Visit Reading News - what's new summer roundup

21st June 2024

This summer, there are lots of new reasons to Visit Reading.

On stage

The story of the Post Office scandal is being brought to the stage by Reading's RABBLE Theatre. Local sub-postmistress Pam finds herself caught up in one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British legal history in this first-hand account of Pam’s inspirational story. Glitch plays at the Minghella Theatre at the University of Reading from 27 June - 6 July 2024. Book tickets>>>

Also on stage

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde in Reading Abbey Ruins (17-27 July)

Three Men in a Boat at Mill at Sonning (until 13 July).

Jennie Lee by Mikron Theatre at Caversham Court Gardens (14 July), Woolhampton (18 July), The Cunning Man (24 July) and Goring (27 July)

Reading Abbey Ruins in Augmented Reality

See Reading Abbey Ruins as you have never seen them before with an Augmented Reality (AR) tour. Launched this month, AR technology will reveal the Abbey as it would have looked 400 years ago as you wander round the ruins. The AR has been developed by Visiar. Scan the QR code to unlock the experience.

New swimming and diving pool opens

A second brand new swimming pool has opened in Reading this week, following on from last year’s the Palmer Park pool opening.  Also funded by the Council, the 25 metre-long Rivermead Pool opened to the public on Monday 17 June 2024 with an 8-lane main pool and a teaching and diving pool with 5 metre dive tower.

Art trails

Four new globe sculptures at the University of Reading’s Whiteknights campus have been installed to mark the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. They will eventually form part of a public art trail around campus but in the meantime the four globes can be found at the following locations: Main Palmer Quad, In front of the Library, Outside Park House, Garden next to URS building.

In the town centre, Nature Nurture, with funding from the Council, have installed a series of attractive information boards along the Kennet in the town centre telling the story of the rich bird-life on the waterway. The Water Bird Walk Trail stretches from Duke Street to Queen's Road car park.

New bars open this summer

Local brewer Siren have opened Siren Brew Reading in Friar Street as part of the Station Hill development. With over 25 beers including many of Siren's own favourites, as well as a great food menu, this bar looks sure to become a destination in its own right.

Meanwhile, in Castle Street, Heartwood Inns have bought and restored the Sun Inn to reopen it on 25 June as The Rising Sun following a sensitive restoration of the 17th century inn. The historic Grade II listed coaching inn stands as Reading’s oldest pub, but it may be its extended garden that steals the show. Expect also cosy fireplaces, quiet nooks and atmospheric spaces, a dog friendly attitude and great Sunday roasts. 

Walk the St James' Way with the new map guide

Harper Collins have published a new 34 page A-Z map guide to the St James' Way. The 68 mile pilgrimage route follows in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims, starting at Reading Abbey down to the south coast. It is an accredited part of the Camino de Santiago.

Basildon Park on film

Over the past twenty years Basildon Park has featured in countless productions on the silver and small screens. The Visions Unreel exhibition will take you on a journey through some of Basildon Park’s TV and film highlights. from starring as Netherfield Park in Pride and Prejudice to the Regency splendour of Bridgerton and the gritty underworld of British gangster comedy ‘The Gentlemen’.