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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: 116
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Address
Wokingham Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 1LFTelephone
0118 937 5080Reading
Palmer Park Leisure Centre and Stadium is a brand new development providing first class leisure facilities. The centre is located in the heart of Palmer Park. Operated by Better in partnership with Reading Borough Council, the new facilities include…
Address
6 Redlands Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 5EXTelephone
0118 378 8660READING
The Museum of English Rural Life is owned and managed by the University of Reading. We use our diverse and surprising collection to explore how the skills and experiences of farmers and craftspeople, past and present, can help shape our lives now…
Address
Peppard Road, Emmer Green, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8XDTelephone
01189 472 496READING
The stables are in approx 43 acres of Oxfordshire countryside and on the Berks/South Oxfordshire border. We are on a bus route and are 3 miles from the centre of Reading.
The Riding school has been in existence since the mid-1960s and stood where…
Address
Wokefield Park, Mortimer, READING, Berkshire, RG7 3AEREADING
De Vere Wokefield Estate is home to Wokefield Estate Golf Club: a 6,996-yard, par 72 championship course that is designed to US PGA standards and one of the leading golf clubs in Reading.
READING
The original Guided walks going 8 years around my home town in fun way. 18 themes, inc.Town Centre, Architecture, Crime/Punishment, Photographic Heritage, Ghosts. All donated go to local charities, raising £19,000 & taken out 3500 people!
Address
Trafford Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8JPREADING
From providing weekly interaction through our community bands, to being a young person’s sole place of interaction with education or engagement, Readipop always aims to facilitate ‘Music Changing Lives’
Address
Creativ.Spaces Art Studio & Event Spaces, 2b Southview Business Park, Marsack Street, Caversham, Reading, RG4 5AFMarsack Street, Caversham, Reading
Bespoke Art & Craft Parties & Themed Immersive Events. Looking for something a little different for your party or event? From urban industrial unit to clandestine party pad - our quirky artist designed venue hides the ultimate escape for…
Hen…
Address
Shinfield Park, Shinfield, READING, Berkshire, RG2 9DFREADING
In 1956 a group of Shinfield residents felt there was a need for live theatre in Shinfield and the surrounding area. On the 12 January 1956, a small group of potential thespians met at St Mary's church hall in Shinfield, and so the Shinfield Players…
Address
Great Knollys Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7HDREADING
Reading's friendly farmers' market showcases locally-produced food and drink, direct from the producers. You'll find it at the old cattle market on Great Knollys Street on the first and third Saturday of every month, between 8.15am and 12pm.
It's…Reading
Set in acres of beautiful parkland, Palmer Park Sports Stadium is one of the finest outdoor sports centres in the region. The stadium offers a combination of outstanding outdoor and indoor facilities including; Athletics stadium, 460m Velodrome,…
Address
100 Kings Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3BYTelephone
0118 958 4589READING
Buzz Gym is not just another boring gym. Buzz Gym is a fresh, fully equipped gym with a full studio class timetable for a low affordable monthly price. Located in Reading, Slough, Swindon, Oxford and Harrow. Buzz Gym is open 24 hours a day with no…
Address
Northumberland Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 8DHTelephone
0118 304 4861Reading
South Reading Leisure Centre offers a range of indoor and outdoor facilities for the local community, including a swimming pool, tennis courts and a sports hall. The gym features a range of cardio and resistance stations, a dedicated free weight…
Address
London Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 5AQREADING
The Aldworth Philharmonic is an non-professional orchestra based in Reading, Berkshire. It’s named after the founder of Reading Blue Coat School, Richard Aldworth. RBCS has been a brilliant supporter over the years and two of its former Headmasters…
Address
South Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4QUREADING
Reading-based independent promoters with over ten years of experience in promoting gigs in Reading/ Oxford. We also run the award-winning multi-venue charity fundraiser festival Are You Listening?, Down at the Abbey Festival in Reading Abbey Ruins…
Address
Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QFREADING
CultureMix Arts is an international music and carnival arts company based in Berkshire, UK. We encourage participation and development offering employment opportunities in the music industry and the carnival sector. An Arts Council England National…
Reading
Meadway Sports Centre offers a varied range of activities and facilities to suit everyone. Facilities include a fully equipped gym, a 20 metre swimming pool, squash and badminton courts, a fitness class and group cycle studio and a multi sports area.
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