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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
47-48 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AETelephone
0118 957 1135Reading
Shop our extensive range of health and beauty products from leading brands, fragrances for her and him, gift sets and much more.
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.
Address
7 West Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TTTelephone
0118 957 6917Reading
Independently owned fish mongers.
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.
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
28 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7LATelephone
0345 610 2847Reading
UK's largest supermarket chain, with express stores to serve as a quick stop for your everyday grocery needs, or to grab dinner on the way home from work.
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
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QEREADING
Discover the flavours of India's culinary heritage with fabulous samosa's and refreshing Chai Teas. For dessert, soft ice cream and cool slushy's.
Address
16 Broad Street Mall, Reading, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 9580223Reading
As one of the most successful and well recognised bakery and café outlets on the High Street, Gregg’s pride themselves on exceptional customer service, great tasting products and remarkable value for money. Products are made fresh throughout the…
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!
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…-
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
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 951 0637READING
Therapists on the High Street is a Sports Therapy and Wellness Walk in Clinic, offering accessible, convenient and affordable Sports Therapy. Sports Therapy is an essential healthcare for everyone, from sporting and non-sporting backgrounds.
Choose…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’
READING
Reading town centre's neighbourood Italian deli.
Address
26 Harris Arcade, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DNTelephone
0118 950 4421Reading
Adrienne Henry Millinery specialise in hand-made hats for all occasions.
Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QEREADING
Introducing NOW TV - Amazing entertainment on your terms. No contract. Dip in and out at any time. Love TV but hate contracts?
We do as well, so no matter how you join NOW TV you can get the best of pay TV without a contract. That means unmissable…Address
The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AHTelephone
0870 070 0191Reading
Fibre broadband, digital TV, landline phone and mobile services from Virgin Media. Order online for the best broadband, cable TV, phone and mobile deals.
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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