Title: Reading Abbey Ruins in Reading City Centre - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [Reading Abbey Ruins Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Reading-Abbey-Ruins-Hotels.0-l6083969-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Reading Abbey Ruins Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Reading-Abbey-Ruins.d6083969.Car-Rental-Guide)[Reading City Centre Vacations](https://expedia.ca/Reading-City-Centre.d553248635810423172.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Reading Abbey Ruins Tours and Activities ![Reading Abbey Ruins](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083969/032bfdd7-1375-49a2-8fd2-5adacff642f9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Reading Abbey Ruins Activities --- --- #### Gaze up at the surviving arches, windows and stone walls of a 12th-century abbey in the heart of rolling green parkland. The Reading Abbey Ruins is a fascinating site that comprises the crumbling vestiges of the town’s most iconic religious complex. A picturesque and well-maintained set of gardens surround this beacon of local religious history. Learn about the rich past of this structure, which was founded by King Henry I in 1121. Arrive at the site and wander along the labyrinth of paths that meander through the pretty patches of grass. Relax at a bench and watch people go by, as you consider the history of the abbey. Snap photos of the imposing walls that have survived almost a millennium. Pass through one of the arches to find yourself in the open-air courtyard of the former chapter house. It is the most developed part of the ruins, featuring three portals, large arched windows and the remnants of an apse. Admire the remaining parts of the central tower and the transept, whose southern end is particularly well preserved. Remains of the vestry and the infirmary can also be seen, along with parts of the monks’ dormitory and the old bathroom area. Note that certain sections of the abbey began to fall into disrepair, before being restored in 2018\. Attend the occasional activities and events that use the ruins as a momentous stage, such as Shakespearean open-air performances. Enjoy the serenity and picturesque scenery in and around the Reading Abbey Ruins. Bring food and drink to have a picnic in nearby Forbury Gardens, the city’s main central park. The Reading Abbey Ruins is located on the eastern edge of Forbury Gardens in central Reading. Arrive at the Reading railway station and walk east for about 10 minutes to reach the ruins. You can also take a bus to one of the stops surrounding the park. Visit nearby landmarks such as the Reading Museum, the Oracle mall and the Museum of English Rural Life. ## Plan a trip to see Reading Abbey Ruins Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices. ![Argo Hotel - Kings Cross](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/97000000/96840000/96838700/96838654/22e24ad3_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Argo Hotel - Kings Cross London City Centre CA $1,859 per person May 23 - May 27 found 1 day ago Roundtrip flight included Edmonton (YEG) to London (LHR) 7.8/10 Good! (129 reviews) Great location, clean and warm room and a very comfy bed. Exactly what I needed, would stay again. Reviewed on Nov 25, 2025 ![Cheval Knightsbridge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/8000000/7430000/7422300/7422224/dc232601_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Cheval Knightsbridge London City Centre CA $10,379 per person Jun 15 - Jun 21 found 1 day ago Roundtrip non-stop flight included Vancouver (YVR) to London (LHR) 9.6/10 Exceptional! (94 reviews) Great location and great cleaning staffs. Reviewed on Feb 24, 2026 ![London Choice - South Kensington Mews](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/88000000/87140000/87138600/87138584/e08a9356_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### London Choice - South Kensington Mews London City Centre CA $5,056 per person Jun 15 - Jun 21 found 1 day ago Roundtrip non-stop flight included Vancouver (YVR) to London (LHR) No reviews ### Popular places to visit ![Forbury Gardens](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083935/f1b61133-45c1-4999-855a-5aebfddcbade.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Forbury Gardens See the Maiwand Lion war monument and gaze at the water feature in this charming park in the heart of Reading. [](https://expedia.ca/Forbury-Gardens-Reading-City-Centre.d6083935.Vacation-Attraction) ![St. Laurence Church](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532491630/49f57a31-c498-47ac-ba5d-9326e2067230.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### St. Laurence Church Admire the intriguing religious gems dotted around the extravagant interior of this historic Norman church that also serves as a youth center. [](https://expedia.ca/St-Laurence-Church-Reading-City-Centre.d553248621532491630.Vacation-Attraction) ![Reading Museum and Town Hall](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083961/56ea55cc-6ecd-45a6-a186-da47e9ca1ab4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Reading Museum and Town Hall Marvel at a replica of the Bayeux Tapestry and inspect the artifacts from the Roman town Calleva Atrebatum in this enchanting structure. [](https://expedia.ca/Reading-Museum-And-Town-Hall-Reading-City-Centre.d6083961.Vacation-Attraction) ![Oracle](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083965/ba74ac61-1ebe-40e8-91a3-b64602ae68fe.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Oracle Tap out a tune on the baby grand piano, watch your kids have fun in the play complex and sample the international cuisine in this urban mall. [](https://expedia.ca/Oracle-Reading-City-Centre.d6083965.Vacation-Attraction) ![Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532491634/b72ab0eb-e0dc-47d1-9d2a-616b6a869b0a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin Consider the immense history and marvel at the preserved tower and scenic churchyard of the oldest religious structure in Reading. [](https://expedia.ca/Minster-Church-Of-St-Mary-The-Virgin-Reading-City-Centre.d553248621532491634.Vacation-Attraction) ![Museum of English Rural Life](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083959/33bd999e-22b2-45f4-99b2-eeca3702c213.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Museum of English Rural Life Piece together the charming and nostalgic faces of England’s green and pleasant land from the historic objects of this university museum. [](https://expedia.ca/Museum-Of-English-Rural-Life-Reading.d6083959.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## Best Lodging Options Near Reading Abbey Ruins ## Check availability on hotels close to Reading Abbey Ruins [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083969&startDate=2026-03-30&endDate=2026-03-31)[Mar 30 - Mar 31](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083969&startDate=2026-03-30&endDate=2026-03-31) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083969&startDate=2026-03-31&endDate=2026-04-01)[Mar 31 - Apr 1](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083969&startDate=2026-03-31&endDate=2026-04-01) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083969&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026)[Apr 3 - Apr 5](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083969&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083969&startDate=10%2F04%2F2026&endDate=12%2F04%2F2026)[Apr 10 - Apr 12](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083969&startDate=10%2F04%2F2026&endDate=12%2F04%2F2026) ![pentahotel Reading](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/5200/5138/c0042c78_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### pentahotel Reading Oxford Road Reading England [](https://expedia.ca/Reading-Hotels-Pentahotel-Reading.h5138.Hotel-Information) ![Novotel Reading Centre](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1470000/1467800/1467769/58a3fa1c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Novotel Reading Centre 25b Friar Street Reading England [](https://expedia.ca/Reading-Hotels-Novotel-Reading-Centre.h1467769.Hotel-Information) ![Malmaison Reading](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/8000000/7740000/7734000/7733952/bd8a042b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Malmaison Reading 18-20 Station Road Reading England [](https://expedia.ca/Reading-Hotels-Malmaison-Reading.h7733952.Hotel-Information) ![The Roseate Reading](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1670000/1668600/1668504/1d887b38_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Roseate Reading 26 The Forbury Reading England [](https://expedia.ca/Reading-Hotels-The-Roseate-Reading.h1668504.Hotel-Information) ![ibis Reading Centre](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1510000/1503900/1503883/98efe6cc_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### ibis Reading Centre 25A Friar Street Reading England [](https://expedia.ca/Reading-Hotels-Ibis-Reading-Centre.h1503883.Hotel-Information) ![Village Hotel Reading ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/119000000/118200000/118192700/118192675/cb5909b4_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Village Hotel Reading Caversham Bridge, Richfield Ave Reading England [](https://expedia.ca/Reading-Hotels-Village-Hotel-Reading.h118192675.Hotel-Information) ![Hotel 1843 Reading](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2360000/2353100/2353097/w1815h2420x0y0-eade8a14_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel 1843 Reading 33 London Street Reading England [](https://expedia.ca/Reading-Hotels-Great-Expectations-Reading.h2353097.Hotel-Information) ![The Market House](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/37800000/37797100/37797080/e7dde333_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Market House 1-2 Market Place Reading England [](https://expedia.ca/Reading-Hotels-The-Market-House.h37797080.Hotel-Information) ![Garner Reading City Centre by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/16900/16821/c93a18a3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Garner Reading City Centre by IHG 4-8 Duke Street Reading England [](https://expedia.ca/Reading-Hotels-Garner-Hotel-Reading-City-Centre.h16821.Hotel-Information) [See all 1,100 properties in Reading Abbey Ruins](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6083969) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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