Visit Reading

Visit Reading Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Visit Reading, Tourist Information Center, Reading.
(5)

🎧 A new month always means a new What's On Reading podcast and September always means... Heritage Open Days! This month'...
04/09/2024

🎧 A new month always means a new What's On Reading podcast and September always means... Heritage Open Days!

This month's podcast catches up with Alex Brannen, who has co-ordinated on behalf of Reading. From National Trust properties and Reading's oldest domestic building, to exciting walks and an interesting refugee exhibition at the Riverside Museum, there are plenty of brilliant events running from 6-15 September in and around Reading.

Best of all, every single event is FREE for everyone.

Listen to the podcast at whatsonreading.com/podcast

💚 Reading's Vegan Festival returns for 2024, with an epic line up of amazing stalls, talks, freebies and more! 💚📅 Saturd...
03/09/2024

💚 Reading's Vegan Festival returns for 2024, with an epic line up of amazing stalls, talks, freebies and more! 💚

📅 Saturday 21st September 2024
📍 Market Place, Broad Street and inside Market House
🕒 11am-4pm

Come along to sample and buy a range of delicious vegan food, dairy-free cakes, artisan cheeses, natural skincare, beautiful homeware, unique gifts - as well as enjoying a programme of interesting speakers.

visit-reading.com/whats-on/reading-vegan-festival

Did you know that Reading is the gateway to miles of countryside, on the doorstep of the Thames Path - and the departure...
31/08/2024

Did you know that Reading is the gateway to miles of countryside, on the doorstep of the Thames Path - and the departure point of the St James' Way? Why not squeeze the last bit out of summer and explore one of our many walking routes...

Here are some of our favourites that you can do on your own:

🌳 Reading to Shiplake along the Thames Path National Trail (return by train)
🌳 Town centre Brewery Heritage walk
🌳 Town centre 1920s/30s architecture walk
🌳 Coley History walk
🌳 Burghfield Common Circular Walk (including Silchester)
🌳 London Road University campus - heritage trail
🌳 Palmer, Brunel, Suttons & Two Rivers
🌳 Tall Trees and Village Gems - old Tilehurst Guided Tree Trail
🌳 Whiteknights Campus Nature Trail
🌳 Abbey Quarter self guided trail map
🌳 Sustrans - Waterhouse Walk
🌳 Sustrans - River, Parks, Royals and Rock
🌳 Sustrans - National Cycle Network Milepost Walk

Find all the maps at: visit-reading.com/whats-on/reading-walks-festival/walking-routes-reading

30/08/2024

If you thought our Fantasy Trail Quest was just for kids, think again! Our town centre trails are, of course, designed to bring some fun to Reading's high street - but they also help support our brilliant town centre businesses by highlighting their stores and encouraging visitors to pop by.

Here's what Eclectic Games owner, Becky, thought about the latest Reading trail - and what it did for her shop over summer...we think she was pretty pleased with the results 🥰🙌

Don't forget, Reading BID (Business Improvement District) runs trails throughout the year, so if you're a town centre business that would like to be involved, please get in touch!

Fantastic article in The Ramblers Magazine covering the English leg of the Camino de Santiago, the St James' Way, starti...
29/08/2024

Fantastic article in The Ramblers Magazine covering the English leg of the Camino de Santiago, the St James' Way, starting in Reading 🙌
Visit Hampshire Camino Pilgrim - CSJ UK

There’s no need to go overseas to walk a camino, one of the medieval pilgrim routes heading towards Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The recently waymarked St James’ Way wends its way through southern England

🌈 21 years of Pride, 21 years of progress 🌈The Love Unites Festival returns to Reading this Saturday! Celebrating Readin...
29/08/2024

🌈 21 years of Pride, 21 years of progress 🌈

The Love Unites Festival returns to Reading this Saturday! Celebrating Reading’s 21st Pride, the message remains the same, “Together our voices will drown out hate and inequality”.

The Festival kicks off when the Parade arrives at 12pm with a full line-up of entertainment across three stages throughout the day along with a funfair, family area, a wide range of food, drink and market stalls.

📍 Starting Location: Reading Station Main Entrance, opposite The Oakford Social Club.
📅 When: 31st August, gathering 10am – 10.30am for setting off at 11am.
🏳️‍🌈 Finishing Location: Kings Meadow at approximately 12pm for the opening of the Love Unites Festival.

More information: https://whatsonreading.com/venues/reading-pride/whats-on/reading-pride-love-unites-2024

The bank holiday may be behind us, but there's still plenty going on in Reading for the rest of August...🎨 All summer: S...
27/08/2024

The bank holiday may be behind us, but there's still plenty going on in Reading for the rest of August...

🎨 All summer: Summer holiday activities for kids, teens and families to enjoy throughout August – from drama summer camps and art workshops, to activities at our libraries and museums, and boat trips up our famous waterways!

🃏 29 - 31 August: Alice by Heart. Anything Goes Theatre Company return to South Street Arts Centre for this new take on the Lewis Carroll classic.

📽️ 31 Aug - 1 Sept: Outdoor Cinema at the Abbey Ruins. Top Gun: Maverick on 31 August and Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban on 1 September!

🎲 31 August: Hexicon 3 - Reading’s one-day board game convention returns for the third year!

🏳️‍🌈 31 August: Reading Pride: Love Unites – Reading Pride turns 21 this year, and they celebrate as they do every year – with a free parade and festival that’s inclusive and open to all.

https://www.visit-reading.com/whats-on/whats-on-in-august

Don't forget to check our Visit Reading this Summer page for ideas on everything from best beer gardens to fantastic free things to do.

The four final events for 2024's Heritage Open Days include churches, walks and...dressing up! Watch a play celebrating ...
25/08/2024

The four final events for 2024's Heritage Open Days include churches, walks and...dressing up! Watch a play celebrating Quaker, George Fox, take part in a festival evensong, join a guided walk, or take a tour of a cemetery. All events are free but some require pre-booking.

🎭 Walk in the Light: 14 Sept - 10am-4pm
⛪ Christ Church Open Day: 15 Sept - 11am-7pm
🥾 Victoria Park Area Walkabout: 15 Sept - 9:50am *booking required*
🤍 Written in Stone: 15 Sept - 1-3pm *booking preferred*

Heritage Open Days 2024 in Reading runs from 6-15 September and the full programme can be found at What's On Reading
https://whatsonreading.com/heritage-open-days

24/08/2024

Don't you just love a bank holiday weekend? ☀️🎵🍸

If you're not heading to THAT festival, don't worry - there's still plenty going on in Reading. Here are some ideas if you need some inspo:

🍿 Catch a movie at Reading Biscuit Factory
🎲 Meet for a games night at Eclectic Games
🔐 Find your way out of one of Reading's
🎳 Have a go at bowling, darts or golf at Spinners
🃏 Try your luck at the casino
🎤 Watch a show at Reading Hexagon
🎵 Dance the night away at one of Reading's brilliant bars and clubs

What are you up to this weekend?
https://www.visit-reading.com/things-to-do

🎉 We have a winner! 🎉Well, we have THREE winners to be precise! A huge thank you to everyone who took part in this year'...
23/08/2024

🎉 We have a winner! 🎉

Well, we have THREE winners to be precise! A huge thank you to everyone who took part in this year's , finding all the hidden characters around Reading and uncovering the secret word.

🔎 The correct answer was, of course, the wonderful ABBEY RUINS. (And if you've never visited them before, make sure you head over to the Abbey Quarter and check out thousands of years of history on Reading's doorstep).

The lucky winners have got their hands on one of three brilliant prizes, kindly gifted by Reading businesses:

🎁 A gift hamper including games from Eclectic Games, gifts from But Is It Art?, and a voucher from Crunch Comics
🎁 x4 cinema tickets for Reading Biscuit Factory
🎁 £50 voucher for Las Iguanas Reading

Thanks to our partners The Oracle and Broad Street Mall for supporting the Fantasy Trail Quest.

👋 Until next time, explorers!

Discover the history of medicine in Reading, tour a Victorian keep, visit churches and explore wind turbines... Just som...
21/08/2024

Discover the history of medicine in Reading, tour a Victorian keep, visit churches and explore wind turbines... Just some of the wonderful, free events on offer this September, part of Heritage Open Days 2024.

⛪ Reading Minster: 14-15 Sept - various times
🩺 Royal Berks Medical Museum: 14-15 Sept - 2-4:30pm
🎨 Brock Keep: 14-15 Sept - 11am-5pm
🌫️Green Park Wind Turbine Tour: 14 Sept - 12pm *booking preferred*
⛪ St Luke's Church: 14 Sept - 9:30am-5pm
⛪ St Michael Tilehurst: 14 Sept - 10am-4pm

Find the full programme at What's On Reading
👉 https://www.whatsonreading.com/heritage-open-days

If you fancy a weekend stay but don't fancy the limits of a traditional hotel - why not try an aparthotel with space to ...
20/08/2024

If you fancy a weekend stay but don't fancy the limits of a traditional hotel - why not try an aparthotel with space to cook and enjoy with family and friends? House of Fisher has two serviced apartments in the centre of town 🏨

📍 City Wall House, West Street, Reading
Found in the centre of Reading, these serviced apartments provide a comfortable, homely stay with space to cook and relax, and various sized apartments available catering for families or individuals.

📍100 Kings Road, Kings Road, Reading
A home away from home, these serviced apartments are in the heart of Reading and are fully furnished with space to cook and relax - as well as air-con, shared public spaces and car parking.

Happy World Photo Day, Reading 📸We thought we'd just take a minute to appreciate how good Reading looks in this photo. C...
19/08/2024

Happy World Photo Day, Reading 📸

We thought we'd just take a minute to appreciate how good Reading looks in this photo. Cheese!

🎸🎵 Welcome to Reading Festival goers 🎵 🎸Reading officially transforms into a festival town next weekend as the UK’s long...
18/08/2024

🎸🎵 Welcome to Reading Festival goers 🎵 🎸

Reading officially transforms into a festival town next weekend as the UK’s longest running rock festival returns from 23 – 25 August, welcoming over 100,000 visitors!

ℹ️ If you're heading to Reading Festival, make sure you check out all the information you need on getting here https://ow.ly/RnYZ50SYB8v, or via Reading Council's website before you set off.

📍 For extra supplies, Reading town centre is a 30 minute walk or short taxi ride from the festival site.

👉 Head to https://ow.ly/wflc50SYB8w for more on Reading's shops, bars and restaurants while you're in town.

See you next weekend, people! 👋

17/08/2024

Summer weekends call for good company and pub gardens ☀️🍺🍸

Here's our pick of some of Reading's best pubs, from microbreweries and tap houses to upmarket gastro venues for the foodies... Where will you be heading this weekend?

Heritage Open Days gives you the opportunity to rediscover your home town, or places you love. From 6-15 September, Read...
16/08/2024

Heritage Open Days gives you the opportunity to rediscover your home town, or places you love. From 6-15 September, Reading has over 40 events that showcase some of the rich stories that make our town such a unique place to live, work and visit.

Please note that pre-booking is required at ALL of the following events, so make sure you book your space at What's On Reading

🎫 The MERL: Route, Connections, Networks: 8 Sept - 11:30am, 2pm & 3:30pm
🎫 Tour of Foxhill House: 8 Sept - 11am & 12:15pm
🎫 BBC Monitoring's Place in Caversham: 10 Sept - 7pm
🎫 Reading Museum Stores Tours: 11 Sept - 11am, 12:15pm, 2pm 3:15pm
🎫 Green Health Thames Valley: 12 Sept - 4:30pm
🎫 Reading's Renewable Routes: 13, 14, 15 Sept - various times
🎫 A new garden at Hilltop House: 14 Sept - 10am, 11am & 12pm

View the full programme and book your place at https://www.whatsonreading.com/heritage-open-days

If you're after a bit of luxury this summertime, pop down to the 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza Reading East.Set in landscap...
15/08/2024

If you're after a bit of luxury this summertime, pop down to the 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza Reading East.

Set in landscaped podium gardens, the hotel boasts 174 fully refurbished rooms and exceptional dining experiences at the award-winning 2 AA Rosette Caprice Restaurant, serving Modern British and authentic Indian dishes. Or, unwind with creative signature cocktails at Monty’s Bar & Lounge or on their tranquil outdoor terrace.

You can also enjoy complimentary secure underground parking and full access to the Esprit Wellness & Spa facilities, including a 19-meter indoor heated pool.

https://ow.ly/VTAq50SWCBZ

It’s the FINAL week to complete Reading’s Fantasy Trail Quest!! 🐲🦄🏰👀 There are 23 characters to find across Reading…can ...
14/08/2024

It’s the FINAL week to complete Reading’s Fantasy Trail Quest!! 🐲🦄🏰

👀 There are 23 characters to find across Reading…can you find them all and unscramble the mystery word?

🗺️ The trail is FREE for everyone and maps can be collected from The Oracle, Broad Street Mall and Reading Station tourist info (by the escalators). Or download your own from Visit-Reading.com/fantasy-trail-quest

📅 The trail will be running until Sunday 18 August, so make sure you head into Reading town centre this week to take part and be in with a chance of winning some great prizes!

🍀 GOOD LUCK!

https://www.visit-reading.com/whats-on/fantasy-trail-quest

Somehow we're already halfway through August - but don't worry, there's still plenty of summer left in Reading ☀️Here ar...
14/08/2024

Somehow we're already halfway through August - but don't worry, there's still plenty of summer left in Reading ☀️

Here are some highlights for the rest of the month:

🐄 Swallowfield Show
🃏 Alice by Heart
🍿Outdoor cinema at the Abbey Ruins
🎶 Reading Festival
🎲 Hexicon 3
🏳️‍🌈 Reading Pride - Love Unites

Head to https://ow.ly/PkTn50SXuKo for our guide to what's on in August.

Ever wondered what the University's Great Hall looks like from the inside? Fancy a behind-the-scenes peek at the Royal B...
13/08/2024

Ever wondered what the University's Great Hall looks like from the inside? Fancy a behind-the-scenes peek at the Royal Berkshire Archives? Heritage Open Days' national festival has plenty of events in Reading this September, including:

🎓 Reading University's Great Hall: 7 Sept - 11am & 12:15pm *booking required*
⛪ St Giles Church Reading: 7 & 14 Sept - 10am-4pm
🍃 The origins of plants at Caversham Court Gardens: 7 & 8 Sept - 11am-4pm
🔍 Royal Berkshire Archives Tour: 7 Sept - 10:30am *booking required*
🥾 Katesgrove Walkabout: 7 & 12 Sept - 9:50am *booking required*
🏚️ 17 Castle Street: 7 Sept - 10am-4pm
⭐ Reading Old - A 'Garden Cemetery': 8 Sept - 1-3:30pm

Read the full programme at What's On Reading https://www.whatsonreading.com/heritage-open-days

With so much to do in Berkshire this summer, why not make a weekend of it and stay at the luxury De Vere Wokefield Estat...
12/08/2024

With so much to do in Berkshire this summer, why not make a weekend of it and stay at the luxury De Vere Wokefield Estate?

Set in 250 acres of Berkshire countryside, the hotel has been completely transformed following a £20 million restoration. Outside, you’ll find an 18-hole PGA championship golf course and an all-weather driving range. You can also make use of the jogging and walking routes that venture around the 250-acre estate.

Plus, four-legged friends are welcome - De Vere Wokefield Estate is dog-friendly 🐶

https://ow.ly/bir750SKiGO

☀️ Visit Reading this Summer ☀️From picnic ideas to the best beer gardens, watery days out for hot days, festivals, walk...
11/08/2024

☀️ Visit Reading this Summer ☀️

From picnic ideas to the best beer gardens, watery days out for hot days, festivals, walks, summer events and great hotel packages, we've got all the inspiration you need to make the most of British summertime in the 'Ding.

Head over to https://ow.ly/fN7z50SU13H for our pick of the best things to do in Reading this summer.

It's that time of year again... 🥁💃🧡Get yourself down to Broad Street, Reading, today to catch Carnival of the World, bro...
10/08/2024

It's that time of year again... 🥁💃🧡

Get yourself down to Broad Street, Reading, today to catch Carnival of the World, brought to you by

📅 TODAY - 10 August
📍 Broad Street, Reading
🎶 Live music

See you there!

📣 Competition time! 📣Calling all   explorers! Can you find the secret word? Find all 10 hidden letters throughout Readin...
09/08/2024

📣 Competition time! 📣

Calling all explorers! Can you find the secret word?

Find all 10 hidden letters throughout Reading's Fantasy Trail Quest and unscramble them to make a familiar Reading landmark to be in with a chance of winning some great prizes!

🍿 x4 Reading Biscuit Factory cinema tickets
🎁 Surprise hamper of goodies (think games, comics, treats)
🌮 £50 Las Iguanas voucher for The Oracle Riverside

A total of 3 winners will be picked at random after 18 August, so make sure you complete the full trail to be in with a chance of winning. Don't forget to hand your map to The Oracle, Broad Street Mall, or Reading Station's tourist information booth (by the escalators).

Good luck!

Full T&Cs can be found at https://www.visit-reading.com/whats-on/fantasy-trail-quest

Heritage Open Days is England's annual heritage festival, giving free access to some of our wonderful buildings and spac...
08/08/2024

Heritage Open Days is England's annual heritage festival, giving free access to some of our wonderful buildings and spaces.

All events are FREE to attend, but booking is required by some venues, so do check before you go! Here are some of Reading's first events for 2024 programme:

📍 Basildon Park: 6-15 Sept - 11am-5pm
📍 St Mary's Episcopal Chapel: 6, 7, 12, 14 Sept - various times
📍 Reading Abbey Gateway tour: 6 Sept - 11am *booking required*
📍 Watlington House: 6 Sept - 9:30am-4pm
📍 Renewable Energy Exhibited: 6 & 7 Sept - various times
📍 About your house (Reading Library): 6, 7, 9, 10, 14 Sept - various times
📍 Interwoven tales: 7, 8, 14, 15 Sept - 10am-5pm

Keep your eyes peeled for more events - or view the full programme at https://ow.ly/Rj4c50ST3Mi

Looking to stay in Reading this summer? Here's why PREMIER SUITES makes the perfect choice:🛏️ Spacious 1& 2 bedroom serv...
07/08/2024

Looking to stay in Reading this summer? Here's why PREMIER SUITES makes the perfect choice:

🛏️ Spacious 1& 2 bedroom serviced apartments
💗 Perfect choice for romantic getaways
👩‍👩‍👧‍👧 Space for making memories with the family
🛍️ Enviable location beside the Oracle Shopping Centre
📍 Close to Broad Street with plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants

We think they're the ideal choice when visiting the bustling and vibrant town of Reading.

You can also enjoy 10% off a 2 night stay, plus 2 cocktails for £13 with High Spirits Cocktail company. Find out more at
https://www.visit-reading.com/where-to-stay/premier-suites-reading-p1957251

Have you completed Reading’s Fantasy Trail Quest yet?Step into a medieval fantasy world this summer as you discover 23 m...
07/08/2024

Have you completed Reading’s Fantasy Trail Quest yet?

Step into a medieval fantasy world this summer as you discover 23 magical characters and scenes hiding across the town centre. Made of hundreds of thousands of toy bricks, these life size models are dotted around some of Reading’s shops and businesses. Can you find them all 👀?

Psst… Spot the letters to make a secret word and be in with a chance of winning some great prizes too!

🧭 Collect your map from The Oracle, Broad Street Mall or the tourist information at Reading Station. Or download from https://www.visit-reading.com/whats-on/fantasy-trail-quest

Oh, and don’t forget to tag us in those photos 📸

This summer, unleash your inner film buff at Basildon Park's new film exhibition: Visions Unreel 🎞️A National Trust Lond...
06/08/2024

This summer, unleash your inner film buff at Basildon Park's new film exhibition: Visions Unreel 🎞️

A National Trust London and South East property located just outside Reading, Basildon Park is celebrating the many films and TV series that have used the 18th century house and gardens as a location, including the iconic 2005 Pride and Prejudice.

Plus, tomorrow (Weds 7 August), they'll be marking the 20th anniversary of the filming of this beloved classic, with a special outdoor cinema event at the iconic filming location itself. Immerse yourself in the nostalgia and experience the movie like never before, right where it was made. Booking essential via Basildon Park's website.

Basildon Park's Visions Unreel exhibition includes The Crown and Bridgerton, and, of course, 2005's Pride and Prejudice.

📸 Credit AlexBailey/UniversalPictures 2005

🗺️ Heritage Open Days is back in Reading for 2024! 🗺️Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise eve...
05/08/2024

🗺️ Heritage Open Days is back in Reading for 2024! 🗺️

Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.

This year's theme is Roots, Networks, Connections, celebrating how people and ideas have moved around and come together throughout history. Reading has a jam-packed programme with loads of free events to join, stories to hear and histories to uncover. Events include:

📍 Reading Abbey Gateway tour
📍 Basildon Park
📍 Tour of Foxhill House
📍 BBC Monitoring's place in Caversham
📍 Royal Berks Hospital Medical Museum
..and LOADS more!

View the full programme on our sister-site: https://whatsonreading.com/heritage-open-days

Address

Reading

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Visit Reading posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Visit Reading:

Videos

Share


Other Tourist Information Centers in Reading

Show All