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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 41 to 60.
Address
Mapledurham Village, READING, Berkshire, RG4 7TRREADING
A 12th Century family house and farming estate tucked in beside the Thames in the heart of a unique English village away from the distractions of town, business or busy hotels, Mapledurham is an oasis of peace. The estate is a haven of tradition…
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…
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
Old Bath Road, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6TQTelephone
0118 969 5259READING
The club was founded as Old Redingensians in 1924 by former pupils of Reading School. The Club changed its name in 2018. Rams 1st XV made club history and achieved promotion to National League 1 (Level 3 rugby) during 2018-19.
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
12 Dunbar Drive, Woodley, READING, Berkshire, RG54HAREADING
E bike vineyard tour - English wine is enjoying a boom right now. Join Broomwagon Cycle Tours for a ride through the beautiful Chilterns with a stop at one of the country’s most exclusive vineyards. Nestled in the foothills of the Chilterns, South…
Address
Church Road, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 7ADREADING
Come and enjoy the beauty and long history of Caversham's hidden gem, Caversham Court Gardens on the bank of the River Thames. Owned and cared for by Reading Borough Council with support from The Friends. Open and accessible to all every day except…
READING
Packed with excitement, you and your teammates will leap into new worlds completing ground-breaking missions. Work as a team to find clues, solve puzzles and complete challenges before the time runs out. This isn’t something you watch, it’s…
Address
The Mount, READING, Berkshire, RG1 5HLREADING
Progress Theatre is a self-governing, self-funding theatre group, run by volunteers, and founded in 1946. We are members of the Little Theatre Guild and the National Operatic and Dramatic Association, and are a registered charity. Our intimate 96…
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
Purley Village, Purley On Thames, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 8AFTelephone
0118 466 4007Reading
We are a Reading-based walking holiday company who offer a nine day self-guided itinerary along the 94 mile Kennet & Avon Canal from Reading to Bristol. Our packages include B&B accommodation, daily baggage transfers, and a Pilgrims' Pack that…
Address
3-5 Cremyll Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8NQTelephone
07952 714 385Reading
A welcoming space where you can learn how to move well for life. Yoga Reading is a community yoga studio based on the Caversham-Reading border. It’s where you can find the perfect movement practice to suit your mind and your body. Our teachers are…
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
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…
Address
69 Caversham Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8ADTelephone
+44 3450133479READING
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…
Address
RG4 7QXTelephone
07979 758330Walk Works is a friendly, mixed walking group run by experienced walk guides Liz and Caroline.
They walk every other Friday morning in Berks, Bucks and South Oxfordshire. Join them to learn lots of woodland routes and trails, often with a coffee /…Address
Forbury Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3FDREADING
St James catholic Church is built within the ruins of the great Benedictine Abbey. Today we continue the practice of the monks to celebrate the Sacred Liturgy in Word and Sacrament. The church was built between 1837 and 1840, the architect was A W…
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…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
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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