Book a Spring/Summer Break in Reading

If you haven't visited Reading before then you are in for a surprise. There is plenty to do for a short break and a fantastic selection of hotels. With the River Thames as your backdrop you'll find outdoor experiences to relax and refresh, including the restored Thames Lido with its outdoor pool, spa treatments and mediterranean food. Reading's shopping offer is excellent and there's so much heritage to discover. 

• Reading’s Museums -  Reading Museum, which tells the story of Reading Abbey and the history of Reading as well as boasting the only full-scale reproduction of the Bayeux Tapestry in the UK. The MERL, the national museum of food, farming and the countryside, and The Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology open to the public on certain days for pre-booked visits only. It holds a significant collection of artefacts mainly from ancient Greece, Cyprus and Egypt relating to the history of archaeology in early 20th century Greece, to the acquisition of artefacts, and to the histories of its founders Percy and Annie Ure.
• Have fun in the Escape Rooms -  Reading is the UK capital of Escape Rooms. There are four within the town centre but if you’d rather be outside, then Time Trap Escape Rooms have launched a new outdoor puzzle game that takes place around Reading town centre. Gather your team for this family friendly adventure, set by TimeTrap’s very own, Professor Pooch.
• Sit back and relax cruising on the Thames from Reading with Thames River Cruise –  Choose from an Afternoon Tea or Sunday Lunch, Sundowner Fizz Cruise, Round Cruises from the Thameside Promenade and new Evening Dinner and Sunday Sizzle Cruise.
• Discover Reading on a guided walk: Terry’s Reading Walkabout –Guided walks to entertain and educate- history/culture; important events & people. Money raised to local charities. Staying local this autumn?  Looking for day visit ideas with family or a small group of friends (max 6)?  Why not explore hidden Reading with a Blue Badge guide, Graham Horn, Tours2order. Town explorer tours (75 minutes to half a day) available in Reading and many towns in the Thames Valley.
• Chill out at Thames Lido - it has 3 main areas, the swimming pool with saunas and hot tub, the spa with its massage rooms and our restaurant and bar serving food and drink. Book a Lido & Lunch or Lido and Dine package or choose a Spa package. Pre-book yourself on one of these. Alternatively if you all you want is to sit down and enjoy a meal you can just book a table in the restaurant.

SPOTLIGHT ON READING ABBEY

History outside - Last remaining unfound King of England is buried in Reading Abbey. Henry I built the Abbey in the 12th century as his mausoleum and he is believed to be buried on the site. The Ruins of the Abbey were reopened in 2018 and are free to explore every day.  Within a short walk of the Abbey is the Abbey Gateway, where Jane Austen went to school and Reading Gaol, where Oscar Wilde was imprisoned. 2021saw Reading Abbey's 900th anniversary. Explore the interactive map of Reading's historic Abbey Quarter. You can use it to plan your visit or to find out more during or after your day out.

READING WALKS FESTIVAL

Enjoy disovering places on foot.  Plan your visit around the Reading Walks Festival introduced in 2023. The 2024 Festival takes place 11-19 May.

Stay overnight...

• Stay at the boutique Roseate Hotel and you can try the new restaurant, The Reading Room, which offers delicious modern cuisine revolving around the freshest, seasonal ingredients and best of British. A specialised vegan and vegetarian tasting menu is available or opt for the all-day A La Carte menu or Afternoon Tea menu. The restaurant also has an outdoor patio for diners and the Aheli Wellness Spa.  Not only unique to Reading but also to the UK, it has introduced different massages and treatments taken from India. Book an 
• Crowne Plaza Reading East a newly, fully refurbished, 4 Silver Star hotel near the River Thames and M4 with 2 AA Rosette Restaurant & Terrace and Esprit Spa.
• Voco Reading  - a great choice for family stays, business trips, or relaxing getaways. Enjoy a pint at the bar while watching a game, and stay in a spacious room with free use of the on-site leisure facilities and free parking. 
• Premier Suites Reading - Enjoy the privacy of your fully equipped kitchen, open-plan living space and bedroom(s) – perfect for families and romantic getaways.
• Crowne Plaza Reading - pool & gym, contemporary bar & restaurant, free parking and Wi-Fi. Try out one of the 122 spacious bedrooms including beautiful Executive rooms with picturesque views overlooking the river. Take time out for a little wanderlust and a chance to explore somewhere new.
• The Novotel Reading. Intensified hygiene & prevention measures are in place to ensure safety. The ALLSAFE label, developed with and vetted by Bureau Veritas, represents our new elevated cleanliness protocols and standards, and provides assurance that these standards have been met in our hotels.

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