to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Girls at Oracle Riverside
Searching for something...
-
Accommodation
-
Things to Do
-
Food & Drink
-
Shopping
Accommodation Search
Things to Do Search
Food & Drink Search
Shopping Search
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?
Read Less
Number of results: 511
, currently showing 301 to 320.
Address
40 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AATelephone
0118 958 1811Reading
Chain retailer selling branded indoor and outdoor toys, craft products, electronic games and more.
-
Address
13 Queen Victoria St, Reading, RG1 1SYReading
Hand made Sushi, awakening your taste buds with a tastier, fresher and healthier option. If you like to eat simple, cheap but decent oriental food...
-
Address
The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AGREADING
Lovisa was created out of the need for on trend fashion jewellery at ready to wear prices. Our trend spotting departments worldwide take inspiration from couture runways and current street style to deliver new, on trend, must-have styles to our…
-
Address
8 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJTelephone
0118 950 8133Reading
Made-to-measure men's clothing.
-
Address
Hampstead Farm, Binfield Heath, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxfordshire, RG9 4LGTelephone
07511 208490HENLEY-ON-THAMES
Located in an 18th century threshing barn just three miles outside out of Reading, The Henley Distillery, voted New Distillery of The Year 2022 by The Gin Guide, offers tours, gin tastings and fully-immersive gin-making experiences inviting people…
-
Address
Napier Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8FRTelephone
0118 207 0460READING
Relax, indulge, unwind at Thames Lido.
Thames Lido is the result of a three-year sympathetic restoration project of a beautiful, historical landmark in Reading: the Edwardian Kings Meadow swimming baths, which first opened in 1902. Tucked away…
-
Address
21-23 St Marys Butts, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LNTelephone
0118 951 9001Reading
One of Reading's newly refurbished bar's in the Town Centre. A popular place for beer and burgers especially with the students...
-
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 956 5620Reading
BOSS epitomises authentic, understated luxury. The men’s collection offers modern, refined business wear and premium leisurewear; fusing timeless design and precision craftsmanship.
-
Address
7 Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1PJTelephone
07966 263 843Reading
-
Address
39 Broad Street (1st Floor WH Smith), Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2ADTelephone
0118 959 4252Reading
The well-known toy shop brand has opened a new shop inside WH Smith on Broad Street in Reading. Whether you’re just starting out on your parenting journey with a new arrival, your little ones are growing up fast, or you’re buying for a loved one,…
-
Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 958 8293READING
Sushimania offers traditional Japanese cuisine ranging from sashimi, sushi, traditional & modern makis. As well as grilled seafood’s & meats, tempuras, rice and noodles.
-
Address
1 Queens Walk (corner of Oxford Rd), Broad Street Mall, Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0191 2611103Broad Street Mall, Reading
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…
-
Address
Sonning Eye, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6TTREADING
Reading Sailing Club is situated on a large picturesque former gravel pit adjacent to the river Thames in Sonning near Reading. Dinghy sailing is the club’s main activity with both beginners and experienced racers making use of our facilities.
We… -
Address
42-43 Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 957 3807Reading
Boswells is a family run business that is truly passionate about great value and service. Whether it is breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or just a great coffee, pay them a visit and enjoy their warm and friendly welcome.
-
Address
150 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HEReading
A comprehensive menu with the best sushi in Reading including vegan & vegetarian sushi options too. You can search on Deliveroo for sushi and we’re also in the Just Eat sushi & Uber Eats sushi sections too. Order direct with us online or on our app…
-
Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2ATTelephone
0118 958 5626Reading
Enduring specialist supplier of tea, coffee beans and hot chocolate, plus brewing accessories.
-
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
75 - 76 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2APTelephone
0118 957 2390Reading
Caffè Nero Group Ltd was founded in 1997 and is currently the largest independent coffee retailer in the UK, with over 400 stores in the UK...
-
Address
Unit 20 Stadium Way, Tilehurst, READING, Berkshire, RG30 6BXTelephone
0118 942 8390READING
You can visit us on Fridays and Saturdays at our on-site taproom, where we serve a wide variety of beers direct from our warehouse cold store, where our beer is continuously stored between 4-5 degrees, keeping it in the best condition possible for…
-
Address
31 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SYTelephone
0118 221 0154Reading
Zambrero Reading brings a contemporary twist to the Mexican favourites you love, with a freshly prepared menu of burritos, bowls, nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and more. You can enjoy delicious Mexican-inspired meals, including vegan and vegetarian…
Follow us on social media
© Visit Reading 2025. All Rights Reserved
