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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 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?
Number of results: 511
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Address
32b Church Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8AUReading
NOOD Stores is an eco friendly gift, home fragrance & plant shop with vegan skincare, made in Caversham. It has a soothing and friendly environment with quirky gifts and supports many local makers along with your bigger brands offering you your…
Address
Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 958 7859Reading
Superdrug is quite simply the best in everyday accessible beauty and health. They are committed to bring innovation and the latest styles and trends to their stores at fantastic prices. The Superdrug Own Brand collection is not only great value and…
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
26 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJTelephone
0118 952 7770Reading
The Reading Room will offer delicious modern cuisine revolving around the freshest, seasonal ingredients and best of British produce from Executive Chef Rajesh Maharjan. Guests can opt to try the delectable Tasting Menu, which also has a specialised…
Address
Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxfordshire, RG9 4PGHENLEY-ON-THAMES
From a picturesque 16th-century mansion to a 20th century intimate family home. The house exudes a welcoming atmosphere with a well-stocked kitchen and homely living rooms. The series of walled gardens are a colourful patchwork of interest set amid…
Address
Chain Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2HXREADING
Our mission is to serve as a beacon of God’s light to all those who come seeking, through worship and welcome.
Address
Church Road, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 7ADREADING
Come and enjoy the beauty and long history of Caversham's hidden gem, Caversham Court Gardens on the bank of the River Thames. Owned and cared for by Reading Borough Council with support from The Friends. Open and accessible to all every day except…
Address
The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AGReading
If you are looking for a sustainable fashion fix, We are second life fashion are back in the former Topshop unit. We are second life fashion offer high quality pre-loved fashion for men and women who love to hunt out big brands at great prices.
Address
100 Kings Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3BYTelephone
0118 951 4151READING
100 Kings Road is House of Fisher’s exclusive flagship Aparthotel in Reading offering a range of studio, one, two and three bedroom serviced apartments perfectly located in central Reading. Just a 5 minute walk away is the Oracle shopping mall and a…
Address
Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DBREADING
A 920 capacity club in the centre of Reading split over two floors and two rooms, the venue has been home to some of the biggest events the town has seen over the past 10 years. With a state of the art lighting and sound system and the town's…
Address
10 Castle Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7RDTelephone
0118 958 6466Reading
Restaurant with acclaimed pies and deli selling pasties, sausage rolls and free range scotch eggs.
Address
Letcombe Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2HNTelephone
0333 321 8345READING
Premier Inn Reading Central is located at the heart of Reading. Opposite The Oracle Shopping and Leisure Centre, Reading Central is ideally located for guests whether here for business or leisure.
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
11 Castle Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7SBTelephone
0118 956 8755Reading
Situated on Castle Street, BrewDog Reading features 29 taps of awesome BrewDog and guest beer. Not only do we have an amazing selection of fresh beer on tap, but also have two open-air fridges full of beery delights to sit in or takeaway. Our…
Address
Stanlake Park, Twyford, READING, Berkshire, RG10 0BNTelephone
0118 934 0176READING
Stanlake Park in Twyford, Berkshire is one of the oldest vineyards and wine producers in England. Our Italian winemaker’s modern and international approach is reflected in award-winning wines that are enjoyable, very drinkable and the perfect…
Address
The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AGREADING
What began as a small buffalo-style chicken wing restaurant in Garland, Texas, continues to soar to great heights.
Since setting up shop in '94, they've been putting flavor first. And they're not about to stop. Wingstop are all about taking their…
Reading
Specialising in ethical coffee and locally produced food and with a unique welcoming atmosphere, we attract a varied and discerning crowd .
Address
35 Church Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8BATelephone
0118 375 9295Reading
Pop Classics is a Vinyl Record shop in the heart of Caversham offering a wide range on new and used records and CDs with something to suit all tastes and budgets.
Address
The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AGReading
Holland & Barrett is the UK's leading retailer of vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements. This store is one of our new style stores, complete with many new features including a help yourself fruit, nuts, seeds and snacks Pick and Mix gondola, our…
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