Spend a Weekend in Reading on the Great West Way

This season, embark on a historic adventure by visiting Reading along the eastern parts of the Great West Way. Offering the perfect blend of English heritage, with the excitement of a modern town, Reading offers a range of things to do, from its vibrant shopping scene to plenty of eateries, and much more...

Hear from Alex Brannen, Communications Manager at Reading UK, as he highlights all the wonderful attributes of the UK’s largest town.

Reading Museum

Explore galleries of historic and artistic objects at Reading Museum, in the town’s Victorian Hall. Here, you will find archaeology from Roman Silchester and Reading Abbey, vintage Huntley & Palmers biscuit tins, a Victorian copy of the Bayeaux Tapestry as well as a range of exhibitions in the Art Gallery.

Reading Abbey Quarter

Just a short distance from Reading Museum is the Abbey Quarter. At its core is the extensive Abbey Ruins, telling the story of 900 years of history. Visit the spot where King Henry I, the founder, was buried, or where Jane Austen went to school 600 years later, and Oscar Wilde was imprisoned in the late 19^th Century.

Museum of English Rural Life (MERL)

The Museum of English Rural Life is England’s most extensive museum dedicated to farming, food, craft, rural life, and countryside issues. The innovative galleries contain an astonishing array of items telling this important part of history through its collection of objects, archives, photographs, and books.

The interactive, immersive displays explore questions of identity, environment, technology, culture, and health. Here, you’ll discover stories that surprise and move you, and challenge you to think about rural England, past and present, in different ways.

Tours2Order

Based in Royal Berkshire, Tours2Order offer unique walking tours of the Thames and Chilterns area, as well as organised trips to further afield. Set out on a historic journey through Reading and surrounding destinations as you discover iconic waterways, heritage and stunning countryside.

Reading Walks Festival

Taking place every May is Reading Walks Festival, one of the town’s most exciting events. Stretching over 9 days, enjoy up to 50 guided walks, bringing alive the many stories, heritage and landscapes of Reading.

Bozedown Alpacas

A short drive out of Reading is Bozedown Alpacas, a family run business offering a fun day out for the whole family. Come and enjoy a fascinating walk in the surrounding countryside as you lead an alpaca around their farm. Learn more about these interesting animals and their origins from the High Andes of Peru.

The Kennet and Avon Canal

Owned by the Canal and River Trust, the Kennet and Avon Canal is a wonderful way to explore the Great West Way. Stretching from Reading to Bristol, there are plenty ways to explore Reading’s hidden gems whilst travelling along this famous waterway. Hire a bike or cycle along a towpath, take a walk and get close to nature, canoe or kayak upstream, the Kennet and Avon Canal offers the perfect adventure.

The River Thames

Reading is also home to the River Thames, stretching towards the eastern parts of the Great West Way into London and beyond. Here, you can enjoy a range of boat tours or stretch your legs along the Thames Path.

Thames Rivercruise

Based at the heart of the Upper Thames, Thames Rivercruise offers unique boat trips through some of the most stunning reaches of this waterway, including Henley, Sonning and Streatley. With Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire on their doorstep, there is no shortage of photo opportunities as the cruise takes you around postcard villages and open countryside.

Places to Stay in Reading

Reading offers a range of luxury accommodation, providing you with a relaxed and comfortable place to stay as you explore everything this town has to offer.

The Roseate, Reading

Centrally located, The Roseate Reading is recognised for its artful conception and luxury. The hotel prides itself on its attention to detail, from the facilities available to making your stay cherished and memorable.

Hilton Reading

Ideally located off junction 11 of the M4, the Hilton Reading offers a warm and inviting atmosphere to start your adventure. Each guest room features all the amenities you will need to enjoy your stay, including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, mini bar and the famous Hilton Serenity bed system.

Embark on your Great West Way adventure in Reading this season…