Things to do in Reading
Reading sits 40 minutes west of London by train, combining 900 years of abbey ruins with a modern university town energy
Plan your trip to Reading. Budget from £35-50/day. Where to stay, what to see, and what to skip. Honest guide updated for 2026.
Top attractions in Reading
17 must-see places
Activity guides for Reading
Curated activity guides and individual experiences
Getting around & travel tips
Practical advice for visiting Reading
Getting around
- Reading Buses day ticket £4.50 covers town centre and university
- Taxi from station to Abbey Quarter approximately £8-12
- Walking covers most central attractions within 15 minutes
- Car parking in town centre £2-4 per hour
Practical tips
- Tip 10-15% in restaurants if service charge not included. Round up taxi fares and tip £1-2 for good pub service.
- Casual dress acceptable everywhere. Pubs and restaurants have no specific dress requirements.
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Reading
- EE, Vodafone, and Three offer tourist SIM cards at phone shops near the station
Trip essentials
At-a-glance reference for Reading
- Best time
- May to September when abbey ruins and riverside walks are most enjoyable, plus Reading Festival happens in August
- Currency
- GBP (£)
- Language
- English
Travel guides for Reading
Editorial travel guides
Frequently asked questions
Common questions travellers ask about Reading
May to September when abbey ruins and riverside walks are most enjoyable, plus Reading Festival happens in August
Reading is generally safe with standard UK urban precautions. Avoid the area around Reading Station late at night, particularly the underpass.
Budget around £35-50 per day for hostels and street food, £70-110 for mid-range hotels and restaurants, or £170+ for luxury.
Reading Buses day ticket £4.50 covers town centre and university. Taxi from station to Abbey Quarter approximately £8-12.
December to February due to short daylight hours and frequent rain affecting outdoor historic sites
Browse all Reading tours
Live inventory from our partner Viator
