10 New Things To Do In Reading

Reading is a bustling urban space full of creative thinkers and wonderfully independent ventures. There is always something new to see and do in the town, from cultural exhibitions through to foodie pop-ups and social venues to explore. Over the past couple of years, we’ve welcomed more great activities and attractions to the town – here are some of our favourite new things to do in Reading.

Caversham Lakes
A brand-new outdoor activity centre with over 80 acres of water to enjoy and relax on, Caversham Lakes opened in the summer of 2020 and offers a wonderful outside space in Reading for everyone to enjoy. From a whole host of on-the-water activities, to a family beach and bar, find a new hobby or just get some fresh air at Reading’s fantastic, natural open space venue in Caversham.

Spinners
Reading new social venue, Spinners, opened its doors in the summer of 2021 and is home to a variety of activities such as bowling, crazy golf and darts. Located at Broad Street Mall, right in the centre of town, the new independent venue is run by local people and offers an intimate experience to socialise with friends. Check it out, if you haven’t done so already!

Reading Rep Theatre
After a fundraising drive throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, Reading Rep opened its new venue in 2021, accompanied with a bold new artistic season of work. Based on the Kings Road, the new theatre has been converted from the old Salvation Army hall and seats 158 people, with an education centre on site. It’s a great addition to Reading’s arts scene and offers a wide range of shows and theatre performances throughout the year.

Blue Collar Corner 
Reading's newest independent food and drink venue opened in March 2022, with Blue Collar Corner revamping the derelict yard in Hosier Street into a new social and foodie venue. The new permanent street food area runs from Thursday-Sunday, featuring a bar, four kitchens and even a summer beer garden.

Reading Football Club’s 150th Anniversary Exhibition
2021 was the year of anniversaries in Reading, with our Football Club celebrating 150 years. Opening from February through to August 2022, the new exhibition, Collected: 150 years of Reading FC, can be found at the Sir John Madejski Art Gallery at Reading Museum. Marking 150 years since the club was founded in 1871, the exhibition is free and explores the story of the club through time. A must for any Royals or football fan!

The Biscuit Factory
Reading's new arts cinema and venue, The Biscuit Factory, opened in 2021, on the corner of Oxford Road and Queen's Walk next to the Penta Hotel. The new community hub features an outside terrace with views down the Oxford Road as well as three screens showing a wide range of films beyond the blockbuster programming of the big cinema complexes. You’ll also find an on-site bar, community space and downstairs café.  

Reading Restaurants
Reading has welcomed a number of exciting new restaurants to its growing food repertoire over the past couple of years. Larger chains such as Wendy's and Gordon Ramsey’s, Street Burger, have joined our town, alongside Sri Lankan independent, Coconut Tree.  Duke Street is becoming the centre for Reading's Italian deli businesses with Mama's Way opening next to Madoo Deli Café, and itsu has opened its first ever full dine-in concept in Reading at Reading Gate Retail Park.

Dinton Pastures Activity Centre
Officially opened in September 2021, the £1.8 million investment in local nature reserve, Dinton Pastures County Park, was completed. Featuring a two-storey centre, brand-new Dragonfly café with an outside terrace overlooking Black Swan Lake, as well as a climbing wall and water sports, it’s a great addition to the already popular country park and is another great outside space to enjoy in the Reading region.

Market Yard
A new 1,200 capacity indoor venue, Market Yard, opened in November 2021 at Printhouse Reading, the former print room and offices of the Reading Post. The pop-up venue opened for Christmas celebrations and adds to Reading’s growing arts and cultural scene. Look out for opening dates in 2022. 

Biscuit Town 2022
A celebration of 200 years of biscuit heritage since Huntley & Palmers opened their original shop in London Street in 2022.  Check out the tours, exhibition and events. planned to celebrate.