Easter in Reading

There are lots of events and activities in Reading this Easter. Read on for some of our suggestions or check out whatsonreading.com for a whole host of ideas. 

French Market in Broad Street - 15 & 16 April
Bon appetit! A taste of France comes to Reading this Easter with a two-day French market taking over Broad Street on Good Friday 15 April and Easter Saturday 16 April. Savour a range of sweet and savoury delicacies from across the Channel including a large variety of French cheeses, breads, pastries, street food such as tartiflettes, creamy chicken, garlic potatoes, and, of course, wines.

Reading Museum Easter activities
There are lots of things to do at Reading Museum, with ‘Eggy Bingo’ and ‘Berty the Badger’ trails on offer.  And for a royal experience in the build-up to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the new portrait of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge will also be on display at the museum from Thursday 7 April.  You can also catch the latest football-themed exhibition  ‘COLLECTED: 150 Years of Reading FC’ which tells the story of Reading Football Club’s incredible journey, from a group of young townsmen playing on Kings Meadow to the heights of the national game. 

Easter at The MERL 
The Museum of English Rural Life has a whole collection of trails and activity packs for kids this Easter from the MERL Springtime garden trail to free object exploration sessions for families, Spring Family Activity Packs for children aged 5+ or just have fun on the fabulous play tractor and wagon and meet The MERL chickens at home in their henhouse.

Family shows
Take your pick including ‘Slime’ by the Herd Theatre at South Street - a squishy, squelchy show about the lives of slugs and caterpillars to Reading Rep’s Albie the Penguin Saves the World – a magical and meaningful adventure for kids aged 3-6.  Runs 6-18 April. Or as a budding actor, why not join the Performance Art workshops for young people at The Mill at Sonning – 11-14 April 

CosXPo 
CosXPo, the UK’s best event focusing on the art of cosplay, will be returning to the University of Reading for a third year! Join them on 8-9 April 2022 for a schedule jam-packed full of hands on workshops, live demos and entertainment – there’s something for everyone of every skill level. We bring over masters of cosplay and crafting from around Europe to share their tips and tricks.

Explore the Abbey Ruins on a Saturday Tour
Enjoy a walking tour exploring the heart of medieval Reading led by trained volunteer guides. This tour takes you to the highlights of the Abbey Quarter, including the Hospitium where medieval pilgrims stayed, the impressive conserved Reading Abbey ruins and the Abbey Gateway, the grand entrance to the Abbot’s Lodgings which became Queen Elizabeth I’s royal residence.

A 200th anniversary biscuit tour
In the 200th anniversary year of the foundation of Huntley and Palmers biscuits, join Terry’s Reading Walkabout’s new Huntley & Palmers 200th Anniversary Walkabout on the afternoon of 13 April. Terry will be telling a biscuit themed story from Roman times to the present, featuring the Huntley & Palmer people, their massive influence and service to Reading, biscuits, factory, buildings, generosity, legacy and more. 

Take to the river with a Thames River Cruise 

Thames River Cruise are offering four different river trips daily over the Easter break , from Sat 9th April  to Sun 24 April.  Choose from 45 minute cruises to an hour and a half. All leave from their central Reading pier.

• 11:00  - 90 Minute Thames Explorer
• 12:45 - 45 Minute Thames Experience
• 14:00 - 90 Minute Thames Explorer
• 16:00 - 60 Minute Thames Meander 

Treasure Hunt on the North Downs Railway Line between Reading and Redhill - 1 – 24 April 
Travel along the North Downs Railway Line and hunt for clues on board the train and at different destinations to find some quirky Alice in Wonderland treasures. Solve one, or both, of the mysteries to be in with the chance to win some treasure of your own! Suitable for families with children aged 7 upwards. * You will need to buy your train tickets from Great Western Railway. Download the Treasure Hunt at Free* Treasure Hunt  at Southeast Communities Rail Partnership