Top 10 Free Attractions in Reading

From riverside strolls to almost a millennium’s worth of history, Reading is packed with fun, free things to do. Here are some of our favourite attractions to explore in and around Reading for those on a budget or simply looking for something different.

If you are based in London and have a Freedom Pass, you can travel free to Reading on the Elizabeth Line using your pass.

Reading Abbey
Seen by many as Reading’s best-kept secret, the Abbey Ruins is home to 900 years of glorious history and sits right in the heart of Reading’s Abbey Quarter, just minutes from the main shopping streets in Reading’s town centre. Once one of Europe’s largest royal monasteries, Reading Abbey Ruins is steeped in history and heritage. Why not start your adventure in Reading Museum for the full history before heading to the ruins? Entry is free and it’s open daily from dawn – dusk.

Caversham Court Gardens
If you’re looking for both green and blue space, head for Caversham Court Gardens, an award-winning walled garden with lawns leading right down to the banks of the River Thames. Just over the bridge from the town centre, in the suburb of Caversham, the Garden is a great place to take a stroll or just relax by the river. It’s open from dawn – dusk all year-round (except from Christmas Day) and, from March – October, you’ll also find the Tea Kiosk open (Tues-Sun) serving refreshments.

Reading Museum
Reading Museum is packed full of history, showcasing objects from the local area and around the globe in its permanent galleries, with everything from archaeological finds to the world-famous Huntley and Palmers biscuit tins – and even houses the only full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. You’ll find the museum in Reading’s Victorian Town Hall, right in the town centre, and admission is free. The Riverside Museum at Blakes Lock is just a short stroll up the road – open from April-September, it tells the story of Reading’s two rivers, the Kennet and the Thames.

Harris Gardens
Named after the late Professor, Tom Harris (1903-1983), a renowned palaeo-botanist at the University of Reading, The Harris Garden is a small botantical garden in Reading, used for conservation and recreation. The garden covers around five hectares and has 10 sections to explore, including woodland planting, a flower meadow, pond and perennial boarders. Find it at the University of Reading’s Whiteknights campus, about two miles south of Reading town centre. It’s free to visit and is open from 9am – dusk, all year round.

Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre
One of the best-preserved Roman towns in Britain, Silchester lies just 12 miles south of Reading’s town centre and is home to a whole other world of history.  Budding historians can literally step into England’s past as you explore the ancient Roman City Walls and even visit the ancient amphitheatre. Part of English Heritage, the site is open during daylight hours and is free to visit. Dogs are welcome and there is a charged car park just a few minutes’ walk from the roman walls.

The Thames Path
Being a riverside town, Reading is not short of the blue stuff and the majestic River Thames flows just north of its centre. The Thames Path provides miles upon miles of fantastic walking and cycling routes to enjoy with beautiful scenery and, of course, no price tag! Travel eastwards to Sonning, through to Henley, Marlow and then Windsor, or westward and you’ll find Mapledurham, Pangbourne and, eventually, Oxford.

Forbury Gardens and the Maiwand Lion
At the heart of Reading town centre lies the Victorian pleasure gardens, Forbury Gardens. An oasis of tranquillity just minutes from the vibrant Broad Street, the gardens offer locals and visitors a moment of calm sitting right next to the historical Reading Abbey Ruins. Perfect for a short stroll or just taking a moment to relax, Forbury Gardens has won multiple awards including the Green Heritage Site and Best Regional Park. Its bandstand hosts local bands on summer weekends and the kiosk serves refreshments. The Gardens are also home to Reading’s infamous and much-loved Maiwand Lion, sculpted by George Simonds as a memorial to the men of the Berkshire Regiment killed in Afghanistan in the nineteenth century.

MERL (Museum of English Rural Life)
The Museum of English Rural Life, as its name suggests, explores the history of the English countryside and its people. It is part of the University of Reading and is found on Redlands Road, near the University’s London Street Campus and throughout the year it hosts everything from exhibitions to events and even workshops. The museum is open every day except Mondays and is free to visit. Once you’ve finished exploring its collections in the galleries, why not check out the gardens with its family trails, visit the shop, or grab a well-earned cuppa at its on-site café?

Prospect Park
Reading isn’t short of parks, and as the largest open space in the town, Prospect Park, is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors, while being just a stone’s throw from the town centre. There are beautiful views over the Kennet Valley to enjoy and, with a variety of sports facilities and a children’s play park, there’s enough to keep the whole family entertained!

Kennet and Avon Canal
At 87 miles long, the Kennet and Avon Canal (which opened in 1810), runs from Bristol to Reading, where it joins the River Thames. Along its length, there are 21 conservation areas, 14 Sites of Special Scientific Interest and towns such as Bath, Devizes, Newbury and of course Reading. The Kennet & Avon Canal offers plenty of free things to do such as cycling the towpath, taking a walk close to nature and exploring the wonderful towns and cities dotted along its route.

Free events

There are a whole host of free events in Reading all year round, from Heritage Open Days in September to Christmas events, Eat Reading, The Chilli Fest, Bastille Day, Pride, Reading Children's Festival in the summer, as well as many walks and tours.