Where to Stay in Reading for a Theatre or Concert Weekend

Reading's venues pull crowds from across the Thames Valley; here's where to book for a smooth night out, with real neighbourhoods, transport links and honest advice.

Town centre: steps from the Hexagon and Broad Street

The Hexagon on Queens Walk is Reading's main mid-scale theatre, hosting everything from tribute acts to comedy tours, and the surrounding town centre has the densest cluster of hotels. You'll find chain options like Premier Inn and Travelodge near Broad Street Mall and the Oracle, plus a few independents tucked off Friar Street. For a late finish, being able to walk back in under ten minutes is worth a lot. The area is also handy for Reading station, so you can drop bags and head straight out.

On a theatre weekend, I'd book a room within a five-minute walk of the Hexagon if you want zero hassle after the show. The trade-off is less character and more traffic noise on Friday and Saturday nights. Expect to pay a premium for the convenience; rates are highest in December and during Reading Festival (late August), when the town fills up. If you're driving, check parking before you book—many town-centre hotels charge extra per night, and spaces are tight.

Reading station and the Forbury area: best for late arrivals

If you're arriving by train, the area around Reading station and Forbury Gardens is ideal. The station's north entrance opens onto a cluster of hotels, including a few mid-range and upscale chains. From here, the Hexagon is a 10-minute walk via Friar Street, and the Oracle's Riverside dining is even closer. For concert-goers heading to the Sub89 club on Friar Street, this area puts you within a 12-minute walk. The Forbury Gardens themselves are a peaceful spot for a morning coffee before a show.

I'd choose this area if your train gets in after 9pm or you're combining a show with shopping. The trade-off is that some station-side hotels are geared to business travellers and can feel quiet at weekends. Rates vary, but expect to pay more than at motorway services and less than at a boutique in the town centre. Book early for December, when Christmas parties push demand up. Also note that Reading station is a major interchange, so you may hear train announcements from some rooms—request a quieter side if you're a light sleeper.

Caversham and the riverside: quieter stays with a short walk

Just across Caversham Bridge, Caversham offers a slower pace while still being walkable to the town centre. The riverside stretch along the Thames has a few guesthouses and small hotels, and the walk to the Hexagon takes about 20–25 minutes along the river and through Christchurch Meadows. It's a pleasant route in daylight, but after a show you might prefer a taxi (around 5–10 minutes). Caversham's high street has independent cafés and pubs, making it a good base if you want to avoid chain restaurants.

I'd book here if you value quiet over convenience and don't mind a stroll. The trade-off is fewer late-night transport options—buses run, but less frequently after 11pm. Rates are often slightly lower than the town centre, especially on weekdays. If you're attending a concert at the Hexagon and plan to stay out late, Caversham is less practical unless you're happy to walk or pay for a cab. For a weekend with a matinee and an evening show, though, it's a relaxing choice.

Out-of-town options: good for drivers and longer stays

If you're driving and want easy parking, consider hotels along the A33 south of Reading, near junction 11 of the M4. Chains like Holiday Inn and Ibis are clustered around Reading Gateway, with free parking and quick access to the motorway. The trade-off is that you're 10–15 minutes' drive from the Hexagon (depending on traffic) and public transport is limited. For a concert at the Madejski Stadium (home of Reading FC) or an event at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, these hotels are actually more convenient than town-centre ones.

I'd book an out-of-town hotel only if you have a car and don't mind driving to the venue. Rates are often lower than in the centre, especially at weekends, but you'll pay for taxis if you want a drink. For a theatre weekend, the town centre or station area wins on convenience. For a longer stay with day trips to Oxford or Henley, the A33 corridor works well. Just check bus times—some routes stop early on Sundays, which can leave you stranded if you rely on public transport.

Questions, answered

Which hotels are closest to the Hexagon?

Several chain hotels on Friar Street and Broad Street are within a five-minute walk. Premier Inn and Travelodge have branches nearby, but availability varies. Book early for weekend shows, especially in December.

Is it better to stay near Reading station or in Caversham?

Stay near the station for late arrivals and easy walks to the Hexagon; choose Caversham for a quieter riverside base. The walk from Caversham takes 20–25 minutes, so consider taxis after dark.

When is the best time to book a hotel for a Reading theatre weekend?

Book as soon as you have tickets. Demand peaks in December and during Reading Festival in late August. Weekday rates are often lower, but Friday and Saturday nights fill up quickly.

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