Top Things to Do in Reading: From Riverside Walks to Culture Spots
Reading sits at the confluence of the Thames and Kennet, a position that shaped its history as a medieval powerhouse and continues to define its character today. This is a town that blends heritage with contemporary energy, where abbey ruins stand beside modern shopping centres and riverside walks provide escape minutes from the busy town centre. The railway connections that made Reading a Victorian transport hub now offer easy access to London, Oxford, and the Cotswolds, positioning the town as both a destination in its own right and a base for exploring the Thames Valley.
For those seeking a weekend escape or short break that balances activity with relaxation, Reading delivers surprising depth. If you are looking for fun things to do in Reading, the riverside setting invites long walks, the cultural attractions provide substance, and the shopping and leisure options ensure you never struggle to fill a day. Malmaison Reading occupies one of Britain's first purpose-built railway hotels, a Grade II listed building whose Victorian confidence has been updated with contemporary style. The location places you minutes from many of the most appealing things to do in Reading, whilst the interiors provide exactly the kind of boutique comfort that makes returning after a day exploring feel genuinely appealing.
Explore Reading’s history and culture
Reading Abbey once ranked among England's most important religious houses, its church larger than many cathedrals and its abbot wielding considerable political power. Today, the ruins occupy a peaceful site in the town centre, their remaining walls and arches suggesting the scale and ambition of the original complex. The abbey grounds connect to Forbury Gardens, a Victorian public park where formal plantings and the distinctive Maiwand Lion sculpture create a space popular with locals and visitors alike.
Reading Museum tells the town's story through collections spanning archaeology to contemporary art, with particular strength in local history and the Reading Gaol connection to Oscar Wilde. The Hexagon Theatre brings live entertainment to Reading, its programme including everything from comedy to music to touring productions. South Street Arts Centre provides a more intimate setting for performance and visual arts, showcasing local and national talent. These cultural highlights form some of the most rewarding things to do in Reading for adults, especially for visitors who enjoy heritage, galleries, and the performing arts.
After exploring Reading's cultural offerings, stopping for drinks or dinner at Chez Mal Brasserie provides the perfect transition from sightseeing to evening relaxation. Its central location and relaxed atmosphere make it an easy choice after a day immersed in the town’s history and culture.
Cultural highlights and must-see museums
The Ashmolean Museum, Museum of Natural History, and Pitt Rivers Museum offer world-class collections spanning ancient civilisations to contemporary art. These cultural venues provide substance alongside leisure activities and appeal to anyone searching for meaningful things to do near Reading. After exploring, returning to Malmaison for cocktails or dinner at the brasserie offers the ideal way to unwind.
Riverside walks and outdoor escapes
The Thames Path passes through Reading, offering walking routes that extend in both directions along one of England's most famous rivers. Whether you choose a short stroll or something more ambitious, the riverside provides flat, easy walking with changing scenery and regular opportunities to stop for refreshment. The Kennet and Avon Canal adds another dimension, its towpath providing peaceful routes away from road traffic and through landscapes that retain their rural character.
Forbury Gardens provides the main burst of greenery in the town centre, its Victorian layout and mature planting making it a natural pause point between shops and sightseeing. Over the river, Caversham Court Gardens opens up to wide views of the Thames and more informal planting that shifts beautifully with the seasons. Together, these spaces give Reading a softer, slower edge that couples often gravitate toward, especially when looking for things to do in Reading for couples that balance movement with conversation and a sense of calm.
Reading’s riverside setting works year-round, from summer afternoons perfect for outdoor cafés to crisp winter walks that build an appetite for evening dining. The accessibility of these green spaces makes them easy additions to any itinerary without complicated planning.
The Thames Path passes through Reading, offering walking routes that extend in both directions along one of England's most famous rivers. Whether you choose a short stroll or something more ambitious, the riverside provides flat, easy walking with changing scenery and regular opportunities to stop for refreshment. The Kennet & Avon Canal adds another dimension, its towpath providing peaceful routes away from road traffic and through landscapes that retain their rural character despite proximity to the town.
Forbury Gardens serves as Reading's primary town centre green space, its Victorian design and mature trees creating welcome respite from shopping and urban exploration. Caversham Court Gardens across the Thames offers more naturalistic planting and river views, particularly appealing in spring when bulbs and blossom provide colour. The Thames Path through this area feels genuinely rural, with swans, narrowboats, and anglers adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
Reading's relaxed riverside vibe works year-round, from summer afternoons perfect for outdoor cafés to crisp winter walks that clear the head and build appetite for dinner. The accessibility of these outdoor spaces, all reachable within minutes of the town centre, makes them easy to incorporate into any visit without requiring extensive planning or transport.
Shopping and leisure in the town centre
The Oracle Shopping Centre brings together high street names, restaurants, and riverside positioning, creating a destination that combines retail therapy with views over the Kennet. The centre's design embraces its waterside location, with outdoor seating areas and walkways that blur the line between shopping and riverside strolling. Beyond The Oracle, Broad Street and the surrounding town centre offer both chains and independents, including bookshops, record stores, and specialist retailers that reward browsing.
Leisure options extend to cinema, bowling, and mini-golf, providing alternatives when shopping loses its appeal or weather makes outdoor activities less attractive. These facilities cluster conveniently, making it easy to combine activities or switch plans without crossing town. After a day mixing shopping with entertainment, unwinding with a cocktail at Malmaison Bar provides the perfect conclusion before deciding whether to venture out for dinner or simply stay put and enjoy the hotel's own excellent dining.
Things to do in Reading for couples
Reading's riverside setting provides natural romance, with walks along the Thames offering conversation and scenery in equal measure. Intimate dining spots throughout the town range from riverside restaurants at The Oracle to wine bars tucked into side streets, each bringing its own character to date nights. Live music venues add another dimension, with everything from acoustic sets to jazz creating atmosphere without overwhelming conversation.
The combination of cultural attractions, riverside walks, and quality dining makes Reading surprisingly well-suited to couples' breaks. Theatre performances provide shared experiences that spark discussion, wine bars offer relaxed settings for longer conversations, and the overall pace feels unhurried without being dull. Malmaison's boutique rooms and elegant brasserie complete the picture, providing a retreat designed for comfort and connection.
Things to do in Reading with kids
Beale Wildlife Park brings families face-to-face with animals from meerkats to wallabies, with a miniature railway and adventure playground adding to the appeal. Reading Climbing Centre offers indoor climbing suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities, providing active fun regardless of weather. Cinema trips and family-friendly restaurants ensure evenings have plenty to offer.
The town’s parks and walking routes work well for families, providing open space to run, play, and explore without admission fees or advance planning. The Thames Path is particularly good for things to do in Reading with kids, giving young explorers the opportunity to spot wildlife and boats while parents enjoy peaceful riverside scenery. Reading’s compact scale helps keep logistics simple and days manageable.
Things to do near Reading
Windsor Castle sits just twenty minutes away by train, offering one of Britain’s grandest royal experiences through its state apartments and St George’s Chapel. Windsor itself rewards exploration, with its riverside setting, independent shops, and historic streets adding depth beyond the castle.
Henley-on-Thames brings regatta heritage and a beautiful riverside location worth more than a fleeting visit. Meanwhile, Basildon Park, a National Trust property, offers Palladian architecture, landscaped grounds, and parkland ideal for long walks and picnics. These destinations highlight just how many compelling things to do near Reading sit within easy reach. Malmaison’s central location makes it simple to explore the wider Berkshire region while still returning each evening to comfort and excellent dining.
Why stay at Malmaison Reading
Occupying one of the UK's first purpose-built railway hotels gives Malmaison Reading character and a connection to Victorian transport history. The Grade II listed building has been sensitively updated, retaining period features while introducing contemporary comfort and bold design choices.
The boutique rooms deliver on comfort with quality bedding, proper showers, and thoughtful design details. The brasserie brings vibrant dining that feels both relaxed and special, celebrating quality ingredients prepared with care. Proximity to Reading Station makes arrival easy, and the central location places most of the best things to do in Reading within walking distance.
Plan your Reading city break
Reading rewards those who look beyond first impressions, revealing history, culture, and natural beauty that make the town ideal for weekend stays. The riverside setting brings real appeal, the cultural attractions provide depth, and the mix of shopping, leisure, and dining creates variety throughout your visit. Day trips to nearby attractions expand your itinerary without demanding long travel, making Reading a convenient base.
Turning a day trip into a weekend stay allows you to explore at a comfortable pace, discover your favourite café or riverside viewpoint, and enjoy evenings without the pressure of travelling home. Malmaison Reading enhances the experience, providing a stylish base that feels welcoming after a day filled with fun things to do in Reading.
Reading is at its best when allowed to unfold gradually, and staying at Malmaison gives you the space to do exactly that. It becomes the kind of weekend where the town’s quieter details stand out, where you return each evening to a hotel that feels in step with the character of the place, and where the balance of comfort and discovery leaves you genuinely restored.
Things to do in Reading FAQS:
What is Reading best known for?
Reading is known for its riverside setting on the Thames, vibrant shopping scene, and cultural heritage including the historic Reading Abbey and the annual Reading Festival.
What are some hidden gems in Reading?
Explore Caversham Court Gardens, browse independent shops in the Harris Arcade, or enjoy quiet moments along the Kennet and Avon Canal. These less obvious spots add charm and variety to your list of fun things to do in Reading.
Are there any free things to do in Reading?
Yes, many of Reading’s highlights are free to enjoy. Visit the Abbey Ruins, wander through Forbury Gardens, or explore riverside walking trails along the Thames and Kennet & Avon Canal without spending a penny.
What cultural attractions can you visit in Reading?
Reading is home to Reading Museum, the South Street Arts Centre, and The Hexagon Theatre, which hosts comedy, live music, and drama. These venues offer enriching things to do in Reading for adults and culture seekers.