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://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/297000/297111-Reading-Abbey-Ruins.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. ![Three Falcons Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/34000000/33450000/33444200/33444169/8f6abbbb_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Three Falcons Hotel City of Westminster CA $1,219 per person Feb 20 - Feb 26 found 1 day ago Roundtrip non-stop flight included Toronto (YTO) to London (LHR) 8.8/10 Excellent! (470 reviews) This property is close to Paddington Station and is how we arrived in London. We arrived early and the staff was willing to hold our luggage for us. Incidentally, Expedia says to call ahead or contact the property. There’s no need for that. The property is prepared for you as long as you book through Expedia. The room was small, directly above the ground floor pub. A couple of nights were noisy for a while, but the pub closes at midnight so it wasn’t really an issue. Our room was small but clean. The restroom was really small but adequate. I couldn’t figure out the thermostat and couldn’t cool the room enough even though it is air conditioned. The bathroom got pretty warm because of poor ventilation. That was the biggest negative. The breakfast provided was what I would classify as light with the only warm option as toast, tea, and coffee. Still, it was fine and it was enough to start the day. The staff was always pleasant and welcoming. There is a bus stop near the hotel. It was convenient and we used that method of transportation often. The Edgeware Street Station is about an 8-minute walk down the road and we used that tube stop quite a bit. The neighborhood is a near a working-class commercial area and safe enough for us—we experienced no issues. This was a good value. It’s not fancy or big but I’d go there again. Not with kids, though. Just me and my wife. Reviewed on Dec 12, 2025 ![Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/79000000/78560000/78550400/78550383/e0480d6b_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria London City Centre CA $1,553 per person Feb 20 - Feb 26 found 1 day ago Roundtrip non-stop flight included Toronto (YTO) to London (LHR) 8.8/10 Excellent! (3,010 reviews) Great location and staff. Breakfast each morning was fantastic. Rooms were spotlessly cleaned each day. We look forward to returning and visiting other RIU locations. Reviewed on Dec 11, 2025 ![Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, Suites and Residences](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/8600/8563/efbb5449_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, Suites and Residences London City Centre CA $2,343 per person Feb 21 - Feb 26 found 1 day ago Roundtrip non-stop flight included Toronto (YTO) to London (LHR) 9.8/10 Exceptional! (728 reviews) I have just had yet another spectacular stay at the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences. I was welcomed back with the usual genuine warmth that I have come to expect from this wonderful place. As ever the service was impeccable and the accommodation out of this world, particularly as I was given the most amazing upgrade to the most luxurious suite I have ever stayed in. Thank you to everyone at the Taj for another world class stay. I would not wish to stay anywhere else when I have occasion to visit London. Reviewed on Nov 26, 2025 ### Popular places to visit ![Forbury Gardens showing a garden and autumn colours](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/297000/297098-Forbury-Gardens.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 featuring a cemetery, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/297000/297140-St-Laurence-Church.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 showing interior views, theatre scenes and heritage elements](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/296000/296901-Berkshire.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 showing shopping and interior views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/297000/297017-Oracle.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Oracle 4/5(2 reviews) 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 featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/297000/297133-Minster-Church-Of-St-Mary-The-Virgin.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 showing heritage elements and interior views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/297000/297087-Museum-Of-English-Rural-Life.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=2025-12-14&endDate=2025-12-15)[Dec 14 - Dec 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083969&startDate=2025-12-14&endDate=2025-12-15) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083969&startDate=2025-12-15&endDate=2025-12-16)[Dec 15 - Dec 16](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083969&startDate=2025-12-15&endDate=2025-12-16) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083969&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025)[Dec 19 - Dec 21](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083969&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025) ![pentahotel Reading](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/5200/5138/7e8099f3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### pentahotel Reading Oxford Road Reading England [](https://expedia.ca/Reading-Hotels-Pentahotel-Reading.h5138.Hotel-Information) ![ibis Reading Centre](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1510000/1503900/1503883/5394d5bf_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) ![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) ![Novotel Reading Centre](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1470000/1467800/1467769/955833de_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/8000000/7740000/7734000/7733952/84a23cfa_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) ![Hotel 1843 Reading](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2360000/2353100/2353097/837475af_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/38000000/37800000/37797100/37797080/63d93969_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) ![easyHotel Reading](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/28000000/27190000/27184700/27184694/3150b945_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### easyHotel Reading 132-138 Caversham Road Reading England [](https://expedia.ca/Reading-Hotels-EasyHotel-Reading.h27184694.Hotel-Information) ![Garner Reading City Centre by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/16900/16821/5e6e72f4_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 1,142 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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