Explore the best things to do in Reading, including centuries-old ruins, riverfront eats and and the best pub in the UK
Forever underrated, Berkshire’s biggest town is a celebration of stately homes, shire horses, street art and spa days, with a little Home Counties character thrown in for good measure. The best things to do in Reading traverse the centuries, from old abbeys and castles to new creations and innovative cuisines. Pubs, too, obviously, because this is the United Kingdom. Reading doesn’t get the attention that bigger neighbours are afforded, but that means more of it for you.
What is it? The villages that lie along Berkshire’s waterways are almost all adorable; any of them could be the inspiration for Midsomer Murders.
Why go? Local train routes stop at both Pangbourne and Goring-on-Thames, and you can follow the Thames Path between the two. A five-mile walk is enough to make you extra hungry for the inevitable pub lunch at the end.
Don’t miss: The Miller of Mansfield in Goring serves delicious gastro-grub when you need to refuel.
What is it? This provincial pub wins CAMRA’s ‘Central Southern England Pub of the Year’ basically every year.
Why go? The drink selection is epic, the walls are decorated with beer mats, and the smoking area is the car park. In the grand scheme of pubs, this one’s an absolute classic. You’re in rural(ish) England now, pal. If you don’t drink at least three pints, you’ll be chucked out. Might as well make them fantastic pints.
What is it? Like all the most interesting collections, Reading Museum started life as a home for an old guy’s weird stuff.
Why go? As well as a vast needlework, you’ll see a stone-age hand axe, a woolly rhinoceros fossil, a Reading festival poster from 1980 and a mouth organ shaped like a crab.
Don’t miss: The Bayeux, obvs. Well, technically, it’s only a Victorian replica of the Bayeux Tapestry… but still, embroidering a 70m comic strip about a Medieval battle takes a lot of effort, even if you’re copying.
What is it? A street food market held each Wednesday at lunchtime in charming Forbury Gardens, which are on the grounds of the Abbey. Blue Collar, the company behind it, was set up specifically to support Reading’s street food traders and improve the local scene.
Why go? You will eat well at whichever stall you choose, but if you spy Peru Sabor, make sure to get an ox heart anticucho (meat skewer).
Don’t miss: Look out for Blue Collar’s special weekend events, too.
What is it? The Museum of English Rural Life will answer every tractor-related question.
Why go? Plough into the galleries to learn how farming has progressed over the centuries, do a quick sweep along the Wagon Walk and relax in the lovely gardens.
Don’t go: A collection of over 20,000 illustrations from Ladybird books is shown off in a permanent gallery. A fun game is to rename them using only emoji.
What is it? In 1990 a 36-metre mural was painted on the wall of Central Club to mark the anniversary of South Africa’s Soweto uprising. The community centre itself has been derelict since 2006, but the artwork is as colourful and thought-provoking as ever.
Why go? Every time the Central Club’s future is in question, there’s been a protest in favour of preserving the mural. It’s definitely not just any old street art.
What is it? King Henry I ordered the building of Reading’s once-spectacular Abbey, which also served as a sort of motel for Elizabeth I, a section of Jane Austen’s boarding school and a jail that held Oscar Wilde before crumbling into ruins.
Why go? The Abbey ruins reopened in June 2018 following a part Lottery, part council-funded refurb. The new events schedule includes drawing workshops, open-air theatre and tour guides in slightly am-dram Medieval costumes.
What is it? A climbing centre that’s so well furnished you could think you’re challenging Everest if you get really into it.
Why go? Take on one of the 180 bouldering ‘problems’, try rope climbing in an introductory session, abseil down competition walls or just watch from the safety of the cafe. Word on the wall is that Team GB climbers are regulars here. Even superfans will find that hard to verify, though; it’s really hard to identify people when your aspect is mainly harnessed butt cheeks.
What is it? Reading is the eastern point of the Kennet and Avon canal, which runs all the way to Bristol. Travel it like the Victorians would have: on a horse-drawn barge. Round trips depart from Kintbury, a short train away from Reading.
Why go? The canal brings many people-watching (and duck-watching) opportunities, and the Shire horses are very happy to be social media stars as long as you pay them in carrots.
What is it? View Island near Caversham Lock was upgraded from a derelict boatyard to a nature reserve around 20 years ago. A path loops around the edge, and seating in secluded spots makes peace and quiet wonderfully easy to find.
Why go? Tree stumps carved into the shape of faces are dotted around the island, peering out from the undergrowth. And the views are lovely, of course; the clue’s in the name.
What is it? The beautiful Edwardian women’s swimming baths of King’s Meadow had been derelict for nearly 50 years until a £3.5 million makeover saw them reopen in 2017.
Why go? The walls are cleverly designed to act like a one-way mirror – nobody can see in, but swimmers get little glimpses of the towpath traffic between tumble turns.
Don’t miss: It’s now a spa and a pool, and there’s an on-site restaurant (but don’t eat before you swim, kids).
What is it? If you so much as have a TV license Highclere Castle will probably look familiar; it’s the set of Downton Abbey.
Why go? It’s a mecca for fans of all nationalities, but the pristine castle and grounds are a magnificent draw in their own right. Just be warned that it is a 40-minute drive out of town. If you are allergic to period drama, you might yet be persuaded by the fact that Highclere was Peter Andre and Katie Price’s wedding venue. Or you might not.
What is it? A 29-minute train journey will take you directly to Newbury Racecourse, the playground of very small men in colourful satin outfits since 1905.
Why go? It’s no Ascot, admittedly, but it’s very well regarded in the racing world and much less uptight.
Don’t miss: The thrill of the races comes cheap in Newbury; book advance tickets online, and you’ll save even more pennies. Ladies’ Day often features a musical performer, too.
