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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: 128
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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
Cradock Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0EETelephone
01252 732300Reading
Our Reading track is a must-see for any dedicated karter. With two tracks, one for our top-of-the-range E-Karts, and one for the Combat Karts experience. Race around the 450m track in our fleet of electric karts including a boost button to help to…
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Address
Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EHREADING
The building of Greyfriars Church was completed in 1311 by Franciscans, followers of St Francis of Assisi who were monks, then called friars, who wore grey, hence the name Greyfriars. It is now a Grade 1 listed building, being the oldest Franciscan…
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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
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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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
35 Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1PWTelephone
0118 958 6775Reading
Stylish gay-friendly bar with fantastic champagne and wine menu. Gorgeous decor, great atmosphere and regular live entertainment and events, including karaoke every Thursday, and just a stone's throw from the station...
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Address
Junction 11, M4, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0FLTelephone
0118 968 1100READING
Home to Reading Football Club, the stadium (formerly known as the Madejski Stadium) holds 24,000 people. Reading FC play in the EFL Championship currently and celebrated their 150th anniversary in 2021/22.
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Address
Kings Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4LYREADING
Reading’s resident professional theatre combines high-class productions with ground-breaking education and community engagement to help transform Reading and the surrounding area’s cultural landscape. With tickets from as little as £5 Reading Rep is…
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Address
350 Basingstoke Road, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0NTTelephone
+44 3450133463READING
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…
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Address
Peppard Road, Emmer Green, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8XDTelephone
01189 472 496READING
The stables are in approx 43 acres of Oxfordshire countryside and on the Berks/South Oxfordshire border. We are on a bus route and are 3 miles from the centre of Reading.
The Riding school has been in existence since the mid-1960s and stood where…
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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
122 Castle Hill, Reading, RG1 7RGReading
Deadlocked Escape Rooms is an award winning escape room company known for incredibly immersive and narrative based experiences that make you feel like you are part of a movie. The Time Machine is rated one of the top games in the UK and we are…
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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…
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Address
London Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 5ANREADING
Founded in 1997, The Berkshire Medical Heritage Centre is based in the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading (built 1881-1882). Located in the old hospital laundry (built 1881-1882), the Museum is the hub of the Centre's activities.
Our… -
Address
110 Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EPTelephone
0118 959 5395READING
Live music venue hosting up-and.-coming and established acts, live bands, stand-up comedy and club nights
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Address
18 Richfield Avenue, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8PATelephone
0118 939 1811READING
Welcome to Genting Casino Reading where you'll find an extensive range of the best and most-popular casino games in both live-dealer and electronic formats.
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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
Thames Valley Park Drive, READING, Berkshire, RG6 1PQTelephone
0118 926 8280READING
Wokingham Waterside Centre is a unique riverside, water sports and conference venue set on a picturesque stretch of the river Thames in Berkshire. Water sports include canoeing, kayaking, katakanuing, bellboating, dragon boating, stand up…
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Address
Units 49, 50/52 Broad Street Mall, Reading, -RG1 7QEReading
Urban Fun is where excitement meets adventure! Dive into a vibrant world of games, from classic favourites to the latest high-tech experiences. Whether you’re challenging friends in competitive games or enjoying a solo quest, Urban Fun has something…
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