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.