What to do in Reading

Activities, attractions and tours

Kennet & Avon Canal which includes a river or creek
Kennet & Avon Canal which includes a river or creek
Reading featuring night scenes
Reading showing night scenes and street scenes as well as a couple
Reading featuring autumn leaves, heritage elements and a park

Reading Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Reading has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Reading, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Reading with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Reading

Reading is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Reading, and make it a breeze to explore Reading and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Reading to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Reading, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Reading.

Reading attractions

Reading has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Reading to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Reading.

Looking for things to do in Reading can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Reading or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Reading attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Recommended things to do in Reading

Number of things to do
37
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
History’s Roll Call: A Self-Guided Tour of Eton and its College: £6
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Reading

Popular places to visit

The home of the Royals! URZ!

Madejski Stadium

4/5(23 reviews)

Catch an event at Madejski Stadium during your trip to Reading. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the lively festivals in this quaint area.

Madejski Stadium
Oracle which includes shopping and interior views

Oracle

4.5/5(14 reviews)

Tap out a tune on the baby grand piano, watch your kids have fun in the play complex and sample the international cuisine in this urban mall.

Oracle
Reading Museum and Town Hall featuring interior views, heritage elements and theatre scenes

Reading Museum and Town Hall

4/5(1 review)

Marvel at a replica of the Bayeux Tapestry and inspect the artifacts from the Roman town Calleva Atrebatum in this enchanting structure.

Reading Museum and Town Hall
Forbury Gardens showing a garden and autumn leaves

Forbury Gardens

See the Maiwand Lion war monument and gaze at the water feature in this charming park in the heart of Reading.

Forbury Gardens
Reading Abbey Ruins featuring a ruin

Reading Abbey Ruins

4/5(10 reviews)

Gaze up at the surviving arches, windows and stone walls of a 12th-century abbey in the heart of rolling green parkland.

Reading Abbey Ruins

University of Reading

4/5(26 reviews)

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Reading during your trip to Reading. Amble around this quaint area's riverfront or experience its lively festivals.

University of Reading

Wokefield Park Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Wokefield at Wokefield Park Golf Club. Stroll along the riverfront in this quaint area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Wokefield Park Golf Club

Royal Berkshire Hospital

If Royal Berkshire Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Reading.

Royal Berkshire Hospital

Thames Valley Park

After visiting Thames Valley Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Earley. Stroll along the riverfront in this quaint area or visit its lively bars.

Thames Valley Park

Explore areas of Reading

Kennet & Avon Canal which includes a bridge and a river or creek

Reading City Centre

4/5(193 area reviews)

Reading City Centre is known for its great bars, and you can make a stop by Reading Museum and Town Hall and Reading Abbey Ruins while in the area.

Reading City Centre

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Reading

A different view of this beautiful place on a sunny day. I am so lucky to have this on my doorstep.

Bracknell

Wallingford Floods

Wallingford

Forests are another favourite of mine. A cycle ride through the winding paths and trees.

Wokingham

Beautiful river in Maidenhead. Summer water concept., Shutterstock ID 1154444605, SF SSA Case with Manager Approval: Case 07151371, Job: Prepay credit, Client/Licensee: , Other:

Maidenhead

Walk along the Water near downtown Marlow UK. Picturesque British town worth a visit.

Marlow

Newbury which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Newbury

Knowl Hill Common
Photo by Alan Hunt (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Hurley

The elephant in the room The motorway is a constant presence and can just be seen to the right, otherwise this is a lovely track.
Photo by Graham Horn (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Yattendon

Frequently asked questions

Is Reading worth visiting?
Providing a blend of walking trails and nature, there are plenty of things to do in Reading. While you're here, check out Hexagon, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Reading?
Lagoona Park and Museum of English Rural Life are two awesome places to start your getaway adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and retail options in Reading while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Reading?
The top tourist attraction in Reading is Hexagon, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Reading?
You can easily visit top sights like Hexagon, Mill at Sonning and Museum of English Rural Life with a three-day trip to Reading. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to West Drayton.
Is Reading a walkable city?
With attractions like Hexagon nearby, Reading is every bit a place to explore on foot. Like to discover some exciting neighbourhoods within walking distance of the city centre? Reading City Centre is about 0.32 kms (0.20 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in Reading with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Reading with kids.

What to do in Reading for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Reading, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Nirvana Spa or Reading Civic Centre.
Are there free things to do in Reading?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Reading is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can visit without taking your wallet out. Museum of English Rural Life is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.

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