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:

Number of results: 43

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Wellington Country Park

    Type

    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…

  2. Tours2Order

    Type

    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.

  3. Reading Abbey Quarter Tour

    Type

    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…

  4. The Reading Room

    Type

    Type:

    Bar

    Reading

    Opened in 2020, The Reading Room at the Roseate Hotel Reading  offers delicious modern cuisine revolving around the freshest, seasonal ingredients and best of British produce from Executive Chef Rajesh Maharjan.

  5. 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. 

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

    Type

    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…

  7. 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.

  8. Terry’s Reading Walkabouts

    Type

    Type:

    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!

  9. The Roseate Reading

    Type

    Type:

    Hotel

    Reading

    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…

  10. Valentines Day Celebrations in Reading

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Berkshire, Reading

    Celebrate Valentine's Day 2025 at the luxurious 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza Reading East, where love and elegance come together to create unforgettable experiences. Whether you're looking for a romantic overnight escape, an enchanting dinner, or a…

  11. Reading Christmas lights switch on

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Reading

    The Christmas season in Reading officially gets underway on Saturday 16 November as we turn on the town centre’s Christmas lights. Featuring a brand-new display for 2024, with links to Reading’s rich culture and heritage from Huntley and Palmers to…

  12. Market House

    Type

    Type:

    Boutique Hotel

    Reading

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

  13. London Street Brasserie

    Type

    Type:

    Bar

    Reading

    The London Street Brasserie is the second award-winning restaurant by owner and proprietor Paul Clerehugh.

  14. Thames Lido

    Type

    Type:

    Leisure / Swimming Pool

    Reading

    Thames Lido is a restored Victorian outdoor swimming pool which now offers a fully heated pool, hot tub and saunas, massage rooms, restaurant, bar and function room.

  15. The Mill at Sonning

    Type

    Type:

    Restaurant

    Reading

    With much of the original structure retained, this 18th Century Flour Mill has been converted into a renowned Dinner Theatre. Patrons enjoy a fresh home-cooked meal - with not a microwave in sight! -before watching the performance in our theatre.

  16. Afternoon Tea at the Roseate

    Type

    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.

  17. Thames Lido Restaurant & Bar

    Type

    Type:

    Bar

    Reading

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

  18. Reading Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Reading

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

  19. Crowne Plaza Reading M4 Jct 10

    Type

    Type:

    Hotel

    Reading

    New luxury, fully refurbished 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza Reading M4 Jct 10 provides a stylish, contemporary look and feel to suite the business traveller, leisure and spa guest.

  20. The Oracle Shopping Centre

    Type

    Type:

    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.