With a hire car from Reading you can take in all that the vibrant town has to offer, and then journey to a patchwork style backdrop of lush green fields and slow, flowing rivers – enabling you to discover the finest sights in the south, from the capital city to the coastline.

The A33 cuts straight through the centre of Reading. Turn off at the A329 and you’ll find The Oracle car park that takes you straight out onto the riverside. If you head south out of the town on the A33, it’s only around 10 minutes to the Madejski Stadium – home of Reading Football Club.

If you’re here in August for the world-famous Reading Festival, take the A329 from the centre and it’s just a 5-minute drive to Richfield Avenue, home of the renowned rock music event.

There are a number of council and private car parks in the heart of Reading, as well as three park-and-ride sites on the outskirts. You can find more information on the council website.

For day trips, the quaint town of Henley-on-Thames is around 25 minutes by car via the A4155, while the M4 runs around the outskirts of Reading and will lead you towards Bristol and Bath in the west and London when you head east.

Alternatively, head south on the M3 and it is just over an hour to Southampton. Continue past this port city and roll down the windows as you drive into the New Forest, known for its native ponies and the perfect place to park up the car and stretch your legs. 

If the sun is shining and you would like to feel the sand between your toes, head down the M3 for an hour and a half to Bournemouth. Here you’ll find seven miles of sandy Blue Flag beaches.

Reading offers the best of both worlds. It is an exciting town close to the capital city, but also lies within easy of reach of both the countryside and the coastline.

From its central location in the south, you are ideally placed to head out and visit some of the region’s most popular attractions and landmarks.

Watch a football match at Madejski Stadium

Football fans can watch Reading’s team in action at Madejski Stadium, which is situated on the outskirts of the centre.

If The Royals aren’t playing while you are in town, you can also book a tour of the stadium. Walk in the footsteps of your favourite players as you go behind the scenes and make your way to the dressing room and out onto the pitch.

You’ll also visit the Players’ Lounge and the Directors’ Lounge, as well as learning about the club’s history. 

Dance to live music at Reading Festival

Reading Festival – twinned with Leeds – runs over the August bank holiday weekend each year, and is one of the most famous music events going.

Its feast of live performance first took place in 1961, and it has been mostly known for showcasing rock, although elements of hip hop, pop and dance can be found today.

Headliners over the years have included Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Linkin Park, Green Day and Blink-182. Make your way around the various stages and you’ll be treated to a musical treat from some of the world’s biggest bands, as you dance through the day and into the night.

Shop until you drop at The Oracle

Retail hub The Oracle is situated alongside the scenic River Kennet, with around 80 department stores and shops to be found here.

Make your way onto Broad Street for even more shops and back out onto the riverside, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants lining both sides of the water – grab a bite to eat and watch the world go by.

Here you’ll also find an 11-screen cinema, so after all that shopping you can settle down with a box of popcorn and watch one of the latest releases.

Visit Henley-on-Thames

Just a short drive from the centre of Reading is the quaint town of Henley-on-Thames, famous for hosting the Henley Regatta every summer.

After the rowing there are several other notable events, including the 80s-themed Rewind Festival and Henley Festival, which boasts an eclectic mix from pop to classical music.

As well as hiring a boat for a few hours and discovering the town from the water, this is also the ideal place to lay down a blanket and tuck into a picnic. The town comes to life during the summer and even if you don’t buy a ticket to the events, there is a real buzz in the air.  

Car hire in Reading gives you the freedom to travel in and around this exciting southern town, taking in all the sights and attractions at your own pace.