Attractions

Reading hosts a number of excellent museums. A visit to Reading Abbey Quarter should start at Reading Museum, which tells the story of the foundation of the Abbey. It also boasts the only full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. The MERL - the Museum of English Rural Life, is the national museum dedicated to food, farming and countryside.  The Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology and the Cole Museum of Zoology (re-opening in a new home in 2021) are both on the University of Reading campus in Reading.  Reading is also the UK capital of Escape Rooms with indoor and outdoor games available across a number of venues.

The Thames and the Kennet

Reading sits on a majestic stretch of the River Thames. Thames River Cruise offer circular sightseeing tours and themed events aboard their range of craft. Water sports fans can hire kayaks and SUPs on the Thames at Wokingham Waterside Centre or the new Caversham Lakes open water swim centre. The restored Edwardian Ladies bathing pool, Thames Lido, offers spa treatments and swim and dine packages at this new glamorous riverside destination. Reading is also a great stopover for people on boating holidays on the Kennet and Avon Canal, which flows through the centre of the town.

Hotels

Reading has the region’s best hotel offering, with a wide range of town centre and out-of-town options. Stay in the Abbey Quarter in five-star luxury at the Roseate Reading; take a dip in the pool in the centrally located Novotel Reading; enjoy Thames views at the riverside Crowne Plaza; or step back in time to Reading’s original Victorian railway hotel, now a Malmaison.  Hilton, Ibis, Travelodge, Holiday Inn and Voco are among the international brands also represented in Reading and there is a wide range of self- catering/serviced accommodation available in central Reading. Find out more>>>