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The Oracle

Reading's flagship riverside shopping and dining centre — 80+ shops, a 10-screen Vue and a whole terrace of restaurants overlooking the Kennet.

Where
Reading Town Centre
Time needed
2-3 hr visit
Tickets
Free
Free entry
Yes
The Oracle riverside shopping centre with waterside restaurants The Oracle riverside shopping centre with waterside restaurants

What to expect at The Oracle

The Oracle opened in 1999 on the site of a 17th-century workhouse of the same name (a gate from the original survives at the entrance to Minster Street). It is Reading's principal shopping destination, with around 80 shops spread over two levels — Marks & Spencer, Zara, H&M, Apple, John Lewis nearby on Broad Street, plus mid-market fashion and homeware. The trick that makes it work is the Riverside: an entire lower level opens onto a paved terrace along the River Kennet, so shopping and eating happen with the sound of water.

The Riverside restaurants are the reason to come even if you don’t shop — Cote, Wagamama, Nando's, Turtle Bay, Zizzi, Cosy Club and half a dozen more line both banks of the Kennet with outdoor tables from March to October. The Vue cinema on the upper level has ten screens and is one of the town's main evening destinations. Between the shopping and the water sit two little pedestrian bridges and, in December, the town's Christmas ice rink. There are decent baby-change facilities near House of Fraser and free wifi throughout.

Three minutes' walk south of Broad Street, seven minutes from Reading Station. Free to enter and free to wander; the car park is 1,600 spaces at typical town-centre rates (£2 for the first hour, £14 all day). For a town-centre stay at somewhere like the Malmaison or Novotel, this is effectively your extended lobby: the riverside terrace at dusk on a summer evening is one of the best casual things Reading offers. Late-night shopping until 20:00 on weekdays.

Plan your visit TicketsFree Free entryYes Time needed2-3 hr visit WhereReading Town Centre Opening hours Mon-Sat 9:00-20:00 (shops) Sun 11:00-17:00 (shops) Riverside restaurants 11:00-23:00 Hotels near The Oracle

Questions about The Oracle

Cost to enter?

Free. Individual shops and restaurants charge what they charge.

Free hours?

Always — public shopping centre.

How long?

2-3 hours for shops and lunch on the riverside.

Closed days?

Open every day except Christmas Day. Reduced hours Boxing Day and Easter Sunday.

Booking?

Not for entry; individual restaurants take bookings direct.

Nearest station?

Reading Station, 7 min walk south via Friar Street.

Where to stay

Hotels near The Oracle

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