Reading, UK on a Budget: A 3-Day Adventure

Discovering Reading's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Reading, United Kingdom on a budget is possible with some planning. Budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels or bed and breakfasts are available. Visitors can explore the town's history and architecture with free walking tours and admission to some museums and galleries. Delicious and inexpensive food options can be found in local cafes and markets.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Discovering Reading

  • Check-in at Bel & The Dragon Hotel, a charming and affordable boutique hotel in the heart of Reading
  • Explore the ruins of Reading Abbey, once one of the most powerful monasteries in England
  • Visit the Museum of English Rural Life, with its quirky exhibitions of farming tools and traditions
  • Stroll along the idyllic riverside of Thames Path, with its scenic views and cozy pubs
  • Indulge in a hearty meal at London Street Brasserie, serving British classics with an inventive twist
Day 2

Art and Culture

  • Have a leisurely breakfast at Workhouse Coffee, a trendy spot with great coffee and pastries
  • Admire the impressive collection of contemporary art at the Reading Museum, showcasing works by famous artists from the area
  • Catch a play or concert at The Hexagon, a versatile venue hosting a rich variety of performances
  • Take a walk in Forbury Gardens, a beautiful park with ornate gardens and a bandstand
  • Grab a bite at Cosmo in the Oracle, a bustling food court with global cuisines and delicious options for vegetarians and vegans
Day 3

Exploring the Countryside

  • Rent a bike at Reading Cycle Hire and pedal to nearby Sonning-on-Thames, a charming village with a lovely church and plenty of picturesque cottages
  • Have a picnic in Dinton Pastures Country Park, a vast green area with lakes, meadows and woods
  • Meet the alpacas at Wellington Country Park, an animal farm surrounded by lovely gardens and adventure playgrounds
  • Reward yourself with a pint and some pub grub at The Bull Inn, a cozy and rustic pub in Sonning-on-Thames
  • Watch a movie at Vue Cinema The Oracle, a modern cinema with comfortable seats and a wide range of films showing.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Reading, United Kingdom by plane is to fly into Heathrow Airport and take the Heathrow Express train to Reading Station.

Car

The best way to get to Reading, United Kingdom by car is to take the M4 motorway and exit at Junction 11 for Reading.

Train

The best way to get to Reading, United Kingdom by train is to take a direct train from London Paddington Station to Reading Station.

Boat

As Reading is an inland city, there is no direct way to get there by boat. However, boat tours are available on the nearby River Thames.

Bus

The best way to get to Reading, United Kingdom by bus is to take the National Express coach service from London Victoria Coach Station to Reading Bus Station.

Destination

Reading

Reading, where you can actually judge a book by its cover - because they have some of the best bookshops. Only 20 minutes from London, Reading offers a host of great places to eat, drink and see!

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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