At the centre of the eastern section of the Great West Way, Reading offers the excitement of a modern city blended with an unexpected slice of English heritage, all located between the rivers Thames and Kennet. Explore Reading with the town's brand new pocket map, see here.
Reading is located near the centre of the Great West Way, making it a great base from which to explore the many delights of the route. Its hotels include 5-star luxury of the Roseate in the Abbey Quarter and all the famous hotel brands from Hilton to Novotel, Malmaison to Crowne Plaza.
And if you’ve been thinking of planning a trip to explore the region, you’ll find Reading the ideal touring base. Henley, Windsor, Oxford, and a host of lovely Thameside villages, are all within easy reach – creating magical experiences to treasure forever.
In the core of Reading’s Abbey Quarter, the extensive Abbey Ruins tell the story of 900 years of history. Founded by King Henry I of England and also his burial place, visit the spot where Henry I was buried or where Jane Austen went to school six hundred years later and where Oscar Wilde was imprisoned in the late 19th century. Then head for the hands-on, family-friendly Reading Museum to see the only full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry or The MERL - the national museum dedicated to food, farming and countryside.
Reading is a waterways town - take a Thames river trip aboard a Thames River Cruise circular tour or stretch your legs along the Thames Path on the longest stretch of the river of any local authority in England. Watersports fans can also hire a SUP or kayak, go open water swimming or just enjoy a Lido and Lunch/Dine swimming package at the restored Edwardian Thames Lido or picnic in the meadows alongside the Thames.
For fans of a faster lifestyle, go shopping in one of the country’s top ten retail capitals, dine your way around the world, check out Reading’s vibrant nightlife or search Reading’s brand new online cultural hub - whatsonreading.com.
Number of results: 34
, currently showing 22 to 34.
Bray
With beautifully landscaped gardens and picturesque views of the River Thames, Monkey Island Estate is the perfect setting for a quintessentially English Afternoon Tea.
Yattendon , Thatcham
West Berkshire Brewery is an independent brewery nestled in the heart of Berkshire with over 23 years of brewing experience. With our new state of the art brewery and packaging line we proudly produce traditional cask ales and innovative craft beers…
Theale, Reading,
We invite you to join us at our newly opened shop, Cobbs at Englefield, a series of converted cow-sheds that have now formed an incredible space. Indulge your senses and see for yourself our farm shop, traditional butchery counter, delicatessen,…
Wallingford
Luxury lodge accommodation in the village of Ewelme, South Oxfordshire, overlooking the beautiful Chilterns Hills.
Reading
The Thames Lido is an urban retreat open all year round offering spa days and swimming memberships along with a strong Spanish and Mediterranean feel restaurant and tapas bar.
Reading
Traditional tearooms where you can enjoy our lovely setting by the canal. Leaf tea, cream teas, apple pie, canalman’s lunch, whippy ice cream .
Yattendon , Thatcham
Enjoy the full range of West Berkshire Brewery beer and a selection of wine, spirits and soft drinks.
Reading
Classical 18thC house by John Carr of York, with an unusual Octagon Room, fine plasterwork and the decorative Shell Room. Situated in 400 acres of parkland and woodland.
Reading,
The Bird In Hand is a delightful 14th Century Inn with a history that spans 600 years, and has recently been acquired by Wiltshire brewer Wadworth.
Reading
Perfectly situated in the heart of the town. The guests can choose from executive and superior rooms, all boasting airy, contemporary designs and warmth. Family rooms can accommodate two adults and two children comfortably. Leisure facilities…
Bray
Following YTL’s Hotels’ superb renovation, Monkey Island Estate is beautifully situated on a private island in the River Thames at Bray, near Windsor. Guests can once again enjoy its luxury accommodation, acclaimed dining and their very own private…
Theale, Reading,
Tuck into a delicious afternoon tea at Cobbs Farm Shop & Kitchen in Englefield.
Henley On Thames
Barn Galleries is a family business founded in 1991 with our first exhibition, ARTSPACE.
© Great West Way 2026.
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