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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
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Address
Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 951 1117Reading
TK Maxx delivers great value on ever-changing selections of brand names and designer products. Prices are up to 60% less than the RRP and at a significant discount on the prices in a department store or on the high street. TK Maxx offer brands from…
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
Units 49, 50/52 Broad Street Mall, Reading, -RG1 7QEReading
Urban Fun is where excitement meets adventure! Dive into a vibrant world of games, from classic favourites to the latest high-tech experiences. Whether you’re challenging friends in competitive games or enjoying a solo quest, Urban Fun has something…
Address
18 Prospect Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8JGReading
We’re a table-serviced cocktail bar serving a delicious range of drinks pizza & charcuterie boards. We are based in the heart of Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, we can help you plan private or corporate socials and help you with the smaller details…
Address
132 Caversham Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8AYTelephone
0114 349 8450READING
Convenient and centrally located, easyHotel Reading welcomes visitors to explore the local sights with ease and lay their heads down in clean, comfortable rooms. Whether you’re looking for a short stay or planning a weekend visit, you couldn’t be in…
Address
Oxford Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7RHTelephone
0118 958 6222READING
Penta Reading is a vibrant hotel in the heart of the City, offering 206 stylish bedrooms, 11 conference and meeting rooms and at the heart of the hotel you'll find the Pentalounge; part bar, part restaurant and part chill-out area, it’s the ideal…
Address
228 King Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HFTelephone
0118 959 6092Reading
Modern Italian dining in a stylish and elegant setting, providing the perfect surroundings to make any occasion a celebration...
Address
The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AGREADING
KIKO MILANO was established and founded in 1997 by the Percassi Group. It is an Italian professional cosmetics brand that features a range of cutting-edge makeup, face and body treatments. Safe and effective products of the highest quality, created…
Address
1-2 Market Place, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2EGTelephone
0118 304 3400READING
A bar, hotel, event space & restaurant situated in the heart of Reading town centre near Reading Train Station. Designed to impress the Market House, once an historic Lloyds Bank, has been transformed into an industrial chic venue with bars, food…
Address
Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
0118 902 8300Reading
The centre is now only open for registered patients. Please only visit the centre if you have a pre-arranged appointment and have been invited to attend. The Walk-In Service is CLOSED until further notice.
The centre gives you additional choice and…
Address
Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QETelephone
01183 273600READING
Grape Tree, the home of “feel good foods”, now have 100 retail stores selling a variety of health food, nuts, seeds, dried and crystallised fruit, snacks, confectionery, cooking and baking ingredients as well as coconut oil.. Real value for money…
Address
52 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AATelephone
0118 959 2083Reading
Retail chain specialising in designer branded footwear, casual sportswear and accessories for men, women and children.
Reading
Slaters are a family run business with 40 years’ experience. With tailored suits starting from £49, as well as suit packages including shirt, tie and shoes for only £79 they are your first port of call for formal wear or hire. Each store hires a…
Address
24 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TGTelephone
0118 956 8536Reading
Legendary footwear from the iconic boot-maker and home to the 'air-wave' sole. Selling everything from the iconic 8-eye boots, to more modern daring styles.
Reading
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.
Address
The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AGREADING
Accessorize was first born in 1984 with the opening of our first store in the Piazza, Covent Garden, London. Our founder Peter Simon was inspired from a trip to Paris, where he discovered a small selection of stores selling fashion jewellery that…
READING
Located less than 5 minutes’ drive from Junction 12 of the M4, Flexistay Reading West Aparthotel is ideally situated for corporates, contractors and leisure guests. Reading town centre is just a 20-minute drive away and the towns of Newbury,…
Address
Select Car Leasing Stadium, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0FLTelephone
0118 925 3500READING
Family friendly hotel with leisure facilities including a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, gym and treatments with a choice of restaurants. Ideally situated just a half mile from the M4 motorway.
Address
The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AGTelephone
0118 321 3999READING
Lebanese canteen on the Riverside at The Oracle. Comptoir Libanais (French for “Lebanese counter”) offers an abundance of healthy dishes, bursting with flavours and colours. It provides a refreshing and contemporary alternative to the usual casual…
Address
Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QEReading
Making deliciously good food, baked fresh every day, Muffin Break use the best Arabica beans to make the perfect coffee for the local community in Reading. Sink your teeth into mouth-watering muffins, cakes and slices including a selection of…
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