Things to do in Reading, Berkshire
- Reading is historically significant for the 'Reading Gaol', where Oscar Wilde was imprisoned and subsequently wrote 'The Ballad of Reading Gaol'.
- The town's name derives from the Readingas, a Saxon tribe that settled here during the 6th century.
- Reading is known as one of the UK's largest towns that does not have city status, despite its substantial population and economic influence.
- The city has served as a pivotal location in English history, including the 1688 'Reading Skirmish' during the Glorious Revolution.
- Reading hosts one of the longest-running and most famous music festivals in the UK, established in the early 1970s.
About Reading, Berkshire
Located at the confluence of the River Thames and River Kennet, Reading serves as a major commercial hub in Berkshire. The city is defined by its deep medieval roots, evidenced by the 12th-century Reading Abbey Ruins, which stand in contrast to its modern status as a high-tech corporate center. Visitors can explore local history at the Reading Museum or retreat to expansive green spaces like Prospect Park. The city also hosts diverse cultural landmarks, including the St James Roman Catholic Church and the various community-focused temples like the Reading Hindu Temple.
Highlights of Reading, Berkshire
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Walk through the medieval flint walls of the 12th-century abbey founded by King Henry I.
Museums
Examine the Victorian replica of the Bayeux Tapestry housed within the museum.
Parks
Access seven lakes and varied wildlife habitats across this 400-acre parkland.
Parks
Enjoy panoramic views over the Kennet Valley from one of the town's oldest public parks.
Parks
Visit this university botanical garden to see a diverse collection of trees and shrubs.
Temples
Observe the distinctive Gothic Revival architecture of this historic Catholic church.
Top things to do in Reading, Berkshire
The 244 highest-rated places in Reading, Berkshire, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Dinton Pastures Country Park spans 335 acres of land featuring seven lakes, the River Loddon, and diverse meadows. The p...
2
Places of interest
The Vyne is a 16th-century Tudor mansion built by Lord Sandys, Lord Chamberlain to Henry VIII. The estate features an ex...
3
Places of interest
Basildon Park is an 18th-century Palladian manor designed by John Carr, located in the Thames Valley near Reading. It wa...
4
Places of interest
Greys Court is a 16th-century country house located in the Chiltern Hills, uniquely preserved through its multi-layered...
5
Museums
Milestones Museum is a living history museum in Basingstoke that recreates life in Hampshire from the Victorian era to t...
6
Venues
The Select Car Leasing Stadium is the home ground of Reading Football Club, featuring a capacity of approximately 24,161...
7
Zoos
Beale Wildlife Park is a 40-acre destination located on the banks of the River Thames, featuring a diverse collection of...
8
Parks
Prospect Park is Reading's largest public park, spanning over 100 acres of open grassland and woodland on an elevated ri...
9
Parks
California Country Park is a 100-acre site featuring a mix of lowland heath, coniferous woodland, and a significant orna...
10
Parks
Eastrop Park is a central green space in Basingstoke featuring a large ornamental lake and extensive wildflower meadows....
11
Historical places
Reading Abbey Ruins are the remains of a Cluniac monastery founded by Henry I in 1121. The site is a Scheduled Ancient M...
12
Parks
Christchurch Meadows is a public park located on the north bank of the River Thames in Caversham, Reading. The site serv...
13
Museums
Reading Museum is housed within the Grade II listed Town Hall, a Victorian Gothic building located in the heart of Readi...
14
Museums
Nuffield Place is the former home of Lord Nuffield, the founder of Morris Motors, and his wife, Lady Nuffield. The house...
15
Parks
Caversham Court is a public riverside garden situated on the north bank of the River Thames in Reading. The site is mana...
16
Parks
Kings Meadow is a riverside public park located on the north bank of the River Thames in Reading. The site features exte...
17
Parks
Sol Joel Park is a 14-acre recreational space in Earley, Reading, managed by the Earley Town Council. It is situated on...
18
Places of interest
Silchester Roman Town, known as Calleva Atrebatum, is unique among Roman sites in Britain because the town was never reb...
19
Venues
The Haymarket is a historic theatre venue in Basingstoke, functioning as part of the Anvil Arts group. The building was...
20
Temples
Aisha Masjid & Islamic Centre is a prominent religious facility located on London Road in Earley, Reading. It serves as...
21
Parks
Maiden Erlegh Local Nature Reserve is a 25-acre wetland and woodland habitat located in Earley, Reading. The site center...
22
Parks
Arthur Newbery Park is an elevated green space located on Armour Hill in the Tilehurst area of Reading. The site is prim...
23
Parks
Harris Garden is a 12-acre botanical site situated within the University of Reading's Whiteknights campus. It serves as...
24
Museums
The Museum of Berkshire Aviation is situated on the original site of the historic Woodley Airfield, once a major hub for...
25
Temples
The Abu Bakr Islamic Centre, located on Oxford Road in Reading, serves as a prominent focal point for the local Muslim c...
26
Temples
The Reading Hindu Temple serves as a central hub for the Hindu community in Berkshire, housed in a repurposed Victorian-...
27
Temples
28
Parks
29
Museums
30
Temples
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Reading, Berkshire on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Reading, Berkshire
May to September, when the riverside paths and public parks like Dinton Pastures are most accessible for outdoor recreation.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to explore the historic core and the surrounding green spaces.
The city center is highly walkable, with an extensive local bus network and frequent train connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Stay in the town center for immediate proximity to transit links and shopping, or choose the areas surrounding the University of Reading for a quieter atmosphere.
Mid-range; while competitive with London prices, it offers a wider variety of accommodation and dining options at different price points.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 244 curated attractions in and around Reading, Berkshire, ranked by traveller ratings.
Dinton Pastures Country Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Reading, Berkshire right now.
The largest category is temples, with 140 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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