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Things to Do in Reading
Looking for things to do in Reading this weekend? Whether you're a local searching for something new, a family planning a day out, or a couple after a relaxed afternoon by the river, Reading has more going on than its commuter-town reputation suggests.
Medieval abbey ruins sit alongside riverside walks, a surprisingly good food scene, and enough entertainment to fill an evening without heading into London. With the Elizabeth Line now connecting Reading directly to central London, more people are discovering what locals have known for a while: this is a town that rewards curiosity.
This guide covers the best things to do in Reading, broken down by who you're with and what you're after.
Things to Do in Reading with Friends
Live Music and Nightlife
Reading has a long-established live music scene that punches above its weight. Sub89, Purple Turtle, and The Face Bar host gigs, club nights, and DJ events throughout the week. Students and long-time residents keep the nightlife varied and genuinely lively.
Comedy nights, themed events, and late-night music mean there's usually something happening after dark, even midweek.
Food and Drink
The Oracle's riverside is where most evenings start or end. Côte Brasserie does French classics with views over the water — steak frites, moules marinières, a glass of wine before a film. Cosy Club works from brunch through to late-night cocktails, with quirky décor that makes it feel like more of an occasion. Comptoir Libanais brings colourful Middle Eastern mezze and a warm, relaxed vibe that suits groups.
Traditional pubs remain central to Reading's social life. Long-established locals sit alongside newer craft beer spots, and many are clustered close enough to make an informal pub crawl easy to organise.
Things to Do in Reading with Family
Hollywood Bowl
For guaranteed family entertainment whatever the weather, Hollywood Bowl at The Oracle offers 24 lanes of tenpin bowling, an American-themed pool area, amusements, and a live-action sports bar showing the latest games.
The Hollywood Diner serves burgers, chips, and the usual crowd-pleasers, which means you don't need to leave when hunger strikes. It's relaxed enough for young children but fun enough for teenagers who think they're too cool for bowling.
Location: The Oracle, Unit R24, RG1 2AS
Hours: Daily from 10am (9am weekends). Open until 11pm (midnight Fri/Sat).
Tip: Book ahead for weekends, or walk in on quieter weekdays for a spontaneous game.
Vue Cinema
Vue Cinema has 11 screens and over 1,800 seats showing the latest blockbusters, family films, and Big Screen Events — all in 4K with Dolby Surround Sound. Reclining seats in selected screens make it comfortable for longer films, and the central location means you're never far from food before or after.
It's well set up for family outings: easy online booking, kids' prices, and 2-for-1 Meerkat Movies deals. Combine a film with bowling at Hollywood Bowl or lunch at one of the riverside restaurants for a full day sorted without leaving The Oracle.
Location: The Oracle, Off Mill Lane North, RG1 2AG
Hours: Daily from 10am (9am weekends). Screenings run until midnight.
Reading Museum and the Bayeux Tapestry
Reading Museum is one of the most rewarding places to visit in the town centre. Located inside the Victorian Town Hall, its most famous exhibit is the full-size Bayeux Tapestry replica, embroidered in the 19th century.
The gallery provides clear interpretation that helps younger visitors understand the Norman Conquest without dumbing it down for adults. Beyond the tapestry, displays cover local archaeology, art, and everyday life in the Thames Valley.
Location: Blagrave Street, Reading RG1 1QH
Hours: Tue–Fri 10am–4pm, Sat 10am–5pm. Closed Sun–Mon.
Cost: Free
Parks and Wildlife Near Reading
Beale Park and Wellington Country Park both sit within easy reach of Reading and offer similar appeal: wildlife enclosures, adventure playgrounds, walking trails, and space to spend a full day outdoors. Beale Park edges it for younger children; Wellington suits families who want more variety. Both work as a morning decision that turns into an all-day adventure.
Things to Do in Reading for Couples
Thames Lido
Thames Lido is one of Reading's most distinctive places to spend time together. Originally opened in 1903, the outdoor pool was restored and reopened in 2017. It now offers year-round swimming, a restaurant, and spa facilities.
Located beside King's Meadow, the lido attracts regular swimmers, couples, and anyone looking to escape the pace of the town for a few hours. Morning swims and evening sessions are especially popular.
Location: Napier Road, Reading RG1 8FR
Hours: Daily 7am–10pm
Tip: Book ahead for weekend spa treatments or poolside dining.
Riverside Dining at The Oracle
The Oracle's riverside is one of the better spots in Reading for a relaxed meal with views. A few worth knowing:
- Côte Brasserie — French classics like steak frites, moules marinières, and crème brûlée. Good for a quick bite before a film or a longer sit-down lunch. Hours: Daily 9am–9pm (10pm Thu–Fri, 8pm Sat–Sun)
- Cosy Club — Quirky décor, laid-back atmosphere, and a menu that works from brunch through to cocktails. The kind of place that feels special without trying too hard. Hours: Daily from 9am. Open until 11pm (1am Fri–Sat)
- Comptoir Libanais — Colourful Middle Eastern cooking with fresh mezze, hearty mains, and a warm vibe.
An Evening at The Oracle
The Oracle works best when you combine its offerings. Start with drinks at Cosy Club, catch a film at Vue, grab dinner at Côte — and you've got a full evening without needing to plan too hard. The riverside setting lifts what could feel like a standard shopping centre into something genuinely pleasant, especially on a warm evening when the terrace seating opens up.
River Thames and Thames Path Walks
The Thames flows directly through Reading, and the Thames Path connects easily from the town centre. Head east toward Sonning for one of England's prettiest villages (George Clooney's local pub, The Bull, is here). Head west toward Pangbourne for quieter countryside and Kenneth Grahame's Wind in the Willows inspiration.
These walks move quickly from urban edges into genuine countryside. Pack a picnic, stop at a riverside pub, or just enjoy the change of pace.
Caversham and Riverside Gardens
Cross the river into Caversham for a noticeable change of pace. Caversham Court Gardens sit directly on the Thames with manicured lawns, flowerbeds, and uninterrupted river views. Entry is free.
Roseate Hotel Reading
For something more refined, the Roseate Hotel offers afternoon tea, spa treatments, and overnight stays in a beautifully converted former council building on the High Street.
History and Culture in Reading
Reading Abbey and the Abbey Ruins
Reading Abbey is one of the town's defining historic sites. Founded in 1121 by King Henry I, it was once among the wealthiest monasteries in England. King Henry I is buried here, making it the burial place of a reigning monarch and one of the most significant medieval sites in the country.
Today, the abbey ruins sit at the heart of the Abbey Quarter. Restoration work completed in 2018 reopened much of the site, and you can now walk freely through the ruins. Guided walks bring the history to life, and outdoor performances run through spring and summer.
Former Reading Gaol
The former Reading Gaol adds a darker but important chapter to the town's story. Oscar Wilde was imprisoned here in 1895, an experience that inspired The Ballad of Reading Gaol. The building is currently closed during redevelopment discussions, but its exterior is clearly visible.
Forbury Gardens
Forbury Gardens sits beside the abbey ruins and remains one of Reading's most recognisable green spaces. The Maiwand Lion statue dominates the gardens, and despite its central location, the space feels calm.
Festivals and Seasonal Events
Reading Festival
Reading Festival is the town's most internationally recognised events and one of the longest-running music festivals in the world. Held over the August bank holiday weekend, it attracts major global artists alongside emerging talent. Accommodation books up quickly, so plan ahead.
Winter Markets
In the lead-up to Christmas, Reading hosts winter markets across the town centre. Broad Street and Forbury Gardens feature seasonal stalls, lights, and entertainment.
Day Trips from Reading
Basildon Park
Basildon Park is a National Trust site in the Thames Valley. The Georgian house and landscaped grounds offer views across the countryside.
For Downton Abbey fans: the interior was used as the Crawley family's London residence, Grantham House. Many of the reception rooms featured in key scenes can still be explored.
Henley-on-Thames
Henley-on-Thames is best known for its rowing heritage but remains appealing throughout the year. Riverside walks, pubs, and independent shops make it an easy trip from Reading.
Practical Information
Getting to Reading
Reading is exceptionally well-connected. The Elizabeth Line links the town directly to central London, while fast trains connect to cities across England. Most attractions are close together, making walking the easiest way to get around.
Parking at The Oracle
The Oracle has over 2,300 parking spaces across two car parks. The multi-storey car park (2.0m height limit) and podium car park (1.9m height limit) both offer direct access to the centre. Smart parking systems show available spaces, and rates start from £2.50.
Why The Oracle?
If you're visiting Reading and want everything in one place, The Oracle brings together dining, entertainment, and shopping right on the river.
The beauty of The Oracle is how easily these combine. Bowling, then lunch. A film, then dinner. An afternoon browsing the shops, then drinks on the terrace as the sun goes down. It's where Reading comes together and where a visit to town turns into a proper day out.
