Reading

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Reading's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Explore the Heart of Reading
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Reading Museum to learn about local history. Enjoy a coffee at a nearby café to energize yourself for the day's adventures.

afternoon
:

Stroll through the Forbury Gardens and admire the stunning floral displays. Take a break for lunch at one of the local eateries offering traditional British cuisine.

evening
:

Wind down with a walk along the River Thames and enjoy the scenery. End your day with a casual dinner at a pub, sampling some local ales.

day 2
History and Heritage Day
morning
:

Visit the ruins of Reading Abbey to soak in the rich history. Take some time to explore the surrounding gardens.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at the King’s Meadow and consider a guided tour to deepen your understanding of the site. Spend the afternoon at the nearby Hexagon Theatre catching a matinee performance.

evening
:

Dine at a historic restaurant and experience the local cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll back to your accommodation.

day 3
Art and Culture Journey
morning
:

Start at the Museum of English Rural Life for insights into the culture of rural Britain. Engage with the interactive exhibits to learn more about local agriculture.

afternoon
:

Lunch at a nearby café, then visit the Reading Arts and Museums to view diverse art collections. Explore nearby galleries showcasing local artists.

evening
:

Attend an art exhibition or local theatre performance for an enriching cultural experience. Grab dinner at a trendy restaurant in the town center.

day 4
Nature Connect
morning
:

Begin your day in Prospect Park, where you can enjoy a refreshing walk among the trees. Bring a picnic breakfast to enjoy in the beautiful surroundings.

afternoon
:

Head to the Thames Path for a lovely riverside walk. Stop for lunch at a café overlooking the river.

evening
:

Visit the nearby Caversham Court Gardens to unwind in a tranquil setting. End the day with dinner at a bistro featuring outdoor seating.

day 5
Shopping and Dining Escapade
morning
:

Explore the Oracle Shopping Centre for a mix of high street and designer brands. Enjoy breakfast at one of the shopping center cafes.

afternoon
:

Continue shopping at the Broad Street Mall and discover unique finds. Choose a restaurant within the mall for a quick and satisfying lunch.

evening
:

Head out to the town center for dinner, choosing from various international cuisines. After dinner, hit up a local bar for drinks and live music.

day 6
Local Brewery Tour
morning
:

Start with a tour of the local breweries in Reading, learning about the brewing process. Sample breakfast ales and local pastries.

afternoon
:

Continue your brewery tour with a visit to another local brewery for tastings. Enjoy lunch at a nearby pub that features local craft beers.

evening
:

Wrap up the day with a dinner at one of the breweries, enjoying tasty food options paired with your favorite brews. Relax and mingle with locals in a laid-back atmosphere.

day 7
Literary Adventure
morning
:

Visit the home of the famous author Jane Austen and explore her literary roots. Take part in a guided literary walking tour to discover more about local writers.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch in a quaint café that boasts a literary theme. Visit the local library to uncover the city's rich literary archives.

evening
:

Dine at a historic restaurant and experience the local cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll back to your accommodation.

day 8
Active Day Out
morning
:

Rent a bike and explore the scenic routes around Reading. Start with the River Thames Path for a refreshing ride.

afternoon
:

Stop for a picnic lunch at a park along your bike route. Continue biking to the nearby town of Caversham to explore more trails.

evening
:

Return to Reading and enjoy a casual dinner at a restaurant near the river. Unwind after a full day of activities.

day 9
Festival Day
morning
:

Check out if any local festivals are happening and start your day by participating in the morning activities. Enjoy the festival vibe with local music and crowds.

afternoon
:

Grab lunch from food stalls offering a variety of cuisines and enjoy watching live performances. Join in crafts or local workshops that may be available at the festival.

evening
:

Stay for the evening entertainment at the festival for a fun atmosphere. End the night with drinks at a nearby bar to round off your festival experience.

day 10
Day Trip to Nearby Nature Reserves
morning
:

Take a short drive to the nearby nature reserves for a relaxing day in nature. Explore the walking trails and wildlife.

afternoon
:

Pack a lunch to enjoy amidst the beauty of nature or visit a café in a nearby village. Continue exploring the reserve and take plenty of photographs.

evening
:

Return to Reading and have dinner at a peaceful restaurant to reflect on your day. Enjoy a quiet evening in a cozy pub.

Discover Reading

Read more in our Reading 2024 Travel Guide.

Reading Travel Guide