As a final year student who has enjoyed all that Reading has to offer over the past four years, I thought I would share my recommendations of things to do in Reading this Summer!

After spending the entire year in or around the University Campus it can begin to feel like Reading is quite small, but there is so much to do, especially when the sun is out! We all know that Reading has amazing transport links to London, Bristol, Oxford… everywhere! But what is there to do in Reading?

Here are some of my all-time favourite things to do in Reading. Form fancy dinner spots to free days out, I hope that this blog leaves you with some fresh ideas of how to spend the summer months.

Best Eats – My top three spots for some delicious food:

• Blue Collar Corner Street Food Market – tasty street food with loads of variety, located on Hosier Street just behind the Broad Street Mall:
• Osaka – the best sushi!
• Coconut Bar and Kitchen – amazing Thai food and great drinks too!

Best Walks – My all-time favourite daily walks in Reading:

• Whiteknights Lake (of course!)
• The Thames Path – a route from the Cotswolds to London following the River Thames with a stretch that runs through Reading
• Caversham Court Gardens – beautiful open green space, perfect for relaxing in summer.

Best Days Out – For the days that you’re feeling a bit adventurous:

• Sonning Lock – drive down to Sonning for a day of swimming and sunbathing with your besties.
• Caversham Lake – where there is an inflatable waterpark with great off peak prices, book online.
• Henley on Thames – a £4 return trip when you have a railcard!

Best Drinks – If you want to impress your friends with the best drinks recommendations, suggest one of these:

• Coconut Bar and Kitchen – amazing ‘instagrammable’ cocktails and happy hour deals! Happy Hour Times: ALL DAY Sunday, 4:30pm-9pm Monday – Thursday,  4:30pm-7pm Friday and Saturday.
• Las Iguanas – with a gorgeous outdoor area on the riverside.
• Market House – a fun bar with games and a rooftop! Book a game of shuffleboard for you and your besties.

Best Free Activities – I’m on a student budget too! Here are my recommendations that don’t break the bank:

• Picnic in Forbury Gardens – a peaceful picnic spot in the middle of town
• BBC Introducing Music Night at Oakford Social Club – a fun music event every Wednesday with free entry.
• Reading Park Run – get yourself moving and join the park run on a Saturday morning!

Use this blog as your ‘Reading Bucket List’ and tick each activity off as you go! You won’t be here forever so make the most of what’s around you whilst you can!