No money? No problem. You can still do plenty of things in Reading without ever spending a penny. Check out 10 of our suggestions here and let us yours…
Get outdoors
We’re at the tail end of autumn so make the most of the last rays of sunshine by visiting one of Reading’s great outdoor spaces. Wrap up warm and take a picnic over to Forbury Gardens. Whether it’s soup in a flask for the winter months or a summer salad when it’s hot out, chill out on the grass or a bench and take in the scenery from this ornamental haven in the centre of Reading. From there, you can walk around the Abbey ruins or simply sit and listen to the variety of bands which play at the bandstand throughout the year.
You can also take your bike out to Waterloo Meadows where you’ll find Reading’s only BMX track or head to Palmer Park in East Reading and take advantage of the play parks if you’ve got little ones, or visit the trampolines for some outdoor exercise. Finally, right by the Thames is the award-winning Caversham Court Gardens – where you can enjoy either the beautiful flora or the historical setting.
Take in some history
Visit Reading Museum at The Town Hall to learn about the town’s heritage and discover facts about local landmarks, artefacts, and figures of note. With events ranging from exhibitions of local artists, to concerts and shows, there’s something for everyone – and most importantly, admission is free! If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids, there are regular child-friendly workshops and family activities. View their listings here.
If you’re willing to head south of the town centre you can find four more specialised museums: the Riverside Museum at Blake’s Lock looking at the history of the Kennet and the Thames, the Museum of English Rural Life currently under renovation and on campus – the URE Museum of Greek Archaeology and the Cole Museum of Zoology.
Volunteer!
Local charity Reading Voluntary Action (RVA) is based on Duke Street, and is the best place in Reading to find out about opportunities in and around the area. Visit the ‘Volunteering’ section of their website to search for and register your interest in groups and charities looking for support. In their own words, help them ‘work towards a stronger community for the people of Reading’.
Visit the University of Reading Campus
The vast University of Reading campus is so big it can almost be seen from space (maybe that’s an exaggeration) but there are so many things to do, you could almost entertain yourself there for a whole day, for free! If you’re looking for wildlife, you could feed the ducks whilst taking a leisurely stroll around the lake. With a variety of species, keen birdwatchers can get out their twitching reference guides and see how many they can spot.
If you like to get lost, a venture into the forest could mean coming across Harris Gardens – or the Secret Garden as it’s affectionately known. For refreshments, Dolce Vita café at the centre of campus provides a selection of coffees and snacks to tide you over on your adventures. Finally, sporty types can entertain themselves by going for a run around the acres of space, either around the lake or sticking to the paths which meander across the whole of campus.
Share your love of animals
A short drive out of Reading, you’ll find Binfield Dog Rescue, a small, independently-run animal shelter in constant need of volunteers. If you have a passion for animals and want to help out, why not show up on a weekend and walk one of the homeless dogs along the neighbouring bridle path and field? You never know, you might find one you want to take home, too!
Test out products for free
Based at the University of Reading Science and Technology Park, Sensory Dimensions is a consumer market research company who are always on the look-out for volunteer product testers! Testing everything from chocolate, to wine, to hair products visit their website here to find out how you can take part.
Visit Reading Vintage Fair
If you’re in love with everything vintage, retro and throwback, head over to The Purple Turtle on Sunday 26th October (or keep an eye on their Facebook page for future events). It’s free to enter, and perfect for anyone looking to pick up clothes, accessories and curiosities from times gone by. Whether you’re looking for early Christmas presents or something to add to your vintage collection, check out the Reading Vintage Fair for pieces from local crafters and collectors.
Catch some live music
If live music is your thing, then you’re well catered for in Reading. Head over to The Jolly Anglers on Kennetside for their Monday night open mic sessions. Watch local talent strut their stuff, from solo singers to acoustic bands. We’re not saying the food and drink is free, but the entertainment certainly is!
The Oakford Social Club opposite Reading Station hosts the weekly BBC Introducing Night, which showcases up and coming talent for absolutely free. Additionally, many pubs and bars across town put on their own free live music.
Expand your mind
As a university town, there are plenty of opportunities to learn something new in Reading for absolutely free. The campus frequently holds free public lectures that anyone is able to attend. In town there is Café Scientifique and Café Theologique: regular talks held by University of Reading experts on current issues in science, technology and theology. Also worth visiting is Reading’s regular ‘Skeptics in the pub’ event – a free monthly discussion for those interested in science, scepticism, rationalism and critical thinking.
Enjoy some spoken word performances
There is also the chance to catch some free spoken-word performances from local poets, writers and stand-up comedians. At the Global Café on London Street you can both watch and take part in Dreading Poetry Slam – a unique poetry tournament where it all comes down to performance.
Similarly, the Reading Fringe Festival has recently started their own Speak Easy event that welcomes any spoken word performers – from comedians to poets – onto the stage. Not only can you enjoy some great performances, but you can take part too.
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