Where to Stay in Reading for a Twixmas Break: Late December Guide

Reading makes a practical Twixmas base, with fast trains to London, walks along the Thames and a compact centre; here is where to book and what to skip.

Reading's centre and the railway station

For a Twixmas break, the area around Reading railway station is the most practical base. The station's north entrance opens onto Station Hill, where The Blade and other recent developments sit. From here, fast Great Western Railway services reach London Paddington in about 25 minutes, and the Elizabeth Line offers a slower but cheaper alternative. Cross-country trains to Oxford take around 30 minutes. If you plan day trips, staying within a five-minute walk of the barriers saves time and taxi fares. The main shopping streets — Broad Street and Friar Street — are a short walk south.

Hotels here include the Malmaison in the old Great Western Railway headquarters on Blagrave Street, and the Novotel on Friar Street. Rates for late December typically sit between £85 and £140 per night, higher on New Year's Eve. The Oracle shopping centre and the Riverside area are a ten-minute walk away. I would book the Malmaison for its character and location, or the Novotel if you want reliable mid-range comfort and a pool. Skip the chain hotels further out along the A33 unless you have a car and want free parking.

Thames-side and Caversham options

Caversham, north of the river, is a residential area with a village feel. The Reading Bridge connects it to the town centre, and the walk across offers views of the Thames and the islands near Fry's Island. The Crown Plaza on Richfield Avenue is a large hotel with leisure facilities, about a 20-minute walk from the station along the river. Rates in late December are usually £70–£110. Caversham's high street has independent cafés and pubs such as The Griffin, and the riverside path towards Sonning is a pleasant winter walk when the weather is dry.

Closer to the centre, the Riverside area around The Oracle has the Crowne Plaza Reading and the Pentahotel, both within easy reach of the shops and restaurants. The Pentahotel on Oxford Road is a stylish option with a bar and games area, often priced around £75–£120 in late December. For a quieter stay, the French Horn in Sonning is a short drive east and offers a riverside setting, but it is outside Reading and best for a special meal rather than a base. I would choose Caversham for a peaceful break with easy access to the river, but only if you don't mind a 15–20 minute walk to the station.

What to do between Christmas and New Year

Twixmas in Reading is low-key. The Oracle shopping centre stays open, with its Riverside restaurants and cinema. The Reading Museum on Blagrave Street, home to the Bayeux Tapestry replica, is free and usually open between Christmas and New Year, though it is worth checking times. The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) on Redlands Road is also free and has family activities. For walks, the Thames Path towards Tilehurst or Sonning is flat and quiet, and the Forbury Gardens near the abbey ruins are a peaceful spot for a stroll.

If you want a day trip, London is 25 minutes by train, and Oxford is 30 minutes. Buses to Heathrow take about 50 minutes from Reading station. The weather in late December is typically cold and damp, with temperatures around 4–8°C, so pack waterproofs and warm layers. Many independent shops close on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, but chains and restaurants generally open. Avoid planning a big night out on New Year's Eve unless you book ahead, as many pubs and restaurants require tickets or reservations.

Practical booking advice

Book your hotel as early as possible for late December, especially if you want a specific type of room or a river view. Rates tend to rise closer to New Year's Eve, and some hotels require a minimum stay. Parking in central Reading is limited and expensive; if you drive, choose a hotel with parking, such as the Crowne Plaza or the Novotel, and expect to pay around £10–£15 per day. The station area is best for public transport, with buses and trains connecting to the surrounding area.

For a Twixmas break, I would book the Malmaison for a central, characterful stay, or the Pentahotel for a modern, budget-friendly option. If you prioritise quiet and river walks, the Crowne Plaza in Caversham is a good choice. Skip hotels along the M4 corridor unless you have a car and plan to explore further afield. Reading is a convenient base for a short winter break, with enough to do without being overwhelming.

Questions, answered

Is Reading a good base for a Twixmas break?

Yes, Reading is practical for Twixmas. It has fast trains to London and Oxford, a compact centre with shops and restaurants, and riverside walks. Most attractions stay open between Christmas and New Year, though it is worth checking individual times.

Which area of Reading is best for a short break?

The area around Reading railway station is best for transport links and access to the town centre. Caversham, across the river, is quieter and good for walks. Both have hotels in the £70–£140 range in late December.

What is there to do in Reading between Christmas and New Year?

Visit the Reading Museum and the Museum of English Rural Life, both free. Walk along the Thames Path or in Forbury Gardens. The Oracle shopping centre and its Riverside restaurants remain open. Day trips to London or Oxford are easy by train.

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