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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...Read More
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!
Read LessInspiration
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.
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Number of results: 124
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Address
Mohawk Way, Woodley, READING, Berkshire, RG5 4UETelephone
0118 944 8089READING
Berkshire's dynamic contribution to aviation history is graphically recaptured at the museum. Run as a charitable trust, the museum is at the historic site of Woodley Airfield, near Reading, U.K. - once the centre of a thriving aircraft industry.…
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Address
University of Reading, Edith Morley Building, Whiteknights campus, READING, Berkshire, RG6 6URTelephone
0118 378 6990Whiteknights campus, READING
The Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology contains one of the most important collections of Greek antiquities in the United Kingdom
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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…
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Address
Lower Basildon, READING, Berkshire, RG8 9NRTelephone
01491 672382READING
Basildon Park is a country house situated to the west of Reading, between the villages of Upper Basildon and Lower Basildon. It is owned by the National Trust and is a Grade I listed building. The house was built between 1776 and 1783 for Sir…
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Address
5 Church Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 7AAReading
HUMOS is a distinguished natural perfumery based in Reading, Berkshire, dedicated to crafting unique fragrances that reflect the individuality of its clients. Offering an array of services including private bespoke design, fragrance commissions for…
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Address
Sonning Eye, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6TTREADING
Reading Sailing Club is situated on a large picturesque former gravel pit adjacent to the river Thames in Sonning near Reading. Dinghy sailing is the club’s main activity with both beginners and experienced racers making use of our facilities.
We… -
Address
Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2APReading
Reading has an extra special connection with the beloved Paddington Bear as his creator, Michael Bond, grew up, went to school, and started his working life in the town. His experiences in Reading shaped his books that have inspired generations and…
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Address
Sonning Eye, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6TYTelephone
0118 969 8000READING
Award-winning theatre set majestically on the banks of the River Thames. The Mill at Sonning Theatre now celebrates more than 40 years of entertainment and hospitality. Uniquely, with a two course meal enjoyed before the show, The Mill has gained…
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Address
Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DBREADING
A 920 capacity club in the centre of Reading split over two floors and two rooms, the venue has been home to some of the biggest events the town has seen over the past 10 years. With a state of the art lighting and sound system and the town's…
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Address
Thames Valley Park Drive, READING, Berkshire, RG6 1PTREADING
Set in an easy-to-reach spot on Thames Valley Business Park, David Lloyd Reading is a first-class fitness destination for you and your family. With a state-of-the-art gym, wide range of exercise classes, sports facilities, a swimming pool and…
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Address
Westfield Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8HHReading
Beam Wellbeing delivers school-based, effective, early intervention support for children in and around Caversham and Reading. As an experienced, advanced practitioner, I run 1:1 Drawing and Talking and sand play sessions as well as group work for…
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Address
Mortimer West End, Silchester, READING, Berkshire, RG7 2HPSilchester, READING
Silchester, 12 miles south of Reading, has its origins as Calleva, a centre of the Iron Age Atrebates tribe from the late 1st century BC. After the Roman conquest of AD 43 it became the large and important town of Calleva Atrebatum. Unlike most…
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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…
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Address
Peppard Road, Emmer Green, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8XATelephone
07500 967646READING
Reading Abbey was born in the early 1950s as a youth side meeting the playing demand of boys who went to non-rugby playing schools. As a consequence when they wanted adult rugby they were uncomfortable with the established hierarchy at the two clubs…
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READING
We are an established activity centre with nearly twenty years experience in water sports and continually ensure that our site is a fun safe location and a fabulous way to exercise and promote an active lifestyle for families, friends, schools and…
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Address
Sonning Lane, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6STTelephone
0118 969 6592READING
In 1898, three senior officials from the Rugby Football Union met in Pangbourne to set up a rugby club in Reading. In 1938, The land at Holme Park, Sonning, was purchased and the pitches laid. The Club is still based there. The Men's First Team play…
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Address
Wolsey Road, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8BYTelephone
0118 937 3787READING
A large, close-cut grass meadow on the north bank of the Thames, stretching from Caversham Bridge to Reading Bridge. Specimen trees and shrubs feature along the bank, providing shade and interest around the play area. The fenced children’s play area…
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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.…
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Address
Wokingham Road, READING, Berkshire, RG6 1LEREADING
This large 50-acre parkland is home to Palmer Park Sport Stadium. It also offers a large children’s play area and adjacent cafe next to Wokingham Road with a second smaller accessible play area (known locally as ERAPA) near London Road. As well as…
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Address
126 Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EPREADING
Bringing you a little piece of Polynesian paradise and a true taste of the tropics, Lola Lo’s unique party and night club experience will instantly seduce your senses and sweep you off to the South Pacific – the perfect place to kick back, relax and…
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