A base for exploring the Great West Way

Reading is beautifully located to act as a base for exploring the central section of the Great West Way and has the all the ingredients to make your stay here a success. 

Well connected

Reading is only 22 minutes by train from London Paddington and has direct train links to many other places on the Great West Way as well as many places just off the route. You can easily reach Windsor. Oxford, Henley or Salisbury (for Stonehenge) from Reading as it has train routes going north, south, east and west.   

Reading is also on the M4 (the main east-wast motorway) so can link you up with Bath, Bristol or London.  If you are travelling by boat, bike or even walking, Reading is on the River Thames and River Kennet, part of the Thames Path national walking trail and a good number of east-west Sustrans cycling routes. 

Excellent hotels

Reading has one of the largest number of good quality hotels in the region and they offer very competitive rates, especially Thursday to Sunday. From luxurious choices such as the Roseate in the Abbey Quarter to a range of 3 and 4 star town centre international names such as Ibis, Novotel, Malmaison, Premier Inn or Travelodge.  There are lots of out of town options located close to the motorway too, such as Hilton Reading or Holiday Inns. 

Dining out

Dining outside at the Oracle Riverside alongside the River Kennet - you have more than a dozen restaurants to choose from. Or head to the Thames, to sit indoors or alfresco at Thames Lido or even enjoy dining aboard a Thames River Cruise.  Wherever you spend your day, Reading has the world on a plate for your evening meal. 

Make the most of Reading

Reading's not just a good overnight stay on the Great West Way. It has bags of history - make sure you explore the Abbey Ruins or visit one of Reading's museums; have a spa day at Thames Lido or the Roseate; indulge  in big brand retail therapy at the Oracle or search Reading's independent shopping centre -  Harris Arcade - for a unique gift. Go and watch the Royals at the Madejski Stadium - an afternoon or evening at Reading Football Club is always an exciting affair. 

Explore the Great West Way

Find out more about what you can do on the Great West Way, from London to Bristol, by visiting the Great West Way website.