A summer weekend in Reading gives you the right mix of history, green spaces, shopping, food and time beside the water. The town is easy to explore on foot, so you can fit plenty into two days without spending your whole break travelling between attractions.

Reading may be known as a business destination, but there is much more to see once the working week ends. Medieval ruins sit close to modern shopping streets. Riverside paths provide a break from the town centre, while restaurants and bars give you plenty of choice each evening.

Staying at PREMIER SUITES Reading places you close to the main attractions, transport links and places to eat. Here is how to spend the perfect two days in Reading this summer.

Vendredi soir : Arrivée et installation

Begin your weekend by checking into PREMIER SUITES Reading. The central location makes it a practical base for exploring the town, with Reading train station, The Oracle and many local restaurants within walking distance.

The one and two bedroom serviced apartments give you more room than a standard hotel bedroom. Each apartment includes a separate living and dining area, a kitchen and laundry facilities. You can unpack, prepare a drink and relax before heading out for the evening.

For dinner, walk towards The Oracle. The shopping centre sits beside the River Kennet and has a large choice of restaurants. You can find British favourites, Asian dishes, Italian food and casual places for a quick meal. During summer, the riverside tables are a good choice for a relaxed start to your break.

After dinner, take a walk beside the water or return to your apartment for a quiet evening. Having your own living area means you do not need to spend the whole night sitting on your bed. Put on a film, plan the next day and enjoy the extra space.

Day One Morning: Breakfast and Reading Museum

Start Saturday with breakfast in your apartment. Your kitchen includes the equipment you need to prepare anything from coffee and toast to a full breakfast. This can help you save money and avoid waiting for a table during busy summer weekends.

Your first stop should be Reading Museum, which is housed in the town’s Victorian Town Hall. Entry is free, although visitors can leave a donation.

The museum tells the story of Reading through local objects, archaeology and art. One of its best known displays is a full size Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry. You can also learn about Reading Abbey and the Huntley and Palmers biscuit company, which played a major part in the town’s history.

Allow around one or two hours for your visit. Starting here will give you useful background before you explore the Abbey Quarter later in the morning.

Late Morning: Forbury Gardens and Reading Abbey

From the museum, walk towards Forbury Gardens. This public park provides a calm place to sit in the sunshine, enjoy a coffee or take a few photos. The Maiwand Lion stands in the centre of the gardens and is one of Reading’s main landmarks.

Beside the gardens, you will find Reading Abbey Quarter. Reading Abbey was founded by King Henry I in the 12th century and became one of the most important monasteries in England. The remaining ruins give you an idea of the size of the original site.

Walk through the Abbey Ruins and look out for the old walls, arches and information panels. The area brings together around 900 years of Reading’s history, yet it sits only a short distance from the modern town centre.

Both Forbury Gardens and the Abbey Ruins are free to visit, making them useful additions to a weekend on a set budget.

Saturday Afternoon: Lunch and Shopping

Head back towards the centre for lunch. You can choose a café, pub or restaurant around Market Place, Broad Street or The Oracle.

After lunch, spend some time shopping. Reading has a mix of high street stores, shopping centres and smaller businesses. The Oracle has many recognised brands under one roof, while Broad Street provides more shops and places to stop for coffee.

You can also browse Harris Arcade for independent shops and businesses. It offers a different experience from the larger shopping centres and is worth visiting when you want to support local traders.

There is no need to carry your shopping around all day. PREMIER SUITES Reading is close enough for you to return to your apartment, drop off your bags and take a break before your evening plans.

Saturday Evening: Dinner and Drinks

Reading has plenty of options for Saturday night. You could book a table beside the River Kennet, choose a restaurant in the town centre or visit one of the local pubs. PREMIER SUITES Reading guests can also try local restaurant partners The Rising Sun, Vino Vita and Wagamama, all of which offer outdoor seating for a relaxed summer meal.

The areas around The Oracle and the river are especially popular when the weather is warm, so booking your table before your trip can help you secure an outdoor spot at the time you want.

After dinner, you can visit a bar, catch a live performance or return to your apartment. Reading has an active nightlife scene, but you can still enjoy a quiet evening when that suits your plans.

Day Two Morning: A Summer Swim at Thames Lido

Begin Sunday with a visit to Thames Lido. The restored outdoor swimming pool is close to the River Thames and offers a different way to start the second day of your trip.

You can book a swimming session or choose a package that includes access to the sauna, steam room and hot tub. Food and drink are also available at the Lido, so you could stay for breakfast, brunch or lunch.

Booking ahead is recommended, particularly during warm weekends. Pack your swimwear before leaving home, then enjoy a slow morning beside the pool.

If swimming is not for you, take a walk through Caversham or follow part of the Thames Path instead. The river gives you a quieter side of Reading and provides plenty of places to pause beside the water.

Sunday Afternoon: Explore the River Thames

After your morning at the Lido, spend the afternoon beside the River Thames. Christchurch Meadows sits across the river from Reading town centre and has open grass, paths and views across the water.

For a different view of the area, you could also book a trip with Thames River Cruises and enjoy some time on the water before continuing your afternoon. Alternatively, bring a picnic, pick up lunch from a local café or find a pub near the river.

You can keep your riverside walk short or continue along the Thames Path. Summer is a good time to slow down and enjoy the outdoor spaces, while still leaving enough time to return to your apartment, collect your luggage and travel home without rushing.

Make PREMIER SUITES Reading Your Weekend Base

The right accommodation can make a short city break feel easier. At PREMIER SUITES Reading, you have your own kitchen, dining space, living area and bedroom. You can prepare meals, store snacks, wash clothes and relax in a space that feels more like an apartment than a hotel room.

One and two bedroom options are available, making the apartments suitable for couples, friends and small families. Complimentary WiFi is included, and parking is available for an added charge when booked in advance.

The central location also reduces the need for taxis. Many of the stops in this itinerary can be reached on foot, while Reading train station is around 500 metres from the apartments.

From historic ruins and riverside walks to shopping and outdoor swimming, a summer weekend in Reading can include much more than you might expect. Book your stay at PREMIER SUITES Reading and give yourself the space, location and flexibility to enjoy it at your own pace.