Levi's Guide to the Best of Reading

Situated right 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 to see and do when visiting Reading.

As a lifelong resident of Reading, Levi has an intimate knowledge of both well-known attractions and unsung delights that make this Thames Valley town special. His recommendations combine must-see landmarks with local favourites to help you experience the authentic character of Reading during your stay.

Visit Reading Abbey Ruins

A famous heritage site in Reading that recently celebrated its 900-year anniversary, 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, Reading Abbey Ruins is certainly one not to miss while staying in Reading.

Enjoy the River Thames, One of the World’s Most Famous Landmarks

Reading is situated on the River Thames, 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!

Take the Chance to See Banksy's Street Art

Reading has become home to notable street art, including work by the renowned artist Banksy. In March 2021, Banksy created his “Create Escape” mural on the outer wall of Reading Prison, depicting a prisoner (possibly resembling Oscar Wilde) escaping on a rope made of bedsheets tied to a typewriter. This artwork has since become a significant cultural attraction for the town, drawing art enthusiasts from across the country.

The mural connects Reading's literary history with contemporary art in a thought-provoking way, highlighting the prison's significance as the place where Oscar Wilde was incarcerated and wrote “The Ballad of Reading Gaol.” Our guests can easily view this impressive piece while exploring the town centre.

Explore Reading’s Wonderful Museum

Just a short walk from the town centre, Reading Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the town's rich heritage. Housing an impressive collection of artefacts spanning thousands of years, the museum provides valuable context to Reading's development from Roman times to the present day.

The museum's crown jewel is the full-size Victorian replica of the Bayeux Tapestry, the only one of its kind in Britain. Other noteworthy exhibits include items from the Roman town of Silchester and the “Reading: People & Place” gallery that chronicles the town's industrial past and cultural evolution.

Entry to the museum is free, making it an excellent option for visitors interested in delving deeper into local history. The museum also offers temporary exhibitions throughout the year, focusing on various aspects of Reading's cultural and historical significance.

Shop Until You Drop at The Oracle

For those looking to indulge in some retail therapy, The Oracle shopping centre provides an excellent modern shopping experience in the heart of Reading. With a wide variety of shops, from high-street favourites to luxury brands, The Oracle caters to all shopping needs under one roof.

The centre's Riverside area offers a delightful selection of restaurants and cafés overlooking the Kennet Canal, creating a pleasant atmosphere for dining after a day of shopping. During warmer months, the outdoor seating areas become particularly popular, with several establishments offering riverside dining experiences.

The Oracle is easily accessible from all parts of Reading and is just a short walk from many of our serviced apartments, making it convenient for guests looking to enjoy some shopping during their stay.

Discover Forbury Gardens

This Victorian pleasure garden provides a tranquil green space in Reading's urban landscape. The beautifully maintained gardens feature manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and a bandstand that hosts concerts during the summer months.

The garden's most striking feature is the Maiwand Lion, a magnificent statue commemorating the Berkshire Regiment soldiers who fell in the Battle of Maiwand during the Afghan War. Standing at over 30 feet tall, it's one of the world's largest cast iron statues and has become an iconic symbol of Reading.

Forbury Gardens offers a perfect spot for relaxation, picnics, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment away from the bustle of town life. During December, the gardens transform into a winter wonderland as part of Reading's Christmas festivities, featuring light installations and seasonal decorations.

Visit the World Famous Reading Festival Site

While the world-famous Reading Festival only takes place over the August bank holiday weekend, music enthusiasts might enjoy visiting the festival grounds at Richfield Avenue during quieter times. As one of Britain's oldest and most iconic music festivals, Reading has hosted legendary performances from artists like Nirvana, Oasis, and Foo Fighters over its illustrious history.

The riverside location provides pleasant walking opportunities, and longtime festival-goers might appreciate seeing the site without the crowds. Though there's not much to see outside of festival season, true music fans often find value in visiting the location of so many significant moments in British music history.

Book Your Stay Today

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.