Reading Riverside

Reading Riverside

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 21 to 40.

  1. Museum of English Rural Life

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    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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Reading Abbey Quarter Tour

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    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…

  5. 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!

  6. Half Term at The MERL

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    Type:

    Free Event

    Reading

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

  7. Market House

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    Type:

    Boutique Hotel

    Reading

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

  8. Reading Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Reading

    One of the biggest musical festivals in the world, every year over 90,000 people flock to the Richfield Avenue site to experience the iconic event.

  9. Crowne Plaza Reading M4 Jct 10

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    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.

  10. Harris Arcade

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    Type:

    Shopping Centre

    Reading

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

  11. Curious About Reading

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    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Blake's Lock, Reading

    Have fun (re-)discovering Reading, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst finding out more about Reading. Curious About Reading visits…

  12. Wellington Country Park

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    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…

  13. 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.

  14. 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…

  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. 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…

  17. Ure Museum

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    Type:

    Museum

    Reading

    Description:  The Ure Museum holds collections of archaeological material, archives and modern artefacts.

  18. The Museum of Berkshire Aviation

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Reading

    Aircraft, archives, photographs, related aviation items and uniforms housed in an historic hangar on the historic site of Woodley airfield.

  19. Penta Hotel

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    Type:

    Hotel

    Reading

    One of the finest hotel's in Reading, Pentahotel sits at the heart of Berkshire’s Royal heritage surrounded by castles, churches and outstanding natural beauty.

  20. IBIS Reading Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Hotel

    Reading

    Easy access to the Thames Valley, Legoland and Windsor Castle.