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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 – @visitrdg

Number of results:

Number of results: 43

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Voco Reading

    Type

    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.

  2. The Mill at Sonning

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    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.

  3. 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…

  4. Love & Luxury Romance Package at the Roseate

    Type

    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.

  5. 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.

  6. Walk Reading

    Type

    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. Half Term at The MERL

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Reading

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

  8. Thames Rivercruise Ltd.

    Type

    Type:

    Boat Trip

    Caversham

    The perfect venue on the Upper Thames.

  9. 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

  10. Reading Museum

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    Type:

    Museum

    Reading

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

  11. The Reading Room

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    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.

  12. 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.

  13. Lagoona Park

    Type

    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.

  14. 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.

  15. Harris Arcade

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping Centre

    Reading

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

  16. 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!

  17. Wasing Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Event Venue

    Wasing is one of England’s most diverse rural estates—home to one of the UK’s finest wedding venues, exceptional events, immersive wellbeing experiences, and an organic farm. Blending natural beauty with exemplary hospitality, Wasing delivers…

  18. 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.

  19. 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…

  20. 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…