Business Travel Guide to Reading

Staying in Reading, England

Reading is a town and borough in Berkshire. Famed for being home to one of England's largest music festivals, Reading Festival, as well as being a stop on the Thames Path national trail, Reading has a reputation as the commercial capital of the Thames Valley. Situated less than 50 miles from London, Reading is an ideal destination for the modern business traveller.

Reading has two separate BIDs (business improvement districts) based in Reading Central and Abbey Quarter. This initiative aims to make the town a better place to conduct business through various services and activities, including safety, sustainability, and aesthetic improvements.

Key Information for Visiting Reading

Weather in Reading

Reading has a mild climate with the hottest months (July - August) reaching around 20°. Its sunniest months are between May – September and ideal for sightseeing. Winter in Reading reaches lows of 2°, with the coldest months being January and February – be sure to wrap up warm if visiting then. Being in the UK, this town is subject to some rain, so we recommend business travellers to Reading to bring a raincoat or an umbrella just in case!

Currency in Reading

Currency (GBP)

The currency in Reading is the Pound Sterling. Reading is a predominantly cashless town however, in smaller, local shops or when tipping waiters, cash may be preferable. There are plenty of ATMs in case you want to withdraw when you arrive. Travelling to Reading from abroad? Consider using an online banking app like Monzo or Revolut to ensure you don’t incur additional transaction fees or exchange rates.

Health & Well-being in Reading

Wanting to get some fresh air, go for a bike ride, or walk your dog? Reading has lots of green spaces to explore, here are our top recommendations:

Caversham Court Gardens is ideal for a dog walk on the bank of the River Thames, 'elevenses' in the Café or, simply enjoying the outdoors. We also suggest walking, or even canoeing, down the Kennet and Avon Canal! Looking for a more historical adventure? Reading Abbey Ruins are the perfect place to go for a stroll whist learning about the past, and visiting the burial place of King Henry I. Lastly, if you're willing to travel a little further afield, Wellington Country Park is perfect for a family day out – less than an hour away from Reading by train, the award winning park offers various seasonal events and plenty of activities for kids.

There are also lots of gyms, pools, Pilates and yoga classes to suit whatever type of workout you choose on your business trip to Reading.

Data in Reading

Plug Type: Type G, 3 pronged plug

The best data providers in Reading are EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. This map can help you calculate the best one for your exact location. Each of these networks have shops across Reading but you can also prebuy a plan online. If buying in person remember to bring a form of ID, like your passport, and the address of your serviced apartment. We recommend business travellers to Reading to download your networks mobile app which can be helpful for tracking your data usage.

Emergency Contact Numbers in Reading
 

In case of an emergency on your business trip to Reading, the key numbers to know are; 

999 for an immediate response to an emergency (police, fire, ambulance) 

101 for a non-urgent emergency which doesn’t require immediate assistance

Cuisine in Reading

Throughout its rich history, Reading became famous for the '3 Bs' – biscuits, beer, and bulbs. There was Huntley & Palmers - the royal biscuit suppliers in 1897, H & G Simmonds family Brewery, and Sutton & Sons. Today, Reading has a thriving restaurant scene, with plenty of independent eateries serving up cuisine from around the world. Check out this map for some of the best places to eat in Reading. Whilst tipping is optional, it is customary to tip 10% for great service.

On your business trip to Reading you should indulge in some 'pub grub'. The most famous to try would be a hearty roast dinner, complete with stuffing and Yorkshire pudding. You should also indulge in Fish and Chips either from your local pub or 'chippy'.

Fancy yourself as a cheese connoisseur? Be sure to taste the award-winning Wigmore sheep's milk cheese made just eight miles south of Reading in Riseley.

Key Terms for Serviced Apartments in Reading

Not sure what to request when booking your business trip to Reading..? Here are a few terms which may help you.

Serviced Apartment = A self-contained, fully furnished temporary accommodation.

Aparthotel = A building dedicated to the provision of serviced apartments, with the added bonus of on-site hotel-like facilities. As well as a reception and property manager, properties can include a swimming pool, gym, bar and concierge services.   

Extended Stay = Nearly all serviced apartments fall under this category. For a long-term business stay, this is crucial to ensuring a home-from-home.

Tried and Tested = Any of our properties which our team have visited or stayed in, reassuring you that it's of the best quality.

Transport in Reading - Getting Around Reading, England

Reading is a very walkable town. It can easily be explored on foot or by bike. If you do choose to bring a car, there is lots of parking space however, it can be quite expensive. There are plenty of local taxi services as well as Uber to suit your needs.

Reading is a well-connected town, and you may want to make use of this and travel further afield. By taking the Elizabeth line, you can be in London Paddington in just 20 minutes - perfect for commuting. If you are staying in Reading for a longer period, or relocating here, it could be cost effective to get a Railcard. There are many options to choose from so it’s worth researching what is best for you.

Reading Map

Now that you've read the basics for your business trip to Reading, consider unwinding with a swim and massage at the Thames LIDO. Alternatively, bond with your team to solve your way out of Knockout Escape Room or, bring out your competitive side at TeamSport Go Karting.  

We're proud to have the most extensive serviced accommodation portfolio on the market. Browse our full selection of serviced apartments in Reading here or, get in touch with one of our team today to find your perfect fit.