A charming and quaint weekend in Reading offers an ideal combination of rich medieval history, picturesque riverside trails and vibrant dining by the waterside. Reading is often known as a leading train junction or a commercial hub. However, the UK’s biggest town will surprise any weekend visitors with its award-winning culinary circuit, peaceful waterways (where the Kennet and Avon Canal meet the River Thames) and its royal connections.
There is a lot more beneath the surface in Reading if you choose to explore the pristine town on the weekend. Here is an itinerary that covers the best things to see, do and explore.
How to Spend Your Weekend in Reading: A Smart Itinerary
Here is an itinerary that will give you an opportunity to experience the best things to see, do and explore in Reading.
Day 1: Medieval Explorations and Riverside Ambience
Morning: Modern Art and Royal Connections
● Start your morning in the Abbey Quarter, the historic heart of Reading. If you're staying for the weekend, serviced accommodation in Reading near the town centre makes it easier to explore the Abbey Ruins, Forbury Gardens and nearby attractions on foot.
● The Reading Abbey Ruins will be the first stop, founded in 1121 by King Henry I. It was once one of the most powerful and biggest medieval European buildings. Walk among the flint walls where the king also lies buried.
● You can then visit the Victorian Forbury Gardens, a neatly manicured park revolving around the iconic Maiwand Lion statue.
● Savour an artisanal coffee at the kiosks nearby before visiting the Reading Museum in the stunning Victorian Town Hall. The museum houses Britain’s sole full-size replica of the 70-metre-long Bayeux Tapestry which showcases the Norman Conquest in detail.
Lunch: Riverside Dining/Street Food Delight
● You can consider the Oracle Riverside along the River Kennet for a fabulous lunch.
● If your weekend visit coincides with the Blue Collar Market, try the amazing global street food here.
● You can alternatively visit the London Street Brasserie, the award-winning contemporary restaurant tucked within a former tollbridgehouse.
Afternoon: Waterfront Walks
● After lunch, explore the unique waterside, walking east along the towpath of the Avon Canal and Kennet, beginning from Blake’s Lock.
● The peaceful pathway is ideal for viewing the vibrant narrowboats navigating the famous locks, while spotting kingfishers and swans all around.
Evening: Heady Brews and Fine Dining Experiences
● Spend the evening exploring the independent food circuit in Reading.
● You can book a table for dinner at The Roseate Reading Room, a luxury venue that offers premier British cuisine.
● If you’re looking for something more casual, visit one of the top craft beer spots in the town, including the taproom at the Double-Barrelled Brewery (a quick taxi ride from the centre to enjoy locally-brewed sours and IPAs).
Day 2: Concealed Slices of Paradise, Thames Cruises and Glimpses of Rural Life
Morning: Enjoying Rural Heritage and Culture
● Start day two at the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), managed by the University of Reading.
● The interactive museum explores the history of craftsmanship, farming and food in the countryside.
● You will find several vintage tractors, hand tools and textile archives here, along with a tranquil garden café.
Midday: Thames Cruise
● Walk northwards through the town centre to Caversham Pier on the Thames riverbank.
● You can book a 90-minute sightseeing trip with the Thames River Cruise, where the boat takes you upstream beyond the lovely lock at Mapledurham. Drift through the local Wind in the Willows country (weeping willows, grand estates and rolling green meadows).
Lunch: The Thames Lido
● Get down from the cruise and walk a short distance to the Thames Lido. The beautifully restored Edwardian open-air swimming pool has now changed into an urban paradise.
● Even if you wish to use the saunas or buy a pass to swim, the Lido Restaurant poolside is worth a visit. The restaurant comes with a Spanish and Mediterranean tapas menu cooked over an open wood fire.
Afternoon: Caversham Court Gardens
● End your weekend with a relaxed walk across the bridge into Caversham Court Gardens.
● The award-winning park is directly positioned on the northern bank of the River Thames.
● It occupies the site of a former medieval manor house, and the gardens are home to long herbaceous borders and ancient trees, while offering gorgeous river views.
● Staying in a studio apartment in central Reading makes it easier to visit this green space during your trip.
Conclusion
Reading is very well-connected, and the town centre is incredibly pedestrian-friendly, which means that all attractions are easily walkable. Visiting in the summer is ideal for boat and dining cruises, although late-August is when the town comes alive for the huge Reading Festival.
If you have an additional half-day, consider a short bus ride to Basildon Park (a stunning 18th-century National Trust mansion which was once a filming location for Pride & Prejudice in 2005). Make sure you book your accommodation in advance to get better rates and more availability.
