Title: Reading Abbey Ruins in Reading City Centre - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

  

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# 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

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#### 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 $1,208

per person

Jan 10 - Jan 15

found 15 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YTO) to London (LHR)

8.8/10 Excellent! (424 reviews)

They checked me in super early for no extra cost because a room happened to be free. Firdus was especially helpful, even welcoming me to have complimentary breakfast and coffee while I waited. It was a great room - small but clean and charming.

Reviewed on Oct 20, 2025

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### Hybrid Resi - Cheam

CA $1,549

per person

Dec 5 - Dec 10

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Vancouver (YVR) to London (LHR)

8/10 Very Good! (1 review)

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### Cleveland Residences Russell Square

London City Centre

CA $1,859

per person

Dec 6 - Dec 12

found 12 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Montreal (YUL) to London (LHR)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (105 reviews)

Very clean and modern apartment. Could hear some train noise at night. Staff was great, easy check in and out. Bed was a tad hard but overall a good stay and value for money.

Reviewed on Oct 15, 2025

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### 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)

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pentahotel Reading

Oxford Road, Reading, England

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ibis Reading Centre

25A Friar Street, Reading, England

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Novotel Reading Centre

25b Friar Street, Reading, England

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The Roseate Reading

26 The Forbury, Reading, England

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Malmaison Reading

18-20 Station Road, Reading, England

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Hotel 1843 Reading

33 London Street, Reading, England

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The Market House

1-2 Market Place, Reading, England

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easyHotel Reading

132-138 Caversham Road, Reading, England

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Garner Reading City Centre by IHG

4-8 Duke Street, Reading, England

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