Things to do in Reading

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Kennet & Avon Canal featuring a river or creek
Reading featuring night scenes
Reading showing street scenes and night scenes as well as a couple
Reading showing heritage elements, autumn leaves and a garden
Reading Museum and Town Hall showing heritage elements, theater scenes and interior views

Reading Attractions

Want to know the top experiences and activities in Reading? Fabulous shopping, delicious food and plenty of spectacular tourist attractions are just a taste of what's in store. It's time to pack your bags and explore this thriving city.

Discover the best sights in Reading with some popular tours & day trips, or check out our list of {36 fun activities in Reading fun activities in Reading}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can relax and put your energy into planning an unforgettable vacation.

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What to do in Reading

Free Things to Do in Reading

A vacation in Reading doesn't have to hurt your hip pocket. You can leave your wallet behind if you go to:

Museum of English Rural Life - Check to see if there are any special exhibits, displays or guided tours on at this respected museum.

Lagoona Park - Get set to get wet and have a blast with the whole family.

Reading Civic Centre - Architecture connoisseur or not, you're sure to be awed by this landmark's modern design.

Reading Central Library - Introduce yourself to a local and discover why many tourists swing by this place.

St. Laurence Church - No matter your religious leanings, this place will invoke a sense of reverence in you.

Forbury Gardens - If you relish pottering around the garden, this place will appeal to your green thumb.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Reading? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Reading

Oracle featuring interior views and shopping

Oracle

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
Flying over the Hauraki Gulf Islands with Inflite Charters. The cloud cover made for such an amazing pattern in the turquoise ocean below us! #infliteexperiences 🚁

Madejski Stadium

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
The tranquility of waking up to this view is second to none.

Wokefield Park Golf Club

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

Wokefield Park Golf Club
Reading Museum and Town Hall which includes interior views, theater scenes and heritage elements

Reading Museum and Town Hall

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
Yes this is where your favourite period Drama Downtown Abbey's London episodes are shot. This is where Pride and Prejudice is shot too. Stately home and a wonderful day out in Berkshire, England. Part of National Trust How to reach. Check the link below http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/basildon-park/ #architecture#

Basildon Park

After visiting Basildon Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Reading. Amble around this relaxing area's riverfront, or seek out the golf courses.

Basildon Park
Reading Abbey Ruins featuring a ruin

Reading Abbey Ruins

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

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of Reading, during your trip to Reading. Amble around this quaint area's riverfront or experience its lively festivals.

University of Reading

Royal Berkshire Hospital

Though Royal Berkshire Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Reading while you are here.

Royal Berkshire Hospital

Shinfield Studios

Enjoy an outing to Shinfield Studios during your stay in Shinfield.

Shinfield Studios

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Reading

Kennet & Avon Canal showing a bridge and a river or creek

Reading City Centre

4.5/5(26 area reviews)

Home to the Reading Festival, this Berkshire town is famous for its picturesque river setting, medieval abbey ruins and exceptional shopping, all of which is located in a central area.

Reading City Centre
See our Where To Stay guide

 

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.

 

 

Popular day trips from Reading

Bracknell

Bracknell

Photo by Alan Goodenough

Wallingford

Photo by Nikki Emery

Wokingham

Maidenhead

Maidenhead

Photo by Amber

Marlow

Newbury which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Newbury

Photo by Sameera Shakir

Hurley

Photo by Michelle Finseth

Streatley

Frequently asked questions

Is Reading worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Reading is visit Hexagon. Check this top sight off your to-do list, then discover more of the area's walking trails and nature.
How do I spend a day in Reading?
When you've checked off popular attractions like Museum of English Rural Life and Lagoona Park, spend the rest of your day experiencing Reading's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Reading?
Hexagon is one of the top tourist attractions in Reading and deserves a spot on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Reading?
Three days in Reading is plenty of time to visit the city's main highlights. Many travelers stay for two days on average. Hexagon, Mill at Sonning and Museum of English Rural Life are highly rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots like West Drayton.
Is Reading a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to do and see in Reading. Several attractions, like Hexagon, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through one of Reading's vibrant neighborhoods, Reading City Centre is 0.2 miles away from the city center.
What are some activities to do in Reading with kids?
Planning what to do in Reading with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're vacationing with little ones or teenagers, there's no shortage of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Reading for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Reading, with activities 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 simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Reading is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighborhoods, parks and other highlights you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Museum of English Rural Life is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.