Festivals, Spas, and more in a Charming Town

As the Summer Bank Holiday approaches each year, Reading, now a modern, bustling town, slows down to embrace its rich heritage.

A thriving business hub with excellent connectivity, the town gracefully holds onto its historical roots and cherishes its elegant and grand Victorian architecture and quaint charm.

All set to welcome visitors for a weekend of pulsating festivals, lively events and a buzzing outdoors that captures the essence of a warm,happy summer, the town offers a refreshing and relaxing weekend in some of the most elegant and stylish hotels in Reading, Berkshire.

A Historic Town with a Modern Vibe

Reading’s history is as deep as its rivers.

Nestled between the meandering Thames and Kennet, this historic town has long been at the crossroads of culture and commerce. One of its most intriguing historical treasures is the medieval manuscript “Sumer is Icumen In,” (Summer is coming) discovered at the ancient Reading Abbey. Written in the Wessex dialect, this 13th-century piece of music is the earliest known example of a six-part polyphonic composition—reaffirming Reading’s long-standing role in the evolution of art and music.

As you explore Reading’s rich history, amongst some of the best spa and hotels in Reading, Berkshire, The Roseate Reading offers a historical sanctuary. Housed in the former Shire Hall for Berkshire County Council, our hotel reflects the town’s storied past in the beautifully restored building and meticulously curated interiors making it a fitting complement to Reading’s heritage.

The Legacy of the Reading Festival

The Reading Festival started in 1961 as a small jazz and blues event. After several relocations, it found its home in Reading in 1971 and has since evolved into a major festival celebrated for featuring both legendary rock acts and rising stars.

A major international attraction, drawing over 100,000 fans each year, its influence goes beyond music, significantly boosting the local economy through visitor spending and job creation, while also elevating Reading on the global stage.

Held at Little John’s Farm on Richfield Avenue, Reading Festival 2024 is scheduled from the 24th-26th of August, during the 3-day long summer bank holiday weekend and promises a star-studded lineup, including the global sensation Lana Del Rey, Blink-182, Skrillex and more making it an enormously anticipated event.

The Ideal Retreat: The Roseate Reading

This Summer Bank Holiday weekend in Reading can be a blend of reflection and revelry for you. After enjoying the festival’s lively atmosphere, retreat to The Roseate Reading. Just a short distance from the festival grounds, our hotel offers a serene escape. Unwind in plush, elegantly designed rooms ensuring a restful stay amidst the excitement.

What would a weekend getaway be without a culinary experience at one of the finest restaurants in Reading? Situated within The Roseate Reading, The Reading Room restaurant and bar provides an exceptional fine dining experience. It’s chic, contemporary décor and warm, inviting lighting create a refined setting for an unforgettable meal.

As a standout among the top restaurants in Reading, The Reading Room is celebrated for its sophisticated ambiance and exquisite modern European cuisine, skillfully prepared by award-winning chefs. The establishment is renowned not only for its elegant design but also for its bespoke dining experience.

The Reading Room excels as a leading destination for both exceptional dining and breakfast in Reading. Its seasonal menu evolves to feature the finest local produce from across the South of England, offering a range of creatively crafted dishes, including fish, meat, vegetarian, and vegan options.

The bar’s cocktail offerings are equally impressive, blending classic recipes with innovative twists. For example, a single spirit whisky might be enjoyed as a refreshing cocktail with pineapple juice and lemon or transformed into a flambéed after-dinner drink with coffee beans and chocolate liqueur.

Relax and Rejuvenate at Aheli Spa

To make the most of your festival weekend, consider Aheli Spa for the perfect spa break in Berkshire. The spa’s name, inspired by the Sanskrit word ‘Aheli’ for purity and the Hebrew term for grace, reflects our commitment to delivering an exceptional wellness experience.

Aheli Spa is the ideal place to unwind after a day of festival fun. Our bespoke menu of treatments includes body rituals, scrubs, wraps, facials, and manicures and pedicures, all designed to detoxify, cleanse, and rejuvenate. With three well-appointed treatment rooms, a steam room, a sauna, and a gym, our spa offers a comprehensive range of services for relaxation and renewal.

Whether you’re looking for a calming body wrap or a refreshing facial, Aheli Spa at the Roseate Reading complements your festival adventure perfectly, as one of the top spa hotels in Berkshire.

Explore Reading Beyond the Festival

Reading remains a town of delightful scale—compact enough to explore on foot, yet bustling with diverse experiences.

Outside the festival grounds, Reading’s rich history and culture will always give you much to explore. Stroll through the quaint town centre, enjoy a peaceful walk along the river, or discover the historic Abbey Quarter.

After a day of exploration, return to The Roseate Reading for a refined retreat. Our location not only places you at the heart of Reading’s attractions but also ensures you end each day in luxury and comfort, ready for more of what this captivating town has to offer.