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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
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Reading
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.
Address
Ambrose Place, Chatham Street, READING, Berkshire, RG2 8SLTelephone
0118 9568188READING
Modern bar and rock club with regular DJ sessions and a reputation for staging wild gigs.
Address
Hills Meadow, George Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8DHTelephone
07778787308Reading
Discover Reading’s most unique dining destination. Moored near the historic Reading Bridge, Whittington’s Tea Barge offers a tranquil escape from the city hustle. This family-run, restored narrowboat specializes in award-winning Afternoon Tea with…
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…
Address
Richfield Avenue, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8EQTelephone
0118 937 5000READING
Rivermead Leisure Complex is a brand-new flagship development which provides first class leisure facilities as part of the £40m reinvestment into upgrading sport & leisure centres in Reading. Facilities include a 120 station gym which offers…
Address
Station Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1JXTelephone
01184 693506Reading
BOOM BATTLE BAR Reading is the ultimate entertainment hotspot in the heart of town, serving up high-energy games like axe throwing, AR darts, beer pong, shuffleboard, and more.
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
Lower Mall, The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2ASTelephone
0844 406 0614Reading
Enjoy 24 bowling lanes, an American diner, a live sports bar and exciting amusements! What more could you ask for?
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…
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…
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
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
Stanlake Park, Twyford, READING, Berkshire, RG10 0BNTelephone
0118 934 0176READING
Stanlake Park in Twyford, Berkshire is one of the oldest vineyards and wine producers in England. Our Italian winemaker’s modern and international approach is reflected in award-winning wines that are enjoyable, very drinkable and the perfect…
Address
Waylen Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7URREADING
The Central Jamme Masjid, also sometimes referred to as the Central Jamme Mosque, Reading Masjid, or Reading Mosque, is the nearest Masjid to the heart of Reading town centre, in Berkshire, UK. We are located on Waylen Street, off Oxford Road.
Address
Gun Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2JRREADING
Purple Turtle has been a staple of Reading nightlife for over 30 years, first opening in 1990 and going strong ever since. The bar first opened on Duke Street before moving over to Gun Street when the Oracle was being built in 1997. It is one of the…
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
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…
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…
Address
Chain Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2HXREADING
Our mission is to serve as a beacon of God’s light to all those who come seeking, through worship and welcome.
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…
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