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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Number of results:

Number of results: 50

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Heritage Opens Days - Reading

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  2. HalloWellyWeen

    Type

    Type:

    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!

  3. Bastille Day Reading

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  4. Heritage Open Days in Reading

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  5. Down at the Abbey

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Reading

    Down at the Abbey is an independent music festival in the Reading Abbey Ruins.

  6. ROAR-some Brick Dinosaurs Trail

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  7. The Great British Sunday Lunch

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  8. 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…

  9. 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.

  10. Family Getaway - Roseate Reading

    Type

    Type:

    Summer

    Reading

    Enjoy a family getaway this summer to the gorgeous Roseate Hotel in Reading. Book direct via website and children under 12 dine for free from the children's menu.

  11. Reading Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Reading

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

  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. John Lewis Kingston

    Type

    Type:

    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

  14. Cruise and Afternoon Tea Experience

    Cruise and Afternoon Tea Experience

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  15. The Mill at Sonning Restaurant and Waterwheel Bar

    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. Beale Wildlife Park

    Type

    Type:

    Animal Collection / Zoo

    Reading

    Located on the banks of the River Thames in Berkshire, Beale Park is home to a unique collection of rare and endangered birds, animals favourites including monkeys, prairie dogs, meerkats and wallabies.

  17. Reading Water Fest

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Reading

    Reading is located on the Kennet Canal in Berkshire and every year they celebrate this wonderful waterway with an annual festival - Water Fest!

    Showing off the Kennet Canal in all its glory, along with the gorgeous and historic spots on its…

  18. Curious About Reading

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Blake's Lock, Reading

    Explore Reading’s big sights and hidden corners, uncover quirky stories, and enjoy 1–2 hours of fresh‑air exploring each route.

  19. 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.

  20. London Street Brasserie

    Type

    Type:

    Bar

    Reading

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