Heritage & H20 in Reading

Who’d have thought that Reading had so much to offer history and culture lovers? While it might not be Oxford, Reading has plenty of history and heritage to rival its peers. From Roman Silchester and a 900-year-old Abbey in the town centre, to the world’s largest biscuit manufacturer and a unique biscuit tin collection, there is more to Reading than meets the eye. Our ample museums tell the story of our food, farming and countryside, as well as housing collections of Greek ceramics, the Bayeux Tapestry replica, medical history and historic gardens – yes, Reading is jam-packed with heritage, making it a great destination for budding culture vultures. So, why not make your next visit to Reading an inspiring and educational experience on land and water?

Day 1 Discover Reading’s Past

Reading Museum, based in the Victorian Town Hall right in the centre of town, is a good place to start. Groups can book a 20-minute introduction to the Museum and an insight into its fascinating collections, before heading off around the galleries, which include the Story of Reading Galleries and the world’s only full-scale replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. If there’s a special interest group, tours and talks can be tailored. You can also book a guide for the next stage, a walk around the Abbey Heritage Quarter including the Hospitium where medieval pilgrims stayed. The walk can end at the Riverside Museum at Blake's Lock, which tells the story of Reading's two rivers - the Kennet and the Thames - the Riverside Museum occupies two listed former waterworks buildings, the Screen House and the Turbine House.

At lunchtime, take a couple of hours to explore the shops and grab some food and drink at Reading’s many lunchtime spots. The Bel & The Dragon is next to the Riverside Museum, or a few minutes’ walk from Reading town centre is The Oracle shopping centre with over 80 shops and riverside restaurants, cafés, bars and cinema.

After lunch, walk to the Museum of English Rural Life (15 minutes) to explore nine galleries each with a different theme such as A Year on the Farm, Town and Country, and Forces for Change. There’s a bright and modern Welcome Space with cafe and thoughtfully stocked shop, as well as a beautiful, sheltered garden with picnic space, games, growing spaces and a Shepherds Hut. 

Specific visits can be organised to; The Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology, recognised as the fourth largest collection of Greek ceramics in Britain, The Cole Museum of Zoology where a complete tour of the diversity of the animal kingdom can be completed in less than one hour, Medical Museum Royal Berkshire or Museum of Berkshire Aviation.

Head back to your chosen place to stay to freshen up, before an evening visit to the nearby Mill at Sonning, where your theatre ticket includes a home-cooked two-course meal (unless otherwise stated). Or, stay in the town centre and head to The Hexagon theatre in Reading town centre to catch a live show.

Day 2: Make the most of the Thames

Today, enjoy a walk along the Thames Path National Trail, following the course of England’s greatest river to Shiplake crossing over the River Kennet as it enters the Thames. Once Reading is left behind, you'll enjoy a landscape of gentle wooded hills, fine houses, the ever-widening River Thames and the lovely 18th century hump-backed bridge at Sonning. East of Reading the River Kennet enters the River Thames.

At Sonning you could walk through the churchyard to the Bull Inn or Coppa Club for a morning refreshment, before crossing over the river and continuing. From Sonning you cross to the north bank and the river becomes rural again, watch out for the boys from Shiplake College rowing along the Thames.

Return to Reading on a Thames Rivercruise sightseeing boat trip and enjoy lunch or afternoon tea on board (Private bookings only).