Things To Do in Reading

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:- 

• Use our interactive food and drink map to plan your night out>>>
• Find out what’s on this week or further ahead>>>
• Department store or quirky independent, you’ll find them all here>>>
• Search for where to stay with our Reading accommodation guide>>>

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
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