Reading Market and Street Food Tour

This tour moves through Reading Market's 800+ stalls and surrounding street food vendors, stopping at 6-7 different spots for tastings. You'll encounter everything from traditional British produce to contemporary street food. The guide shares the market's history dating to medieval times while you sample working stalls and independent traders. Best for those wanting variety and value in food sampling. This is a easy activity lasting 3 hours. Group size: 2-15. You meet at Reading Market entrance, Market Place. Key highlights: 6-7 food tastings across market and street vendors, Learn the market's history from medieval charter times, Access to independent traders not always visible to casual shoppers.

Price: £35

Duration: 3 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 2-15

Best for: those wanting variety and value in food sampling

Best time: Mid-morning on Wednesday or Saturday for smaller crowds; avoid peak Saturday (11am-1pm).

Meeting point: Reading Market entrance, Market Place

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

9:00am Meet at Market Place entrance - Guide introduces the market's 1500-year history and layout of current vendors.

9:15am - 9:45am First tasting stop at produce vendors - Sample seasonal British produce from established market traders, often with producer stories.

9:45am - 10:30am Street food vendor tastings - Move to 2-3 contemporary street food operators around the market perimeter and Bridge Street.

10:30am - 11:15am Seated tasting or second course stop - Larger portion at a cafe or seating area within or near the market.

11:15am - 11:50am Final stops at specialty vendors - Deli, cheese, or artisan bread counter with final samples and purchasing opportunity.

12:00pm Tour concludes at Market Place - Guide points out other market sections worth exploring on your own.

The whole experience takes 3 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Reading Market entrance, Market Place.

• 6-7 food tastings across market and street vendors
• Learn the market's history from medieval charter times
• Access to independent traders not always visible to casual shoppers
• Runs on actual market days (Wednesday and Saturday)
• Generous portion sizes with working stalls
• Accessibility: Market paths are mostly paved but can be crowded on Saturdays; some vendor areas have uneven surfaces.

What is included: Professional guide, 6-7 food tastings, Market history and context.

Not included: Drinks or beverages, Retail purchases, Dietary meal accommodations beyond tasting portions. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, Cash for optional purchases, Appetite for generous portions. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Mid-morning on Wednesday or Saturday for smaller crowds; avoid peak Saturday (11am-1pm)..

Tip: Tours run Wednesday and Saturday market days

Tip: Come hungry as portions are generous

Accessibility: Market paths are mostly paved but can be crowded on Saturdays; some vendor areas have uneven surfaces..

Operator: Berkshire Food Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Reading Abbey Ruins (12 min walk)
• Reading Museum (8 min walk)
• Forbury Gardens (10 min walk)

This activity is run by Berkshire Food Tours.

Cancellation policy: Check operator website for policy; typically 48 hours notice required.

Accessibility: Market paths are mostly paved but can be crowded on Saturdays; some vendor areas have uneven surfaces..

Best time to go: Mid-morning on Wednesday or Saturday for smaller crowds; avoid peak Saturday (11am-1pm)..

What days does the Reading Market food tour run?

Tours operate on Wednesday and Saturday when the historic market is fully operational with maximum vendor attendance. These are the main trading days for Reading Market. Book in advance for weekend tours as they fill quickly.

How many food tastings are included in the tour?

The tour includes 6-7 tasting stops across the market and surrounding street food vendors. Portion sizes are generous so you'll leave satisfied. The exact stops vary based on which vendors are trading that day.

Is the Reading Market tour suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the market has substantial vegetarian offerings including produce vendors, vegetarian cafes, and plant-based street food operators. Inform the operator of your dietary requirements when booking so they can highlight suitable stops.