Reading town centre

The Oracle shopping centre is home to the big names in retail, but there are also independent stores and boutiques around town.

These range from secondhand and vintage clothing shops to ethnic grocery stores. We also boast Eclectic Games, which stocks one of the largest board game collections in the country, and Hickies, an independent music shop.

Reading has an array of cafes and restaurants dotted along the riverside to excite your taste buds. With Hyderabadi, tapas, Lebanese, Ethiopian and vegan options, you’re sure to find somewhere to satisfy your appetite.

Be sure to check out Blue Collar Corner street food market, spanning across two floors with delicious street food such as vegan tacos and bao buns.

Reading has many beautiful parks and nature reserves – perfect for relaxing with a book or enjoying a picnic.

The river Thames runs through a number of them, creating a haven for wildlife and rowers. Try paddle boarding and kayaking, or jet skiing and water obstacle courses at Lagoona Park.

If you love the countryside, you won't have to travel far from Reading to find yourself in the rolling hills of the Chilterns or the ancient woodlands of the North Wessex Downs.

Reading Festival is one of the best-known festivals in the UK, with 90,000 fans flocking to see some of the biggest names in music. 

Reading also hosts jazz, real ale and comedy festivals throughout the year, as well as its own fringe event.

Reading has lively music, comedy and theatre scenes with venues such as Sub89, South Street and the Hexagon, which has hosted acts including Kaiser Chiefs and Omid Djalili and various local and touring stage shows.

Check out Reading’s community space, The Biscuit Factory, or drop into Spinners for a game of crazy golf, interactive darts or bowling.

Club venues and bars extend beyond campus as Reading town centre transforms from day to night. Discover festivals and new music acts, unique club events and cocktail bars, or indulge in one of our late-night ice cream parlours.

Experience the thrill of a live football or rugby match at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, which is close to the town centre. The venue, which seats over 24,000 people, is home to Reading FC.