Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde

Credit Great West Way

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: 43

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. 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.

  2. Reading Festival

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    Festival

    Reading

    One of the biggest musical festivals in the world, every year over 90,000 people flock to the Richfield Avenue site to experience the iconic event.

  3. Romantic 4 Course Valentine's Dinner at the Award Winning 2AA Rosette Caprice Restaurant

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    Type:

    Special Events

    Berkshire, Reading

    Treat yourself and your special someone to an enchanting evening of fine dining at the award-winning, 2 AA Rosette Caprice Restaurant. From February 13th to 15th, indulge in an exclusive four-course Valentine's dinner, specially crafted to delight…

  4. Curious About Reading

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    Type:

    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…

  5. Harris Arcade

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping Centre

    Reading

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

  6. Walk Reading

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    Type:

    Walking Tour

    Reading

    Looking for things to do in Reading? Discover the hidden gems of our town on an unforgettable Reading walking tour. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this charming town as our knowledgeable guides lead you through its…

  7. Reading Museum

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    Type:

    Museum

    Reading

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

  8. Tours2Order

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    Type:

    Walking Tour

    Reading

    Tours2order is run by Blue Badge Tourist Guide Graham Horn.  We can offer many different tours in Reading, Chilterns and the Thames Valley.

  9. Beale Wildlife Park

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    Type:

    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.

  10. The Oracle Shopping Centre

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    Shopping Centre

    Reading

    One of the region’s premier shopping destinations, located on the banks of the River Kennet in the heart of Reading town centre.

  11. Afternoon Tea at the Roseate

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    Valentines Day

    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.

  12. Seven Course Tasting Menu

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    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…

  13. Museum of English Rural Life

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Reading

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

  14. Crowne Plaza Reading East

    Type

    Type:

    Hotel

    Reading

    New 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.

  15. Caversham Boat Services

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    Type:

    British Marine

    Caversham, 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

  16. Thames Lido Restaurant & Bar

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    Bar

    Reading

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

  17. Charles Hope Apartments Reading

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    Type:

    Serviced Apartment

    Reading

    Charles Hope Apartments prides itself on providing exceptional accommodation solutions to corporate and leisure travellers with key locations across the UK. Apartments are designed and furnished to offer a welcoming atmosphere to all guests.

  18. Terry’s Reading Walkabouts

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    Walking Tour

    Reading

    Terry set up his guided walks of Reading to pass on his love of local history and culture, Reading’s famous people, its myths and battles, gardens, architecture, gardens, buildings and so much more and also to get himself fitter!

  19. Half Term at The MERL

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    Free Event

    Reading

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

  20. Thames Rivercruise Ltd.

    Type

    Type:

    Boat Trip

    Caversham

    The perfect venue on the Upper Thames.