Thames Lido

Thames Lido

Reading

Things To Do in Reading

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Reading dates back to medieval times, shaped by the River Thames and Kennet that encircle the town centre. Modern-day Reading embraces its heritage and waterside location as part of a vibrant, cosmopolitan destination. 

Reading Abbey Ruins are 900 years old, remaining from the time of King Henry I and there is lots more heritage to enjoy in the town’s wonderful Georgian and Victorian buildings. Being a University town, Reading has a selection of fine museums and a social life to match and our waterside location provides opportunities for watersports, boat trips and riverside dining. 

Reading has a lovely scale to it. Everything is walkable – the town centre, access to the river, the Abbey Quarter district and the modern railway station. Big enough to offer a diverse experience without the drawbacks of the big city. 

You’ll find Reading has one of the best choices of accommodation in the South East outside London, as well as being one of the UK’s best-connected destinations, which makes it a great base for exploring the Great West Way, the Chilterns, Silchester Roman City walls, the Thames Path or nearby Windsor, Henley or Oxford. 

Need somewhere to stay? Described as 'The UK's Sexiest Townhouse Hotel' by The Evening Standard, The Roseate Reading is also recognised for its artful conception and luxury. The hotel prides itself on it's attention to detail, to the facilities available to make a stay cherished and memorable.

You can now reach Reading directly on the Elizabeth Line (free for Freedom Pass holders).

Top 10 things to do in Reading

  • Thames Lido, a destination in its own right alongside the Thames. Make a day of it with a massage, swim, cocktails and tapas! 
  • Reading Museum is a great child-friendly museum with star exhibit, the 70 metre-long Bayeux Tapestry replica.
  • Reading Abbey Ruins is 900 years old. The burial place of King Henry I was once one of Europe’s largest medieval buildings.
  • The MERL, or Museum of English Rural Life, is an award-winning, family-friendly museum of food, farming and the countryside.
  • Thames River Cruise offer a range of cruises and onboard events along one of the loveliest stretches of the River Thames. Departing from Caversham Pier in the heart of Reading.
  • Reading is one of the UK capitals of Escape Rooms. There are four operators to choose from, each offering a selection of different experiences to escape from in an hour.
  • Head out of town to nearby Basildon Park, setting for the acclaimed 2005 film Pride & Prejudice.
  • Time your visit to coincide with Reading’s great summer festival programme 
  • Treat yourself to retail therapy in the Oracle shopping centre or the independent Harris Arcade.
  • Visit one of Reading’s many cultural venues, such as The Hexagon, South Street Arts Centre or the new Reading Rep Theatre

For a list of attractions and accommodation in Reading, see the listings at the foot of this page or:- 

For more ideas and inspiration on where to stay, what's on and things to do in Reading visit the official website, Visit-Reading.com
Sign up for our Visit Reading newsletter here>>>

 

Social media 
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Number of results:

Number of results: 43

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Afternoon Tea at the Roseate

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    Type:

    Food

    Reading

    Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and join us at The Reading Room Restaurant and Lounge for the best afternoon tea in Berkshire.

  2. Holiday Inn Reading South

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    Type:

    Hotel

    READING

    Holiday 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.

  3. Harris Arcade

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    Type:

    Shopping Centre

    Reading

    Elegant 1930s covered arcade home to a unique collection of independent & specialist shops in Reading town centre.

  4. Reading Abbey Quarter Tour

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    Type:

    Walking Tour

    Reading

    Enjoy a walking tour exploring the heart of medieval Reading led by our Official Reading Museum tour guides.

    Starting in the Story of Reading Gallery in Reading Museum and continuing outdoors, this tour will lead you on a discovery of the history…

  5. Seven Course Tasting Menu

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Reading

    Available from 12 - 14pm at The Reading Room, Roseate Hotel in Reading, this exquisite seven-course tasting menu is a highlight of the a la carte menu, with the choice of accompanying wine flight and tea pairing.  With both vegan and vegetarian…

  6. Half Term at The MERL

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Reading

    This half term, enjoy trails, activities, crafts at The Museum of English Rural Life!

  7. Blue Collar Street Food Market

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    Type:

    Serves Local Produce

    Reading

    Every Wednesday and Friday lunchtime, Blue Collar takes over Market Place to provide flavours from around the world from a range of top-quality street food outlets. Jamaican jerk chicken, Peruvian flavours or Vegan treats are regulars. 

  8. Lagoona Park

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    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Reading

    A 28 acre multi-activity site with an Aqua Park & Paddle Boards currently on our lake making our location a safe fun filled location for families coming to spend the day.

  9. Market House

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    Type:

    Boutique Hotel

    Reading

    Retro Industrial Chic hotel with 24 uniquely decorated rooms in the heart of Reading centre.

  10. Curious About Reading

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    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Blake's Lock, Reading

    Have fun (re-)discovering Reading, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst finding out more about Reading. Curious About Reading visits…

  11. Thames Rivercruise Ltd.

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    Type:

    Boat Trip

    Caversham

    The perfect venue on the Upper Thames.

  12. The Coconut Tree

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    Type:

    Vegan Friendly

    READING

    In recent years, Sri Lankan food has been having a moment, with The Times identifying it as a key food trend, and BBC Food attributing its popularity  to “most of the food world looking towards exciting new cuisines.”

    The Coconut Tree’s take on…

  13. Jane Austen School Tour

    Type

    Type:

    Tour

    Reading

    Book now to enjoy an official Abbey Quarter Tour, Reading which includes exclusive access to Jane Austen's school.
    Available from Saturday 5 April 25 until 27th September 2025, explore the heart of Reading with an official Reading Museum tour guide. 

  14. Love & Luxury Romance Package at the Roseate

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    Type:

    General event

    Reading

    Enjoy a luxurious night away with that special someone. The Roseate Reading is just 25 minutes from London and is the perfect place to relax and get away from the everyday stresses of life.

  15. Reading Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Reading

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

  16. Wellington Country Park

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    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Riseley, Reading

    Wellington Country Park, ‘The Biggest Outdoor play in Berkshire’, was established in 1974 by the Eighth Duke and Duchess of Wellington. Set in 350 acres of beautiful parklands off the A33 between Basingstoke and Reading, Wellington Country Park…

  17. Ure Museum

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    Type:

    Museum

    Reading

    Description:  The Ure Museum holds collections of archaeological material, archives and modern artefacts.

  18. Beale Wildlife Park

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    Animal Collection / Zoo

    Reading

    Located 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.

  19. Voco Reading

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    Type:

    Hotel

    Reading

    Adjacent to Reading Madejski Stadium, located just 2-minutes off the M4 and only 4 miles off the town centre you will find voco Reading.

  20. Thames Lido Restaurant & Bar

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    Type:

    Bar

    Reading

    The menus at the Lido have a strong Spanish and Mediterranean feel adding to the ‘holiday’ atmosphere of the venue.