4-Day Reading Adventure: Culture, Cuisine & More!

Discover Reading's charm on a shoestring budget.

21 June 2023

A trip to Reading, United Kingdom on a limited budget is definitely doable. With affordable accommodations available through hostels and budget hotels, visitors can save money while exploring the city's historical sites and landmarks such as the Reading Abbey Ruins and the Riverside Museum. Additionally, taking advantage of the numerous free events and activities throughout the city will allow visitors to have a great time without overspending.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Welcome to Reading

  • Welcome to Reading! Check-in at the Hillingdon Prince Hotel on the outskirts of Reading. Enjoy a lovely stay on a limited budget, friendly service in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
  • Visit the Museum of English Rural Life quirky and educational!
  • Take a walk along the charming Thames Path and enjoy the beautiful scenery
  • Have lunch at Côte Brasserie delicious French cuisine at reasonable prices
  • Visit Reading Abbey Ruins learn about the rich history of the town
  • Enjoy dinner at The Corn Stores a charming pub with great food and friendly staff
Day 2

Exploring the town

  • Today is all about exploring the town of Reading on foot, so put on some comfortable shoes and get ready for a fun-filled day!
  • Start your day at the Oracle Shopping Centre a great place for some retail therapy
  • Visit the ruins of the medieval Reading Castle
  • Check out the quirky shops and boutiques of Harris Arcade
  • Head to the beautiful Forbury Gardens perfect for a relaxing stroll
  • Have lunch at C.U.P a charming café with delicious sandwiches and pastries
  • Watch a movie at the Reading Film Theatre a great place to catch up on some indie flicks
Day 3

A day trip to Henley-on-Thames

  • Today we're taking a day trip to the picturesque town of Henley-on-Thames, just a short train ride away from Reading.
  • Start your day with a walk along the Thames Path
  • Have brunch at The Chocolate Café delicious Belgian waffles and hot chocolate
  • Visit the River and Rowing Museum learn about the town's rich rowing history
  • Take a boat tour of the Thames admire the beautiful countryside and quaint villages
  • Enjoy a pint at The Old Bell a charming pub with great food and a friendly atmosphere
  • Catch the train back to Reading and enjoy dinner at The Moderation a local favorite for its delicious food and cozy atmosphere
Day 4

A cultural day

  • On our last day in Reading, we're taking it easy and immersing ourselves in the town's cultural scene.
  • Visit the Reading Museum learn about the town's rich heritage and culture
  • Head to the South Street Arts Centre a great place for live music and theatre performances
  • Have lunch at Picnic Foods a charming café with delicious salads and sandwiches
  • Visit the Reading International Solidarity Centre learn about global and local issues
  • Enjoy dinner at the Pepe Sale authentic Italian cuisine with a cozy and relaxed atmosphere
  • That concludes our 4-day itinerary in the charming town of Reading. We hope you've enjoyed your stay and are leaving with fond memories and a newfound appreciation for this hidden gem of a town.

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

More travel plans

Romantic Getaway: 24 Hours in Reading, UK

Reading, UK is a fantastic destination for a romantic trip with your significant other. Take a romantic stroll along the River Thames, explore the quaint streets of the town centre, and visit the historic Reading Abbey. Enjoy a candlelit dinner at some of the town's top-rated restaurants and indulge in a romantic getaway you'll never forget.

Magical Moments: A 2-Day Family Adventure in Reading!

A trip to Reading, United Kingdom offers a fantastic family-friendly experience. Explore the historic landmarks like the beautiful Reading Abbey Ruins and the stunning Forbury Gardens. Enjoy a day of fun at Beale Park, featuring a zoo, gardens, and a miniature train ride, or visit the Reading Museum for an interactive learning experience for kids of all ages.

Reading, UK: A Budget-Friendly Day Trip

Visit the Museum of English Rural Life to experience the agricultural history of England for free or take a stroll through Forbury Gardens, a Victorian park in the centre of town. Stay at the Ibis Styles Reading Oxford Road, an affordable and stylish hotel with convenient transportation links to the city centre. Stop by the Reading Market for some delicious and budget-friendly local food.

Discover Reading: A Perfect 4-Day Adventure

Reading is a historic town in southern England, home to a bustling town center and a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the town's many churches, museums, and galleries, or take a stroll along the Thames River. The town also has a number of parks and outdoor spaces, perfect for a picnic or leisurely walk.