The large town of Reading, in the county of Berkshire, is home to the annual Reading Festival and the University of Reading. But there’s more to this town that rock music festivals and studying. So here are just some of the things that you can get up to with just one day in Reading.
Although not technically in Reading, a trip to Silchester definitely needs to be added to this list. This parish is located just outside of Reading and is the site of a large Roman town. Here you’ll find a Roman amphitheatre and the old town walls, which are some of the best-preserved ruins in Britain.
As I mentioned previously Reading Festival takes place in the summer each year, with thousands of fans flocking to the area. But why not try out one of the many other festivals that take place in Reading? There are festivals for comedy, jazz and ale too. You’ll also find a number of arts and culture venues including Sub 89 and the Hexagon Theatre, so why not plan your trip around one of these exciting festivals and events.
If you’re a fan of countryside walking and green spaces then we’ve got you covered too. Reading has a number of wonderful parks for you to explore on your visit. King’s Meadow, Caversham Court and Forbury Gardens are just some of the places to check out. The River Thames runs through most of these, so if you have time you should definitely take a wander along the scenic Thames Path. On your walk you may also want to include a trip to the Mapledurham lock, which is situated near the Mapledurham corn mill, the only working mill that’s on the river.
And what’s a day trip to Reading without stopping in and savouring some of the food and drinks on offer in the area. If you’re looking for an independent café then Picnic is the choice for you. The cafe specialises in ethical coffee and all their food is locally produced. If you haven’t got time to stop and get a bite to eat, you must try Stewed, which can be found just outside Reading Station. From breakfast to dinner you can experience hearty, wholesome foods from this kiosk. Try one of the many stews on the menu, served with a choice of rice, mash or couscous. What’s more you get all these great food for a bargain price, most pots cost between £3.95 and £5.50, which is perfect for those living on a student budget.
So there you have it, just a few ideas on how to spend a day in Reading. If you’re from the area and have some other tips to share please do get in touch!
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