at one of Reading’s many pubs and bars. Try Malmaison or The Reading Room for a relaxed refreshment, or head to one of Reading’s nightclubs for a livelier evening out.
Sunday Morning
What better way to spend a lazy Sunday morning than with a trip to the spa? A short wander down the river from the town centre will take you to Reading’s very own wellness retreat, the Lido Pool and Spa. A swim, sauna and hot tub session can be pre-booked from 10am and offers a beautiful urban retreat in the heart of Reading, surrounded by a stunning grade-II listed pool and buildings. There are treatments on offer too, to make the most of the experience.
Sunday Lunchtime
While you’re at the Lido, it makes sense to stay for lunch! Indulge in pool-side tapas at the Lido’s very own Restaurant and Tapas Bar. Offering a taste of the Mediterranean with a Spanish inspired menu, it’s a perfect lunchtime spot with a beautifully-unique backdrop.
Sunday Afternoon
After a morning of relaxation at the Lido, head back onto the Thames Path and follow it back towards town. Cut back through Forbury Gardens to the side of Reading Prison, for a view of Banksy’s artwork ‘Create Escape’, showing Oscar Wilde escaping with his typewriter. Continue across the road to Kenavon Drive and you’ll discover the Riverside Museum at Blake’s Lock. This tiny museum occupies two former listed waterworks buildings and tells the story of Reading’s two rivers, the Thames and the Kennet. If there’s time, pop into its neighbour, the Bel and Dragon pub and restaurant, a former biscuit factory on the waterfront of the Kennet and Avon Canal.
From there, it’s just a short stroll back to the town centre to collect your car, or access public transport travel options. And don’t forget, there are lots more attractions and things to do in Reading if you have longer to spare. Take a look at the Great West Way or use Reading as a base to explore many popular walking and cycling routes in and around the Thames Valley. We look forward to welcoming you to Reading soon!
Inspiration
Explore 900 years of history in Reading Abbey Quarter including the burial place of King Henry I, Jane Austen's schoolroom and Oscar Wilde's Gaol. Notably the Quarter includes Reading Museum, St. James' Church, St Laurence's Church, the Forbury Gardens, Reading Gaol and the remains of Reading Abbey. The impressive Abbey Ruins consist of the south transept, the treasury, the chapter house, the dormitory and the refectory.- This small branch site tells the story of Reading's two rivers - the Kennet and the Thames. The Riverside Museum occupies two Listed former waterworks buildings, the Screen House and the Turbine House. The Turbine House hosts a programme of summertime art exhibitions and events by the local cultural community. The Riverside Museum a 15 to 20 minute stroll from Reading Museum through the historic Abbey Quarter.
- 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.
Number of results: 133
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Abbey Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3BATelephone
0118 937 3400READING
Explore 900 years of history in Reading Abbey Quarter including the burial place of King Henry I, Jane Austen's schoolroom and Oscar Wilde's Gaol. Notably the Quarter includes Reading Museum, St. James' Church, St Laurence's Church, the Forbury…
Address
Caversham Pier, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8BDTelephone
0118 948 1088READING
As a small family-run business with over 50 years of river life experience, we take great pride in the vessels that form the soul of our operation. From our very own Little Ship of Dunkirk, rich with heritage, to our spacious multi-deck party and…
Address
Reading Museum, Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QHTelephone
0118 9373400Reading
The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the world’s most famous pieces of medieval art. It is 70 metres long, and chronicles the legendary tale of the Norman conquest of England in 1066. In the late 19th century, an extremely ambitious project was undertaken…
Address
St James' Church, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3FDTelephone
07889 654979Reading
We are a local walking holiday company who offer four to eight day self-guided walking itineraries along the St James' Way from Reading to Southampton. Our packages include B&B accommodation, daily baggage transfers, transport to and from…
Address
1 Queens Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4SYTelephone
0118 983 9441READING
Located just moments away from the bustling Oracle Shopping Centre, discover the best in gaming, dining and live sport, all under one roof - 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Address
Hardwick Road, Whitchurch On Thames, READING, Berkshire, RG8 7QYTelephone
0118 984 3827READING
Come and enjoy a fascinating walk in the beautiful South Oxfordshire countryside. Lead an alpaca around our alpaca farm which nestles between the edge of the Chilterns and the River Thames. Learn more about these attractive, enigmatic creatures that…
Address
Duffield Road, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6GJTelephone
0118 969 3332READING
Sonning’s original layout was designed by JH Taylor with later input from Harry Colt. The course measures 6,329 yards and has a par of 70 and a SSS of 71. It generally plays longer than its yardage due to the elevation of several greens and fairways…
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
Odiham Road, Riseley, READING, Berkshire, RG7 1SPREADING
Wellington Country Park is a country park in Riseley, near Reading. The park consists of 350 acres of coniferous and deciduous woodlands with attractions, several nature trails, and a lake
Address
Hampstead Farm, Binfield Heath, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxfordshire, RG9 4LGTelephone
07511 208490HENLEY-ON-THAMES
Located in an 18th century threshing barn just three miles outside out of Reading, The Henley Distillery, voted New Distillery of The Year 2022 by The Gin Guide, offers tours, gin tastings and fully-immersive gin-making experiences inviting people…
Address
The Forbury, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3BBREADING
Forbury Gardens is a delightful Victorian town garden, created at the height of the urban parks movement. The gardens have recently undergone major restoration. They are located between the town centre and the ruins of the 11th century abbey, not…
Address
Rose Kiln Lane, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0SNTelephone
0118 402 7800READING
Grosvenor Casino Reading is the perfect leisure destination with a fantastic restaurant, amazing bar, live Show Bar, and Games Lounge.
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
2 South View Avenue, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 5ABREADING
Built 1902-21, it includes a shrine chapel, re-designed between 1954-58 to include the external squint on South View Avenue for observance by passers-by. This has a large 500-year old oak statue of Our Lady and Child. The shrine was redecorated in…
READING
Beale Park is an outdoor wildlife park within 40 acres set against the River Thames in Berkshire. A home to an exciting mix of animals and attractions.
Address
65 Caversham Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8ADTelephone
01182 292233Reading
Central Bowl offers boutique bowling lanes alongside darts, pool and a lively bar, as well as a modern, cashless arcade.
Address
Unit 8, Stadium Way, Tilehurst, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 6BXTelephone
0118 907 4251Reading
The Climbing Hangar Reading is an indoor bouldering centre, a fully equipped gym and hip coffee shop, serving a fresh, locally sourced menu. Indoor climbing is one of the fastest growing participation sports in the UK. Bouldering is a rope-free form…
Address
5-6 Gun Street, Reading, RG1 2JRReading
Reading, are you ready for the biggest cocktail party to arrive in town? Arriving Soon, The Cocktail Club will land on Gun Street and we cannot wait to get the party started with you. Want to be part of the launch weekend madness? Bookings are now…
Address
Corn Stores, Forbury Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1SBREADING
Thames Valley Wine School in Reading offers a host of in-person wine tastings from introductory evening sessions to eight-week courses and WSET training aimed at both beginners and more experienced wine drinkers. Food pairing and themed and events…
READING
I’m Graham Horn, a specialist and fully qualified Blue Badge tourist guide for the South West, South and South East of England. That area stretches from Cornwall to Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire to Kent, and everywhere else in between. Our…
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