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Reading named the Number One British Sunshine Destination for 2023
22nd June 2023
As Britain approaches the summer holiday period, research conducted by Compare the Market found that Reading was the sunniest summer holiday destination in the UK, beating well-known seaside resorts such as Torquay, Eastbourne and Hastings. The research took into account the highest average summer temperatures combined with lowest levels of rainfall and hotel rates.
Reading boasted the highest average summer temperatures from the research, at a toasty 24.3 degrees Celsius. Add to that the second lowest average summer rainfall at 13.3mm and just four summer days a month that typically see rain, the research suggests Reading as a good spot for a weekend break with lots of family -friendly attractions.
Although not on the coast, we are nevertheless a waterside town. Perhaps we should rename Reading as Reading-on-Thames-and-Kennet as both flow through the town. On a hot summer’s day here, we suggest you head for the River Thames or Kennet / Kennet & Avon Canal. Reading was founded at the intersection of these two famous rivers. You can take a boat trip with Thames River Cruise, walk the Thames Path, have a picnic or just dip your toes in the water.
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Fans of open-air swimming should head to the restored Edwardian Thames Lido for a swim and great food or the open water swimming course at Caversham Lakes. You can also hire SUPs, take on the floating water assault courses at Lagoona Park or Caversham Lakes or start your boating holiday from Reading with Caversham Boat Services.
Reading is full of green spaces, not least along the rivers as well as parks such as Forbury Gardens, Caversham Court Gardens or the ruins of Reading Abbey Ruins. You are likely to come across open-air theatre , cinema or music over the summer months in many of these spaces.
July and August is Festival season in Reading, so a weekend visit may well coincide with the Readipop Festival, Bastille Day, Carnival of the World or a street food festival. Oh yes, and the Reading Music Festival too!
Head to the Oracle riverside to dine outside at one of 15 restaurants and bars alongside the Kennet or enjoy a pint of ‘Ding at Blue Collar Corner bar and street food container village or drink local brews at one of Reading’s tap rooms or local breweries.
If the heat is all getting too much, the Oracle Shopping centre is beautifully air conditioned or pop into John Lewis, Broad Street Mall or one of Reading’s many indies for a spot of chilled retail therapy.
Reading is one of the best located destinations in the country. You can reach us easily by rail and road, as well as making a short day trip from London on the Elizabeth Line. If you want to make a weekend of it, Reading has a great range of hotels, from the five-star opulence of the Roseate to the old railway hotel, now a Malmaison, or try the games package at the Penta. If you stay at the Novotel or the Hilton, bring your swimsuit. All the midrange and budget hotels can also be found in Reading or rent an apartment from House of Fisher or Premier Suites.
Who needs the cost of the costas when you can reap the benefits of Reading this summer and soak up some rays while you are at it.
