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24 hours in Reading
Reading is a great day trip location. Just 23 minutes from London Paddington Station by train and also on the Elizabeth Line, which is free for TFL Freedom Pass holders.
Here’s an example itinerary for a day visit to Reading. Be warned and set your alarm– we’ve packed lots in!
9am: Start your day with breakfast at one of Reading’s best indie cafes
Reading is home to lots of places to eat and drink, with a superb café culture that rivals many other towns – so start your trip (and day) right with a visit to one of our fabulous independent cafes for breakkie. Try CUP for a touch a Greece, Shed for homemade goodness or Gails Bakery or Paul's Patisserie.
10am: Get cultural with Reading’s heritage
After breakfast, why not explore a bit of Reading’s local...Read More
24 hours in Reading
Reading is a great day trip location. Just 23 minutes from London Paddington Station by train and also on the Elizabeth Line, which is free for TFL Freedom Pass holders.
Here’s an example itinerary for a day visit to Reading. Be warned and set your alarm– we’ve packed lots in!
9am: Start your day with breakfast at one of Reading’s best indie cafes
Reading is home to lots of places to eat and drink, with a superb café culture that rivals many other towns – so start your trip (and day) right with a visit to one of our fabulous independent cafes for breakkie. Try CUP for a touch a Greece, Shed for homemade goodness or Gails Bakery or Paul's Patisserie.
10am: Get cultural with Reading’s heritage
After breakfast, why not explore a bit of Reading’s local heritage? Reading Museum is perfectly located right in the centre of town and has the only full size Bayeux Tapestry replica among its relics, while the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) gives a fascinating history of the UK's countryside and people. After you’re topped up your knowledge in the museums, why not walk through 900 years of history at the Abbey Ruins, Reading’s very own ancient ruins and burial place of King Henry I, just around the corner from the main shopping streets. You can even view the ruins as they would have been 400 years ago with the help of AR.
11.30am: Hit the shops
From casual window shopping to serious retail therapy, it’s no wonder Reading is known for its fantastic shopping offer. From high street brands to quirkier independents and household names such as John Lewis, Reading has some of the best shopping in the South East, as well as three indoor shopping centres all within a short walk. There’s always time for a quick mooch, right?
1pm: Have lunch on the riverside
Once you’ve finished with the shops (or just need a pit-stop), head to the Oracle Riverside, where you’ll find a great selection of bars and restaurants dotted alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal, which flows rather scenically through the shopping centre. Providing a picturesque backdrop to a perfect lunch spot, The Oracle boasts some brilliant eateries for even the most discerning foodies, from fast food favourites and chains, right through to fine dining (and everything in between!).
3pm: Test your limits at an Escape Room
Reading is home to some of the best Escape Rooms in the country, offering a total of four top-rated sites with a variety of rooms, themes and difficulties, many of which are easily walkable from the town centre. So, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned escape artist, there’s a puzzle for you waiting to be solved.
4:30pm: Explore on foot with an afternoon stroll
What better way to clear your head after the escape room excitement, than with a short afternoon stroll around Reading. Reading town centre is just 500 metres from The Thames. Head to the river and sample a small section of the famous Thames Path or take a short circular cruise with Thames River Cruise. Reading's Victorian pleasure gardens, Forbury Gardens, are next to the amazing medieval Abbey Ruins which are open every day. You can continue through to the old Reading Prison site to visit Banksy’s ‘Create Escape’. Popping up in 2020, the artwork shows Oscar Wilde escaping from the Prison with his typewriter. A must-see for any Banksy fan!
6pm: Prepare to be entertained
When the evening comes, there’s no shortage of activities in Reading to keep you amused. Why not try tenpin bowling, darts, or crazy golf at Spinners? Try your hand at cocktail making at The Botanist, or wine tasting at Veeno? For something requiring less energy, check out the Hexagon’s programme of live shows or visit the independent Biscuit Factory for films, terrace and bar.
8pm: Eat, drink and be merry
Foodies, prepare yourselves – Reading has a great selection of restaurants and eateries from every corner of the globe. Burger fans should head for Wendy’s or Honest Burger, while some of the nation’s well-known chains can be found at the Oracle Riverside. If you’re looking for a treat, visit The Reading Room or London Street Brasserie, or if more of an independent vibe is what you’re after, try the Thames Lido, Valpy Street Bar & Bistro or Pepe Sale.
10pm: Sample the nightlife
When it comes to nightlife, Reading has it all. If you’re looking to dance off dinner, try one of Reading's nightclubs such as Lola Lo or the iconic Purple Turtle. Cocktail-lovers should head to Be at One, Milk or Revolution de Cuba, or for more of a relaxed vibe try Malmaison, Market House or the Oakford Social Club. If you fancy a good old-fashioned pint to keep you going into the early hours, visit one of Reading’s traditional pubs such as the Allied Arms, the Ale House, or Zero Degrees with its very own micro-brewery. Just opened, the Rising Sun is a new gastropub and restaurant and Siren Brew Bar serves local beer in a modern setting at Station Hill.
We hope this has inspired you to visit Reading on your next day trip and we look forward to welcoming you soon! Don't forget to take a look at accommodation options if you need a place to stay, or travel options from travelling to, and from, Reading. There’s always so much to do in Reading, so why not make your trip longer and extend your visit to a weekend break?
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Number of results: 511
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Address
The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AHReading
Boux Avenue are obsessed with fit, designing unique lingerie, nightwear and loungewear collections, inspired by YOU. With exceptional service, including an expert bra fitting experience and inclusive size offering; you'll find lingerie available in…
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Address
The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGReading
At Charles Tyrwhitt (pronounced “Tirrit”) they endeavour to produce the finest menswear, with timeless style and no compromise on quality. From beautifully tailored men’s shirts and suits to smart and comfortable casualwear, the whole kit and…
Address
58 Kings Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3AAReading
Independent and fashionable barbershop specialising in all styles and lengths of mens hair including beard trimming and styling and more.
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Address
Level 1, The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AHTelephone
0845 600 2803Reading
Welcome to NatWest. Our extensive personal banking products including bank accounts, mortgages, credit cards, loans and more. Visit today to find out more.
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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…
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Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 9500886READING
Delikatesy Polskie Smaczek is an authentic grocery store offering a wide variety of imported Polish products. Their range includes: fresh meats, cakes, pastries, fruits and vegetables.
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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’
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Address
30 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TGTelephone
0118 959 0409Reading
Savings, mortgages, pensions and investments - plan for your life ahead with Skipton Building Society.
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READING
H & T Pawnbrokers are here to help you access cash in a safe and friendly environment. Depending on your need, they will try to find the right solution for you from a wide range of products.
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Address
20 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TGTelephone
0800 022 3454Reading
A world leader in online betting and gaming. Play poker, online bingo or bet on casino games. Enjoy sports betting, horse racing betting and more. Bet now!
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Address
21 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TGTelephone
0118 958 2331Reading
Discover your smile with TUI, the world's biggest travel group. We offer you even more handpicked holiday choices, city breaks, short breaks, cruises as well First Choice holiday packages.
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Reading
Haslams are an Estate and Lettings agency specialising in all aspects of the property market place around Reading, Berkshire.
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Address
149 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1EXTelephone
0118 958 6215Reading
Photography and digital services chain offering prints, frames, enlargements and personalised gifts.
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Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 958 1357READING
With over 3000 stores nationwide, Premier is one of the UK’s number one convenience store. Offering the best in essential products, bringing amazing value locally.
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Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 958 1795READING
Poundland’s retailing concept is extremely simple: a range of more than 3,000 items – representing AMAZING VALUE for money.
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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…
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READING
118 Photography is home to a team of professional photographers and editors with years of experience in capturing your precious moments.
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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…
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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…
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