The Oracle
In Reading in Berkshire, England, is the site of The Oracle, an innovative family shopping and leisure centre.
It is built on an archaeological site dating back to the 12th century. Two years of excavation was funded by Hammerson plc. A carved stone corbel from the original Reading Abbey and re-used in the Yield Hall was saved. The Oracle is unusual in featuring a range of innovative pieces of public art.
On arrival there is safe parking – it has the police “Park Mark” award. The Oracle also operates a safe child scheme.
You can pre-plan your shopping visit by asking for a map annotated with the shops you wish to visit, which is a great convenience. If not, there is a mall guide and there are printed versions.
Pre-planning is helpful because there are over 90 top name shops offering a wide range of fashion and lifestyle brands, from which to make up your selection – difficult to choose, but satisfying to complete.
By way of contrast, there is a 10 screen cinema, so enough entertainment to fill several days without doing any shopping at all.
As a further contrast, the River Kennet flows through the centre. This provides a wonderfully peaceful English setting for a 270 metre promenade on both banks which are joined by the Delphi Bridge and the Cooks Bridge.
Arranged along the river are 22 restaurants, cafes and bars, enough to sustain a family day out in an enticing range of ways ---- enjoy!
Opening Times
| Open All Year |
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Road Directions
Directions from Junction 11 of the M4
Exit the M4 at junction 11 and take the A33 relief road to Reading passing the Madejski Stadium on your left. Follow the signs for Reading Town Centre, continuing for approx. 2 miles. You will pass the Reg Vardy Citroen car showroom on your right. At the next set of traffic lights, turn right following the signs to The Oracle car parks.
Directions from Junction 12 of the M4
Exit the M4 at junction 12, and take the A4 Bath Road following the signs for Reading. Continue along the Bath Road for approx. 4 miles until you reach a major roundabout, which is controlled by traffic lights. At this roundabout take the 3rd exit on your left and follow the signs for Bridge Street and The Oracle car parks.
Public Transport Directions
Reading Buses
Click here for timetables, latest news and online journey planning.
Park and Ride
Reading has two great value for money Park and Rides. Click here for more information.
Reading's train station has connections throughout the UK and is situated just 5 minutes walk away. Simply exit the Station through the main entrance and cross over the pedestrian crossing immediately outside.
Turn left and follow the road straight ahead until you come to the end of the road which brings you out into Broad Street opposite John Lewis. Turn left and The Oracle is on the right hand side, opposite Marks & Spencer.
