Getting there
Plan your visit to Reading. Advice on how to get there and where to stay.
Address
The Abbey School
17 Kendrick Rd
Reading RG1 5DZ
(For satnav use RG1 5DU)
Travel
Situated on the M4 corridor, Reading is easy to reach by road rail and air.
The Abbey School is a 10 - 15 minute drive from Junctions 10 and 11 or the M4.
There is free on-site parking with plenty of spaces available. In case there are no spaces left when you arrive, you can park on the street for free after 5:30pm (paid parking before this time).
Reading Station has direct routes to almost every part of the UK and is just 23 minutes by train from London Paddington (fastest trains – GWR mainline), or 45 minutes direct from Central London on the Elisabeth Line.
There are GWR mainline services to Bristol/Wales and the South West as well as South West Trains to the south and CrossCountry trains between the south coast and the north of England/Scotland.
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Heathrow Airport – This is Reading’s closest and just 25 minutes on the M4 at off-peak times. There is a connecting RailAir coach link between all Heathrow terminals and Reading Rail station that departs approximately every 20 minutes.
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Gatwick Airport – is connected by a regular stopping train service to Reading Station that departs every half hour at peak times.
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Southampton (Eastleigh) Airport - about 1 hour’s drive from Reading (via the A33 and M3).
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Hotels and Food
Where to stay
Reading has a range of accommodation from 5* to budget hotels as well as B&Bs.
The closest hotel to the festival is the the Sure Hotel by Best Western that’s just a few minutes walk from the Abbey School.
Other recommendations:
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The Roseate Reading – A luxurious 5-star option offering spa services and an elegant restaurant, located just a short walk from Reading Abbey and the city centre. It's a standout choice for a pampered stay.
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The Market House – A charming 3½-star boutique hotel with high ratings, ideally located for easy access to local attractions.
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Malmaison Reading – A contemporary 4-star hotel steps away from the Abbey Ruins and town attractions—great for modern comfort with convenience.
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Hotel 1843 Reading – Solid 3-star comfort with a complimentary continental breakfast; perfectly situated near Reading Abbey, the museum, and town hall.
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The Abbey House Hotel – Tucked in a quiet residential area, this relaxed hotel offers free Wi-Fi and parking, about a 10-minute walk into the town centre—ideal if you prefer something more peaceful.
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100 Kings Road by House of Fisher – A refined 4-star hotel around a 5-minute walk east of Reading Abbey Ruins, combining comfort with prime location.
Check out https://www.visit-reading.com/where-to-stay for more options.
Places to eat
The Abbey School is a short walk to Reading’s Oracle centre with a wide ranges of place to eat, from snacks to a more gourmet meal.
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The Reading Room – Set inside a beautifully restored townhouse, this venue offers modern European cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. Great for a refined lunch or dinner.
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Carluccio’s Reading – A cozy Italian chain known for pasta, salads, and lighter fare under £30—ideal for a casual, budget-friendly meal.
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The Coconut Tree – Reading – Offers Sri Lankan dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options, in a warm riverside setting. Budget-friendly and flavorful.
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Rosa’s Thai Reading – Specializes in Thai noodle dishes and other Thai favorites under £30. Conveniently located and great for quick, tasty meals.
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Royal Tandoori – A lively spot serving South Indian cuisine with rich flavors, perfect for flavorful dinners.
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Pho Reading – A go-to for Vietnamese staples like pho and fresh noodles—light, comforting, and straightforward.
See www.visit-reading.com/food-and-drink for some suggestions.
