Levi’s Guide to Reading

Levi Matthews • 28 February 2022

Situated in the heart of Reading, the largest town in the UK, there is plenty to do for guests staying with us. From historical sites, spa days, to street art, our Guest Services Manager, Levi, takes us through his top things when visiting Reading. 

Visit Abbey Ruins

A famous heritage site in Reading that celebrated its 900 year anniversary last year, the Abbey Ruins are an exciting historical site to visit in Reading. Situated within the former grounds of Reading Abbey which was once one of Europe’s largest royal monasteries, the build of the abbey was requested by King Henry I. Over the years, the Abbey served as a popular place for Elizabeth I to visit, a section of Jane Austen’s boarding school and the jail where Oscar Wilde was imprisoned is still standing.
The Abbey reopened in June 2018 following a £3.15m project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England. With lots of interesting history to discover, Abbey Ruins is certainly one not to miss while staying in Reading.

Enjoy the River Thames

Reading is situated on the River Thames which is the longest river in England. In the summer, taking a cruise down the river is the perfect way to spend a warm afternoon. In the winter, you can take a walk along the towpath. For a cruise, Thames Rivercruise departs frequently from Caversham Pier and while onboard you can enjoy the view while sipping drinks or even have afternoon tea while cruising along.
To opt for a riverside walk, take a train from Reading to Pangbourne or Goring-on-Thames. Follow the path between the two and stop for a pub lunch at the end.

Place Your Bets at Newbury Racecourse

Easily accessible by train from Reading, Newbury Racecourse is an enjoyable day out. It may not be Ascot, however, Newbury Racecourse is still very well regarded in the racing world. Experience the excitement of watching your horse race, sip Pimms in the summer next to the parade ring, and party in the paddock at one of the after-racing music concerts - there is plenty to do at the races! With a calendar full of race meets throughout the year, Newbury Racecourse is definitely worth a visit!

See Banksy’s Street Art

 Celador Apartments offer an ideal place to stay in Reading, with high quality serviced apartments throughout the town. Whether you are visiting for business or for leisure, get in touch and allow us to find the perfect apartment for you. 

by Andy Malone • 21 September 2026
See how corporate housing compares to hotels for extended business stays in Reading, from cost and space to workspace and long-term value.
by Joe Sweeny • 7 September 2026
Compare serviced apartments and Airbnb for long stays in Reading, and see why professionally managed accommodation suits business travel and relocations.
by Andy Malone • 2 September 2026
Combine a serviced apartment with coworking access in Reading for a genuine, productive base during long-term business stays and projects.
by Joe Sweeny • 10 August 2026
Discover why long-term serviced apartments in Reading offer business travellers greater comfort, flexibility and value than traditional hotels.
by Andy Malone • 5 August 2026
Learn how to stay productive while travelling for work with practical tips on planning, remote working, time management and business travel.
4 August 2026
Discover why long-term serviced apartments in Reading are replacing hotels for business travellers, offering more space, flexibility and better value.
by Andy Malone • 30 July 2026
Learn practical tips to stay productive while travelling for work, from planning ahead and managing time zones to creating an efficient mobile workspace.
by Levi Matthews • 27 July 2026
Visiting Reading this summer? Discover where to stay for the perfect mix of comfort and convenience during your trip.
by Andy Malone • 23 June 2026
Wondering what a premium serviced apartment offers business travellers? Here's what to expect from comfort, space and service.
by Levi Matthews • 10 June 2026
Reading town centre has no shortage of brilliant sit-down dining options, ideal for those with time to spare or anyone fancying a proper meal before heading home. Here, we've done the hard work for you, rounding up the finest spots for everything from casual weekday lunches to long, relaxed evening dinners.
Show More