Gig Nights in Reading: Where to Stay, How to Get There and When to Go

Plan a stress-free gig night in Reading with our guide to venues, transport, timing and the best places to stay.

Getting to the Gig: Transport and Timing

Reading is well connected by rail, with direct trains from London Paddington (about 25 minutes), Bristol Temple Meads (1 hour) and Oxford (30 minutes). The main station, Reading, is a 10-minute walk from the Hexagon and 15 minutes from the Sub89 venue. If you're driving, use the M4 junction 10 or 11 and park at the Oracle or Chatham Place car parks; expect to pay around £2 per hour. For late-night returns, the last trains to London leave around 11:30pm, so check times before booking.

Most gigs at the Hexagon start at 7:30pm and finish by 10:30pm, while Sub89 club nights run until 2am. Arrive early to avoid queues and grab a drink. If you're heading to a show at the Concert Hall, note that it's a 15-minute walk from the station. For events at Reading University, buses 21 and 21a run from the town centre every 10 minutes until midnight. Always check the venue's website for door times and age restrictions.

Where to Stay: Neighbourhoods and Hotels

For proximity to the Hexagon and Sub89, the town centre is ideal. The Oracle complex has hotels like the Malmaison and the Reading Hilton, both within a 5-minute walk. Expect to pay £90-£150 per night. If you prefer a quieter spot, the Royal Berkshire Hotel is a 10-minute drive from the centre. For budget options, the Ibis Reading Centre offers rooms from £55, but book early as prices rise on gig nights. Avoid hotels along the Oxford Road if you want a peaceful night; it's lively but noisy.

If you're attending a gig at Sub89, consider staying in the nearby Conservation Area around Castle Street, where you'll find boutique guesthouses like the Narrowboat. Prices range from £80-£120. For university events, the Novotel Reading Centre is a 15-minute walk and has family rooms. I'd book the Malmaison for its central location and stylish bar, but if you're on a tight budget, the Premier Inn Reading Central is reliable and often under £70. Always check cancellation policies in case the gig is rescheduled.

What to Do Before and After the Show

Reading has plenty to fill your day. Start with a walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal, then visit the Reading Museum to see the Bayeux Tapestry replica. For dinner, head to the Forbury Square area, where you'll find restaurants like Côte and The Botanist. If you're in town on a Saturday, the Reading Farmers' Market at the Oracle is worth a browse. After the gig, late-night eats include the Reading branch of Franco Manca (open until 11pm) and the kebab shops on Friar Street.

If you're staying overnight, make the most of the next morning with breakfast at one of the independent cafés on St Mary's Butts, such as Workhouse Coffee. For a leisurely start, the Thames Path offers scenic walks from Caversham Bridge. If you're driving home, avoid the rush hour (8-9am) on the A33. And if you're a real ale fan, the Nag's Head on Russell Street is a classic pub worth a visit before heading to the station.

Money-Saving Tips and What to Skip

Book your hotel as soon as gig tickets go on sale; prices in Reading spike during major events. Sign up for hotel loyalty schemes for discounts, and consider staying on a Sunday night when rates drop by up to 30%. For transport, a Reading PlusBus ticket adds unlimited local bus travel for £3.50. Skip the taxi ranks outside the station after gigs – they're chaotic; instead, walk 5 minutes to the Oracle and hail a cab there. Also, avoid the chain restaurants on the Riverside; they're overpriced and busy.

If you're on a tight budget, skip the hotel breakfast (often £10-£15) and grab a pastry from Greggs or a coffee from Costa instead. For gigs at the Hexagon, avoid the nearby NCP car park on Queen's Road; it's expensive. Use the Oracle car park and walk. And don't bother with the tourist information centre – it's small and you can find everything online. Instead, spend your time exploring the Forbury Gardens, a lovely spot for a picnic if the weather's nice.

Questions, answered

How do I get to Reading by train?

Reading has direct trains from London Paddington (25 mins), Bristol (1 hr), and Oxford (30 mins). The station is central, with most hotels a 10-15 minute walk away. Check National Rail for times.

What's the best area to stay for a gig at the Hexagon?

The town centre, especially around The Oracle, is ideal. Hotels like Malmaison and Ibis are within 5 minutes' walk. Book early for the best rates.

Are there late-night transport options after a gig?

Last trains to London leave around 11:30pm. For club nights, taxis are available but busy; walk to the Oracle for easier pickup. Buses run until midnight on some routes.

What time do gigs usually start and finish in Reading?

Most gigs at the Hexagon start at 7:30pm and end by 10:30pm. Sub89 club nights run until 2am. Always check the venue's website for exact times.

Can I walk from Reading station to the Hexagon?

Yes, it's a 10-minute walk. Exit the station towards Station Road, then head down Friar Street. The Hexagon is on Queen Walk.

Where can I park for a gig in Reading?

Use the Oracle or Chatham Place car parks, both central and around £2 per hour. Avoid the NCP on Queen's Road as it's pricier. Pre-book if possible.

What's a good budget hotel near Sub89?

The Premier Inn Reading Central is a reliable choice, often under £70. It's a 10-minute walk to Sub89. Book early for the best rates.

Is there anywhere to eat after a gig?

Franco Manca on King Street is open until 11pm. For later, kebab shops on Friar Street stay open until the early hours. The Oracle has several restaurants open until 11pm.

← Reading's page