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. Here are some of our favourite new things to do in Reading.

Abstract Art

A big, bold and colourful exhibition of many of the greats of British abstract art from the collection at Reading Museum - Terry Frost, John Piper and Barbara Rae among others. Until summer 2023.

Palmer Park Leisure Centre

A brand new development providing first class leisure facilities located in the heart of Palmer Park in East Reading. High quality facilities include a 100 station gym, a state of the art Group Cycle studio and large exercise studio both fitted with virtual technology, a 6 lane 25m swimming pool, Better Café, Children’s Soft play, 2 Party Rooms, 3 5-aside Astro pitches, Athletics track and Velodrome track.

Climbing Hangar Reading - opening 30 January 2023

The Climbing Hangar Reading is an indoor bouldering centre, a fully equipped gym and hip coffee shop, serving a fresh, locally sourced menu. Bouldering is a rope-free form of climbing, which combines a total body workout, with fun, problem solving.

Caversham Lakes
A brand-new outdoor activity centre with over 80 acres of water to enjoy and relax on, Caversham Lakes offers a wonderful outside space in Reading for everyone to enjoy. On and in-the-water activities all year round at this fantastic, natural open space venue in Caversham.

Spinners
Reading new social venue, Spinners, 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
A new theatre for Reading accompanied by 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, Blue Collar Corner revamped 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.

The Biscuit Factory
Reading's new arts cinema and venue, The Biscuit Factory opened 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. Most recently Gail's Bakery has opened in Broad Street. 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
The £1.8 million investment in local nature reserve, Dinton Pastures County Park features 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.

Biscuit Town Afternoon Tea
The Roseate Reading Hotel has taken inspiration from the celebration of 200 years of Reading's biscuit heritage to create a new all-year round Afternoon Tea. Huntley & Palmers opened their original shop in London Street in 2022. Now you can eat a luscious afternoon tea based on some of Reading's iconic biscuit heritage.

Inspiration

Reading Biscuit Town
Reading Biscuit Factory

We are a three-screen cinema, bar, coffee shop, live performance space and community hub situated at the heart of Reading’s town centre. Our aim is to offer a fantastic and welcoming venue and create a setting where everyone can relax, work, meet and create – all under one roof.
Caversham Lakes

We wanted to bring the great outdoors to the Thames Valley with a brand new outdoor adventure centre, a social sanctuary and a safe playground for everyone set on a stunning freshwater lake. We strive to create opportunities for individuals and families to access adventure within a safe, natural, astounding lake. With two islands to paddle around and a large lagoon full of untouched natural waterways, there is over 80 acres of water to enjoy, relax and exercise on. We have lots of fantastic activities, including paddle boarding and open water swimming, plus an aqua park in summer, and events for everyone so why not come down and join us at this new and exciting venue.
Blue Collar Corner

In March 2022, we turned this derelict and abandoned yard into Blue Collar Corner - Reading’s newest independent venue and our first permanent site. Featuring 1 bar, 2 floors & 4 kitchens, a huge beer garden in the Summer and with cover in the Winter, it was 6 years in the making. With beer from Reading brewery Double-Barrelled, cocktails from the bar, rooftop vibes, banging DJ sets and award-winning fried chicken from Gurt Wings, Neopolitan pizzas from Sarv’s Slice, incredible bao buns from YouBao and vegan tacos from The Taco Tree, your new hangout is here. OPENING TIMES (FROM 12.03.22): THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 11AM – 10:30PM SUNDAY: 11AM – 8PM
Spinners

Crazy Golf, Ten Pin Bowling and Darts comes to Reading! An independent competitive socialising venue run by local people with an affinity for good times, fine cocktails, ice cold beers and stonebaked pizza. An intimate bowling experience with chesterfield sofas, cosy interactive darts booths and an enchanted garden crazy golf course with a flowing river. Recline in the snug underneath a pink blossom tree – dine on luxurious velvet seating with marble tables. Gone are the bright lights and cheesy music – in come deep mood lighting and a soundtrack to vibe the day (& night) away.
Reading Museum

Situated in Reading’s Victorian Town Hall, the Museum tells the story of Reading from its Saxon beginnings to the high-tech town it is today. Explore ten galleries of historic and artistic objects. Discover archaeology from Roman Silchester and Reading Abbey, view vintage Huntley & Palmers biscuit tins, explore our famous Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry, and don’t miss changing exhibitions in the Art Gallery. Take a look in our shop with unique local products, books and gifts.
1. 1 Jan 202331 Dec 2023