Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde

Credit Great West Way

Things To Do in Reading

Share this with

x

  • Towns & Villages Search

Towns & Villages Search

Type:
Keyword:

Towns & Villages Search

Type:
Keyword:

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 
Twitter – @livingreading
Instagram  - @livingreading 

Number of results:

Number of results: 38

, currently showing 21 to 38.

  1. Reading’s Christmas Advent

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Reading

    24 events across 24 days in the run up to Christmas. Each event at a different town centre location. Enjoy music, theatre, Christmas character appearances and of course Father Christmas.

  2. Wellington Country Park

    Type

    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…

  3. In the Company of Monsters, New Visions, Ancient Myths

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Blagrave Street, Reading

  4. 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.

  5. Harris Arcade

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping Centre

    Reading

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

  6. Time Trap Escape Rooms

    Type

    Type:

    Escape Room

    Reading

    TimeTrap Escape Rooms are Reading’s 5 star immersive escape games provider. Head back in time to the Great Fire of London, jump inside the whacky brain of Lewis Carroll, or travel back to 1942 Bletchley Park to uncover a spy.

  7. Shakespeare's R&J

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Reading

    In a rigid boarding school, four repressed adolescents unearth a secret copy of Shakespeare’s tale of forbidden love…

  8. Market House

    Type

    Type:

    Boutique Hotel

    Reading

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

  9. 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.

  10. Reading Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Reading

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

  11. Caversham Lakes

    Type

    Type:

    Lake / Reservoir

    Reading

    This beautiful lake offers a wide range of activities from open water swimming, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, aqua park and family beach with an onsite cafe and bar serving food and drinks throughout the day.

  12. It’s a Wonderful Life

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Reading

    It’s Christmas Eve in Bedford Falls…  Down-on-his-luck banker, George Bailey, feels life has passed him by. So when his guardian angel pays him a visit, George is amazed to discover what life in his beloved town would be like without him in it……

  13. Novotel Reading Centre Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Hotel

    Reading

    Perfectly situated in the heart of the town. The guests can choose from executive and superior rooms, all boasting airy, contemporary designs and warmth.

  14. 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.

  15. Penta Hotel

    Type

    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.

  16. Reading Abbey Ruins

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Reading

    The burial place of King Henry I, Reading Abbey celebrated 900 years of history in 2021. The ruins of what would have been one of Europe’s largest medieval buildings can be visited with self guided or with guided tours via Reading Museum.

  17. IBIS Reading Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Hotel

    Reading

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

  18. Premier Suites Reading

    Type

    Type:

    Serviced Apartment

    Reading

    Located in the heart of Reading, our modern serviced apartments are the perfect choice for a business or leisure stay.

    Make the most of your own separate living and dining area and fully equipped kitchens. Prepare all your favourite meals and enjoy…