Reading’s amazing architecture on show for Heritage Open Days

30th July 2025

From 12-21 September, Reading’s architecture will be front and centre of a national celebration of heritage.

Image: National Trust, James Dobson

From medieval buildings to famed Victorian architects and even our most recent building, One Station Hill, Reading has a rich tapestry of architectural styles, many of which will be open for this year’s Heritage Open Days. 

Heritage Open Days is the largest free heritage festival in the country. This year, there will be over 40 events taking place in Reading as part of the national celebration, with many of those picking up on the architectural theme for this year’s festival.

The programme will include walks covering Reading’s famed Georgian architecture, its medieval history and the numerous buildings built locally by its most famous architect, Alfred Waterhouse, including tours of Foxhill House at the University of Reading, Reading School and Caversham Baptist Church. There will also be milling heritage tours and tours of the new office block opposite the station, One Station Hill.

Reading’s Georgian buildings are a rival to Bath, say some. You can see for yourself on a walking tour or find out what Georgian Reading would have been like for its most famous resident, a young Jane Austen. Caversham Bridge will be 100 next year – join a talk to find out more about its fascinating history.  There are also arts and craft events for young people at Watlington House and Caversham Court Gardens, while Reading’s Ukrainian community will be showcasing their wonderful heritage with an open day at the Ukrainian Community Centre in Sidmouth Street.

Alex Brannen of REDA is Reading Co-ordinator for Heritage Open Days. He said: “This year’s theme of architecture suits Reading very well. We have an impressive range of buildings spanning almost one thousand years of history, so Heritage Open Days is a great way to find out more about Reading’s history – and it is all free.”

All Heritage Open Days events are free but some must be booked in advance. REDA, Reading’s Economy and Destination Agency, has produced a printed programme of the events taking place in and around Reading, which is available from libraries, Reading Town Hall, the visitor information booth at Reading Station and a number of other venues throughout Reading. It is also available for download here.

All the events are listed on whatsonreading.com/heritage-open-days. Check heritageopendays.org for full accessibility information.