Top 17 Things to do in Reading

1. The Oracle

The Oracle shopping centre located in Reading town centre has over 80 stylish stores for you to explore including Apple, House of Fraser, Zara and Debenhams with a John Lewis store close by. Just a short drive from our hotel in Reading The Oracle shopping centre is a great place to go for a day out shopping or just a bite to eat. 

Visit The Oracle's website to see what they have to offer. 

2. Ascot Racecourse

Ascot Racecourse is a famous English racecourse located in the small town of Ascot, Berkshire, used for thoroughbred horse racing. It is one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom, hosting 9 of the UK's 32 annual Group 1 races. The course is closely associated with the British Royal Family, being approximately six miles from Windsor Castle.

Ascot Racecourse is easily accessible from our hotel near Reading, a short drive will get you to Ascot and ready to watch some exciting horse racing in one of the most iconic racecourses in the UK. 

Visit the Ascot website to see upcoming events.

3. Reading Abbey

Reading Abbey was founded in 1121 by King Henry I. The Abbey was one of Western Europe’s most prestigious religious and political centres, and one of the ten wealthiest monastic houses in England by the 14th century. It changed the shape of Reading, making it the most important town in the Thames Valley.

Today the remaining romantic ruins are in the Forbury, and some of the beautifully carved stones have made their way into the Museum collections.

The Reading Abbey is only a short 10 minute drive from our hotel near Reading and a beautiful way to spend a sunny afternoon looking round the spectacular ruins.

Visit the Reading Abbey's Website for more information.

4. Mapledurham Estate

Mapledurham is a small village, civil parish and country estate beside the River Thames in southern Oxfordshire (formerly part of Berkshire). Because of its picturesque situation, and lack of through traffic, Mapledurham has been used as a set for several films, most notably the 1976 film of The Eagle Has Landed. The village, house and mill form something of a local tourist attraction, and on summer weekends the village can be reached by a boat service from Reading.

This picturesque village is a must see if you're visiting reading and have a bit of extra time on your hands, located just outside Reading the villiage of Mapledurham is just over 9 miles from our the Crowne Plaza Reading East.

Visit the Mapledurham Website for more information. 

5. Bucklebury Farm Park

If you’re in Berkshire with a couple of kids and time on your hands, they will thank you mightily for booking a trip to Bucklebury Farm Park. Discover more than 70 acres of parkland where you’ll find deer roaming, free tractor and trailor rides around the terrain, farmyard animals galore (ponies, donkeys, pigs, wild boar and lots of other animals to pat and feed), a pat-a pet area with rabbits and guinea pigs, an indoor play area with slides, an outdoor adventure playground, a nature trail, woodland walk and large picnic area.

Bucklebury Farm Park can be accessed via the M4 and is just half an hour from our Crowne Plaza hotel just outside Reading.

Take a look at Bucklebury Farm Park's website for more information. 

6. Beale Wildlife Park and Gardens

Beale Wildlife Park and Gardens is situated by the River Thames, between the villages of Pangbourne and Lower Basildon in Berkshire, England. Lots of fun for everyone at Beale Park including, adventure playgrounds, paddling pools, meerkats, lemurs and many more animals & birds.

Beale Wildlife Park and Gardens is just outside Reading and a 23 minute drive from our Crowne Plaza Reading East. 

Visit the Beale Wildlife Park and Gardens website for more information on what they have to offer.

7. Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace is a Royal Palace in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Relax in over 60 acres of the beautiful Hampton Court Palace gardens that run down to the River Thames, featuring sparkling fountains, glorious displays of over 200,000 flowering bulbs and 750 acres of tranquil royal parkland.

Visit the Hampton Court Palace Website for more information. 

8. Legoland

Legoland is a great day out for children and adults and it's only 20 minutes from our hotel near Reading. Play your part at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort with over 55 interactive rides and attractions. Fly through the treetops to escape fearsome dragons, ride the thrilling rapids with a Viking Fleet, join LEGO® divers on a magical underwater adventure on Atlantis Submarine Voyage or enjoy the UK’s only LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland Model Display.

Visit the Legoland Website for more information. 

9. Thorpe Park

Enjoy a family weekend away by staying at the 4 star Crowne Plaza Reading East. This is a great hotel to stay at if visiting the popular attraction. The hotel is located just 40 minutes from the park.

Visit the Thorpe Park Website for more information. 

10. Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle is one of England’s most beautiful Victorian Castles set amidst 1,000 acres of spectacular parkland. The Carnarvon family has lived at Highclere since 1679, and the current Castle stands on the site of an earlier house, which in turn was built on the foundations of the medieval palace owned by the Bishops of Winchester for some 800 years.

Visit the Highclere Castle Website for more information.

11. Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, is one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen and encapsulates 900 years of British history. The magnificent State Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto and Gainsborough.

Windsor Castle is a must see if you're in the area, a short 25 minute drive from our hotel near Reading will get you to Windsor Castle where you can look over the spectacular city below.

Visit the Windsor Castle Website for more information.

12. Go Ape Bracknell

One lush forest and a healthy dollop of breathtaking scenery, a smattering of tree-top high wires, tricky crossings (using ladders, walkways, bridges and tunnels made of wood, rope and super-strong wire) and wind-in-your-face zip wires; all finished off with a liberal dose of people in search of their inner Tarzan. Why not come and enjoy the views from the forest canopy?

Visit the Go Ape Website for more information.

13. Dinton Pastures Country Park

Dinton Pastures Country Park is a very peaceful and rural park, stretching to 330 acres in size. With 7 lakes, 2 rivers and several meadows, the park is a picture perfect view. It backs onto Hurst Golf Course which is perfect for anyone who wishes to enjoy a round of Golf.

A short 7 minute drive from the Crowne Plaza Reading East will take you to Dinton Pastures Country Park where you can take some time out to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and brilliant views. 

Visit the Dinton Pastures Website for more information.

14. DORNEY LAKE

Stunningly set alongside the River Thames and surrounded by over 400 acres of scenic parkland Eton College, Dorney Lake is a world class sporting and events venue with inspiring Olympic Heritage. Nestled amongst scenic parkland, just outside Windsor, Dorney Lake provides a unique and inspirational atmosphere and it is only 20 minute drive from our hotel.

Visit the Dorney Lake Website for more information. 

15. THE MILL AT SONNING THEATRE

Set majestically on the banks of the River Thames, the Mill at Sonning Theatre now celebrates more than 30 years of entertainment. Uniquely, as the only dinner theatre in the United Kingdom, it has gained unrivalled praise both nationally and internationally. The intimate theatre seats 215 in the semi-round allowing the audience to feel involved in the performance. The Mill at Sonning is just 10 minute drive from the Crowne Plaza Reading East.

Visit the Mill at Sonning Theatre Website for more information.

16. Lapland UK

‘Lapland’ is a secret immersive adventure based on an original reimagination of the Father Christmas myth. We introduce you to an ancient elven civilisation through a magical world of storytelling that fuses the spectacle of a filmset with the performance of theatre, all experienced within the intimacy of your own family. Lapland UK is just a 20-minute drive from the Crowne Plaza Reading East.

Visit the Lapland UK Website for more information.

17. wellington country park

An award-winning destination for a family day out or overnight stay in the country. Beautifully rural yet easily accessible. Each season brings a different experience where your children’s imagination can run free. Perfect for children up to 8 years old, spend family time together and make unforgettable memories. There are a whole host of outdoor attractions and exciting events to enjoy.

Visit the Wellington Country Park website for more information.

Check Availability & Book Online