Reading weather: 10 things to do on a bank holiday in Berkshire – rain or shine

With two bank holidays in May, many of us will be making plans to get out in the fresh air and make the most of an extra day off.

As Covid-19 restrictions continue to ease across the UK there are more options for what to do as normality slowly begins to return.

However, bank holiday plans in the UK are always weather dependent, and this year is no different with the Met Office predicting a clear and fresh weekend for the first of the May bank holidays, turning to gale force winds and heavy rain on Monday.

But despite the possibility for a spot of rain, there is still plenty to see and do across the county, come rain or shine – and we have you covered with a list of ideal rainy day/non-rainy day ideas for bank holiday fun.

Rainy days

The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading

Where: Riverside Rd, Reading RG1 2AG

If the weather is not on your side over the bank holiday weekend, retail therapy might be the perfect answer to the rain.

The Oracle Shopping Centre reopened its doors, and the majority of shops, on April 12 as part of the widespread return of non-essential retail.

It contains over 90 shops including big name department store and smaller boutique options with full details on their opening hours available here.

Esprit Spa and Wellness

Where: Holiday Inn, Reading, M4 Jct10, Wharfedale Rd, Winnersh, Triangle, Wokingham RG41 5TS

The popular Esprit and Wellness Spa also reopened in April with the relaxing day spa welcoming back anyone in need of a relaxing pamper.

The spa is currently offering a host of offers to tempt visitors back to the centre all within a certified Covid-19 safe environment.

Within the centre there are spa day packages and overnight stays (within the current restriction on household bubbles) with a range of treatments on offer including massages, body therapy, wraps and facials. Full details available here.

Parthian Climbing

Where: Unit 33, Robert Cort Industrial Estate, Britten Rd, Reading RG2 0AU

With restrictions relaxing over exercise and sport in recent weeks, keen Berkshire climbers have been boosted by the return of indoor climbing facilities.

Parthian Climbing offers a fun day out for the family with specific classes and areas for families and first-time climbers alongside experienced ones.

The centre is back open within current Covid-19 guidelines with full details on bookings available here.

Rivermead Leisure Complex

Where: Richfield Ave, Reading RG1 8EQ

RIvermead Leisure Complex has reopened within the phased easing of restrictions, with activities for gym, swimming, children’s swimming, tennis (same household/bubble singles and doubles), squash and badminton (1:1 play only) all resuming.

If the weather does take a turn for the worse there is plenty on offer at Rivermead, with gym sessions, swimming, swim lessons, squash and badminton all available indoors.

Indoor fitness classes and adult swimming lessons and courses are due to resume from May 17 under the Government’s roadmap.

The centre is recommending pre-booking due to the ongoing restrictions and an increase in visitors in recent weeks with full details available here.

Windsor Royal Station

Where: Arch 5 Goswell Hill, Windsor SL4 1RH

Windsor Royal Station offers another shoppers’ paradise in Berkshire but within historic and picturesque surroundings.

The boutique shopping centre offers a string of small shops perfect for browsing in, alongside eateries with outdoor dining space.

Full details on bank holiday opening hours are available here.

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