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. 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.

  2. 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…

  3. 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. 

  4. The Coconut Tree

    Type

    Type:

    Vegan Friendly

    READING

    In recent years, Sri Lankan food has been having a moment, with The Times identifying it as a key food trend, and BBC Food attributing its popularity  to “most of the food world looking towards exciting new cuisines.”

    The Coconut Tree’s take on…

  5. 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…

  6. 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…

  7. Holiday Inn Reading South

    Type

    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.

  8. 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…

  9. 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.

  10. 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…

  11. 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.

  12. Reading Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Reading

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

  13. 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.

  14. London Street Brasserie

    Type

    Type:

    Bar

    Reading

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

  15. Thames Rivercruise Ltd.

    Type

    Type:

    Boat Trip

    Caversham

    The perfect venue on the Upper Thames.

  16. Caversham Boat Services

    Type

    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

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

  19. Blue Collar Street Food Market

    Type

    Type:

    Serves Local Produce

    Reading

    Every Wednesday and Friday lunchtime, Blue Collar takes over Market Place to provide flavours from around the world from a range of top-quality street food outlets. Jamaican jerk chicken, Peruvian flavours or Vegan treats are regulars. 

  20. 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.