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).
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
.png)
– @visitrdg
– @visitrdg
– @visitrdg
Number of results: 51
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Childrens Events
Reading
Reading town centre is preparing for a ROAR-some invasion this summer as giant brick-built dinosaurs arrive for the brand-new Reading Dino Trail, taking place from 25 July to 23 August 2026. The free trail will transform Reading into an epic day…
Festival
Reading
Heritage Open Days tells the stories of everyday lives in Reading this September. The programme for this year's Heritage Open Days celebrations in Reading is now available, online and in print. The annual free heritage festival, which celebrates…
Halloween
Riseley, Reading
Step into a world of magical mischief and playful spooks as Hallo’Welly’Ween returns to Wellington Country Park, Reading for its 13th year!
Performing Arts
Reading
Celebrate Diwali with Kala The Arts as the town comes alive with light, music and movement on Saturday 24 October! Festivities begin at 4:15pm with a community stage performance in Town Hall Square and the Grand Lantern Parade at 5.30pm
Heritage & History
Reading
Heritage Open Days return to Reading in Berkshire, with behind the scenes tours, guided walks, church open days and talks from the 11th - 20th September 2026. This celebration of the fantastic history and heritage around the town of Reading, offers…
Free Event
Reading
The Bastille Day Reading Festival returns for its 14th year, bringing the Red, White and Blue to Forbury Gardens this summer. Taking place on the 11th & 12th July this festival brings a touch of France to Berkshire. Full of family fun, this free…
Music
Reading
Down at the Abbey is an independent music festival in the Reading Abbey Ruins.
Food
Reading
The Great British Sunday Roast is not just a delightful meal, but also an occasion for entertainment and enjoyment with fun filled activities that include culinary workshops at the ‘Mini-Chef’s Station’, board games, goodie bags and movies in our…
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…
Department Store
Reading
John Lewis Reading offers six floors of the best in fashion, beauty, home, giftware, technology (including Apple products) and electrical items. Pop in and ask a Partner about our upcoming workshops, tasters and classes.
Bar
Reading
The London Street Brasserie is the second award-winning restaurant by owner and proprietor Paul Clerehugh.
Museum
Reading
Description: The Ure Museum holds collections of archaeological material, archives and modern artefacts.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Department Store
Kingston upon Thames
John Lewis Kingston offers four floors of the best in fashion, beauty, home, giftware, technology (including Apple products) and electrical items. Pop in and ask a Partner about our upcoming workshops, tasters and classes
Tour
Reading
New for 2026, hop on the Sonning Mill Ferry in Caversham with Thames Rivercruise and sail up the River Thames all the way to the Mill at Sonning.
© Visit South East England 2026. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
