Heritage Open Days returns this September with more than 40 free events across Reading, celebrating the town’s unique architecture and fascinating history.
Reading’s full architectural spectrum will be on show for this year’s national Heritage Open Days festival, including medieval monasteries, Georgian townhouses, Victorian masterworks and cutting-edge office blocks.
They all form part of the 2025 theme of architecture, and Reading is going big.
Running between September 12 and 21, the events across the town will explore its architectural legacy, and the programme includes everything from walking tours to hands-on craft workshops and behind-the-scenes building visits.
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Highlights include:
- Tours of Georgian Reading and the world of young Jane Austen
- Rare access to Alfred Waterhouse landmarks like Reading School and Caversham Baptist Church
- A fresh look at One Station Hill, Reading’s newest addition
- Milling heritage talks and a centenary celebration of Caversham Bridge
There’s plenty for families, with creative events for young people at Watlington House and Caversham Court Gardens.
Reading’s Ukrainian community will also be opening the doors to the Ukrainian Community Centre on Sidmouth Street, inviting everyone to learn more about their heritage and culture.
Alex Brannen of REDA, Reading’s Heritage Open Days coordinator, said: “This year’s theme of architecture suits Reading very well.
“We have an impressive range of buildings spanning almost one thousand years of history, so Heritage Open Days is a great way to find out more about Reading’s history – and it is all free.”
All events are free, although some need advance booking.
A printed programme is available at libraries, Reading Town Hall, the visitor information booth at Reading Station and other venues.
For more on Heritage Open Days…
Full listings and accessibility information are available at www.whatsonreading.com/heritage-open-days and www.heritageopendays.org.uk
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