Reading

Reading

Type:Towns & Villages

Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EU
Caversham Princess, Thames Rivercruise on the thames near Reading

About

One of the largest towns in the UK with a energetic atmosphere to match, Reading is nevertheless surrounded by some stunning Royal Berkshire countryside.

Set around the confluence of the River Thames and the River Kennet, it's as easy to get away from it all in Reading as it is to find bustling shopping centres and lively bars.

Those looking for a little retail therapy should head straight for The Oracle Shopping Centre - one of the best shopping destinations in South East England. You'll find all the favourite high-street names, as well as independent and craft stores in the nearby streets.

For all its modern amenities, Reading is a place with a fascinating heritage. As well as the town where Oscar Wilde wrote his famous Ballad of Reading Gaol, Reading has a 12th Century ruined Abbey, and even a huge replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. Today it's also the site of one of the biggest and longest running music festivals in the UK - The Reading Festival.

Reading is perfectly located for either a short trip from London, or as a base for exploring nearby attractions. It's a short drive from the glorious town of Henley-on-Thames or the dreaming spires of the city of Oxford.

Things to do in Reading

  • Reading Museum is a great child-friendly museum with plenty of exhibits and hands-on attractions, as well as a Bayeux Tapestry replica.
  • Why not visit The Wind in the Willows at the River and Rowing Museum in nearby Henley-on-Thames.
  • Head up the River Thames to the historic town of Windsor to see one of the most iconic attractions in England - Windsor Castle.
  • Head to nearby Basildon Park and discover for yourself why it was chosen as the setting for the acclaimed 2005 film Pride & Prejudice.

Towns near Reading

Explore the local area with these places to visit and villages near Reading.

Book Tickets

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Reading is about 40 miles west of London, is easily accessible via the major motorway networks of the M4 and M3 and is well served by public transport.

What's Nearby

  1. Terry’s Reading Walkabouts

    Terry set up his guided walks of Reading to pass on his love of local history and…

    0.12 miles away
  2. Tours2Order

    Tours2order is run by Blue Badge Tourist Guide Graham Horn.  We can offer many different…

    0.23 miles away
  3. Walk Reading

    Looking for things to do in Reading? Discover the hidden gems of our town on an…

    0.28 miles away
  1. Reading Abbey Quarter Tour

    Enjoy a walking tour exploring the heart of medieval Reading led by our Official Reading…

    0.37 miles away
  2. Reading Museum

    Explore ten galleries of historic and artistic objects in Reading’s Victorian Town Hall.

    0.37 miles away
  3. Reading Abbey Ruins

    The burial place of King Henry I, Reading Abbey celebrated 900 years of history in 2021.…

    0.46 miles away
  4. St James RC Church

    Built between 1836 and 1840 St James Roman Catholic Church was built from designs by A. W…

    0.49 miles away
  5. Thames Lido

    Thames Lido is a restored Victorian outdoor swimming pool which now offers a fully heated…

    0.65 miles away
  6. Museum of English Rural Life

    The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL) is England’s most extensive museum dedicated…

    0.71 miles away
  7. Caversham Boat Services


    Family business offering a fleet of well maintained traditional cruisers and narrowboats…

    0.75 miles away
  8. Thames Rivercruise Ltd.

    The perfect venue on the Upper Thames.

    0.92 miles away
  9. Better Boating Co

    John & Jack Patey welcome you to their family run business, established in 1971.

    0.93 miles away
  10. Ure Museum

    Description:  The Ure Museum holds collections of archaeological material, archives and…

    1.43 miles away
  11. Lagoona Park

    A 28 acre multi-activity site with an Aqua Park & Paddle Boards currently on our lake…

    2.57 miles away
  12. Caversham Heath Golf Club

    Nestling on the borders of Berkshire & Oxfordshire, just outside of Reading you’ll find…

    2.94 miles away
  13. The Mill at Sonning

    Set on the River Thames, the historic Mill at Sonning Theatre has over 40 years of…

    2.98 miles away
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Related

Museum of Berkshire Aviation, ReadingThe Museum of Berkshire Aviation, ReadingAircraft, archives, photographs, related aviation items and uniforms housed in an historic hangar on the historic site of Woodley airfield.

Museum of English Rural Life, ReadingMuseum of English Rural Life, ReadingThe Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL) is England’s most extensive museum dedicated to farming, food, craft, rural life and countryside issues.

River & Rowing MuseumRiver & Rowing Museum, South OxfordshireA unique, award-winning museum with galleries dedicated to rowing, the River Thames and the town of Henley.

Beale Wildlife Park, ReadingLocated on the banks of the River Thames in Berkshire, Beale Park is home to a unique collection of rare and endangered birds, animals favourites including monkeys, prairie dogs, meerkats and wallabies.

Thames Rivercruise Ltd.Thames Rivercruise Ltd., ReadingThe perfect venue on the Upper Thames.

Caversham Boat Services, Reading Family business offering a fleet of well maintained traditional cruisers and narrowboats for hire for short breaks and weekly hire. Limited Winter cruising available

Crowne Plaza Reading EastCrowne Plaza Reading East, ReadingNew luxury, fully refurbished 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza Reading East, provides a stylish, contemporary look and feel to suite the business traveller, leisure and spa guest.

Premier Suites Reading, ReadingLocated in the heart of Reading, our modern serviced apartments are the perfect choice for a business or leisure stay. Make the most of your own separate living and dining area and fully equipped kitchens. Prepare all your favourite meals and enjoy them in pleasant surrounds.

Holiday Inn Reading SouthHoliday Inn Reading South, ReadingHoliday Inn Reading South provides the perfect base for your stay in Reading, whether you are visiting the Reading Rock Festival, taking the kids to Legoland or visiting the nearby Business Parks.

IBIS Reading Centre, ReadingEasy access to the Thames Valley, Legoland and Windsor Castle.

Novotel Reading Centre Hotel, ReadingPerfectly situated in the heart of the town. The guests can choose from executive and superior rooms, all boasting airy, contemporary designs and warmth.

Walls of the ruined Reading AbbeyReading Abbey Ruins, ReadingThe burial place of King Henry I, Reading Abbey celebrated 900 years of history in 2021. The ruins of what would have been one of Europe’s largest medieval buildings can be visited with self guided or with guided tours via Reading Museum.