Things To Do in Reading

Reading is surprising in so many ways: From Reading Abbey Gateway and its 900 years of history, to  family friendly museums; two National Trails and two great rivers on its doorstep.

10 Things to do In Reading

  • Reading Museum - The museum's collections span the famous Roman eagle from Silchester to the capital from Reading Abbey and an amazing collection of Huntley & Palmer biscuit tins. The current exhibition, On Track, celebrates the important place that the railway has played in Reading's history since 1840.

  • Visit a Church - Reading's churches include the most complete example of Franciscan architecture in Britain; Pugin's very first church design and the famous Pugin screen. Take a look at Reading's Religious Landmarks.

  • Discover more about Greek mythology and life at The Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology. 

  • Relax in a garden - Caversham Court Gardens on the banks of the Thames is a garden of national importance and listed in the English Heritage 'Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England'. It dates back to the 12th century and was refurbished and re-opened in 2009. Take a look at Reading's Parks & Gardens.

  • Go Shopping - Reading offers a mix of independent and high street stores with plenty of choice at The Oracle or Broad Street and the new IKEA.

  • Take a boat trip from Caversham Bridge? Thames Rivercruise offers a hop-on-hop-off boat trip from Caversham in Reading to Goring with stops at Mapledurham Lock, Beale Wildlife Park and Goring (with easy access to Streatley). Or book one of their themed trips: Afternoon Tea Cruise, Evening Sundowner Cruise, Sunday Lunch Cruise.

  • Visit the Reading Abbey Quarter and learn about its fascinating 900 years of history.

  • Walk or Cycle along the Thames Path National Trail to Sonning Lock Tea Rooms (just over 3miles one way) - Once Reading is left behind, you'll enjoy a landscape of gentle wooded hills, fine houses and, of course, the ever-widening River Thames. From Reading to Sonning cyclists can share the Thames Path.

  • The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL), is England’s most extensive museum dedicated to farming, food, craft, rural life and countryside issues.

  • Have fun in an Escape room. Go back in time, journey to the future or crack a crime - themes are endless. Take a look at Reading's Escape Rooms.

Walks around Reading

Reading was built on the River Thames and the Thames Path National Trail runs right through the heart of the town. With the railway station only five minutes walk from the river it is easy to join the Thames Path here, starting or finishing a leg in Reading.   

Swans on the river bank

Reading to Shiplake

From Reading this walk will take you downstream walking towards Sonning, and on to Shiplake on a section of the Thames Path that takes us through some lush woodlands and beautiful rural countryside. Along the way you will pass you’ll pass Horseshoe bridge which crosses the…

River Thames from Caversham Bridge, Reading

Reading Step Free - 3 Bridges Walk

Although this is an urban stretch of the Thames Path, the green spaces of Christchurch Meadow make this a very picturesque walk. You will see three of Reading’s six bridges – Christchurch, Caversham and Reading Bridge. This walk is step-free, making is accessible…

Enjoy a cruise along the Thames at Reading

Cruise through some of the most stunning reaches of the Thames from Henley and Sonning up to Goring & Streatley. Choose from river trips - round trips or events - such as Afternoon Tea, Sunday Lunch, Sundowner or Disco night on the Thames.

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