Ahh yes, the town of Reading, situated within a stones throw of being interesting! Well, I supposed for the August Bank Holiday weekend it might actually be interesting but other than that it’s best feature might just be the train station.
Nestled between legitimately lovely places such as Oxford, Windsor and… erm, Basingstoke, (ok, maybe not) it’s in a good spot for those who want to visit said charming areas or the Big Smoke. In fact, Reading prides itself on being the home of choice for many a wanna be Londoner who can’t quite afford to live in the capital.
Famous for being mispronounced by lost Yanks, having a football team that was relegated from the Premier League and oh yeah, one of the world’s biggest rock and pop festivals! Ok, so it does have something going for it.
In reality a visit to Reading is more out of necessity than because you’ve always dreamt of taking in the grandeur of The Royal Berkshire Hospital’s original 1839 frontage. You’re going to be here because you’re heading to the festival (clearly having missed out on Leeds tickets) or you’ve got a work conference in London and can’t bring yourself to stay in Slough or Hemel Hempstead again.
Either way, here you are, about to stay in Reading. So strap yourselves in for a wild ride as I conjure up fifteen of the best Airbnbs in Reading, for your reading (not to be confused with Reading) pleasure of course.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Quick Answer: These Are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Reading
Sunny One-Bed Period Home with Bay Windows
- > $$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Bay windows with tree-lined street view
- > Renovated Victorian apartment
Affordable Private Room Overlooking Gardens
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Views of the garden
- > Five minutes from the university
Secluded Two-Bed Riverside Log Cabin with Hot Tub
- > $$$$
- > 4 Guests
- > Garden and terrace on the river
- > Wintery interior with hot tub and pool table
Charming Room with Shared Kitchen and Bathroom
- > $$
- > 1 Guest
- > Homey and eclectic interiors
- > Private room with workspace
Stylish One-Bed Apartment with Private Workspace
- > $$
- > 3 Guests
- > Kitchen with washing machine
- > Private parking space
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Reading
As the wildest town in the Southeast outside of Milton Keynes, the Airbnbs in Reading better get ready to welcome your drunk mud-covered arse each evening… festival or no festival!
If you’re travelling to the UK for the premium tea-sipping English experience, well folks, Reading might just be a swing and a miss (of a cricket bat, of course). But, it does have a certain charm come late August and I’ve been known to stay here drying my tears after yet another defeat to Villa at the critical stage in our failed title push!
The best places to stay in Reading are mostly about convenience and location. Most visitors are interested in getting to the hallowed grounds of Reading Festival, the Emirates Stadium or conference room B at the Crowne Plaza for their boss’s annual monologue.
Whatever your reason, your Airbnb needs to be a haven of escape and each one on this list offers something pretty unique. I’ve encountered every property type, from Victorian townhouses and self-contained cabins to modern apartments to family-friendly homes.
You won’t have to worry about simple things like overspending on restaurants, parking, or purchasing toiletries in the average Airbnb. Most have a well-equipped kitchen with cooking essentials.
In fact, many Airbnbs here are fitted with extra conveniences such as dishwashers and laundry facilities – which you’ll be thankful for if you plan to stay for an extended period… Or you’ve decided to take an impromptu mud spa at Reading Festival.
What sets these homes apart from the rest is the attention to detail and care taken by the owners of each property. You’re unlikely to find personal touches like care baskets, snack bags, and flower arrangements in the average hotel room, right? Well, these extras can take an Airbnb from ordinary status to off-the-charts.
You can rest assured the best Airbnbs in Reading will have heating, free Wi-Fi, and bedding so luxurious it will be hard to wake up each morning and drag yourself off to one of the UK’s top festivals. If we’re talking about the more opulent spots, you could even find yourself in a home with a hot tub, private garden, or a fireplace. Now, that’s better than a grimy campsite!
A trend I’ve noticed throughout the UK is that most historic Airbnb’s have been tastefully refurbished with contemporary interiors and mod cons while retaining their original charm. Of course, there are also some brand new Airbnbs on the market. It all depends on the vibe you’re after for your trip of a lifetime to Reading!
The 15 Top Airbnbs in Reading
So, with all the details out of the way, I’ve decided to help you search for some great places to stay in Reading. Whether you’re backpacking in the UK, travelling for the festival or a game, or using it as a base to explore London, there’s somewhere for you.
Without further ado, let me introduce to you the fifteen top Airbnbs in my favourite town along the M4. Yes, that’s the one-and-only, Reading!
Sunny One-Bed Period Home with Bay Windows | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Reading
Picture yourself waking up in the heart of Reading to the sound of birdsong, or is that tinnitus from Metallica’s headline set? Who cares?
You put the kettle on and open the curtains to warm rays of sunshine streaming through the windows, at last, a break from the mud! You run a bath in the deep tub and prepare for a day at Reading Festival. What more could you ask for?
A reasonable price – that’s what. And let me clarify: this place has it for budget travellers. Set in a red brick period home, remodelled with a classic style, and equipped with every essential you might need to feel right at home, it’s no wonder this is the overall best Airbnb in Reading.
Affordable Private Room Overlooking Gardens | Best Budget Airbnb in Reading
As far as Airbnbs in Reading go, there are few as reasonably priced as this one. It’s a private room in a residential home, with a shared bathroom and living space.
The room has high ceilings and double windows overlooking private gardens, a personal TV set, and plenty of closet space. On top of the low price per night, the home includes free laundry facilities, complimentary toiletries, and all the kitchen and cooking essentials you could need. Calling this a bargain would be an understatement.
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View on Osprey View on REISecluded Two-Bed Riverside Log Cabin with Hot Tub | Over-The-Top Luxury Airbnb in Reading
I’d go so far as to say this might be the most epic Airbnb in Reading for travelling families AND luxury-seekers. It’s not your classic ‘luxury experience’, but it’s so unique compared with traditional Airbnbs that it had to make the cut.
It’s set on the banks of River Kennett, with a rolling lawn shaded by trees and a floating deck over the water. The living space is slightly kitsch but super cool.
It has a pool table, leather and wooden interiors, and quirky decor including mismatched overlapping carpets, neon lighting, and indigenous American artefacts. Other than the hot tub, the winning feature has to be the outdoor kitchen and dining space.
Charming Room with Shared Kitchen and Bathroom | Perfect Reading Airbnb for Solo Travelers
This room in a shared home is easily the coolest on the block for solo travellers in the UK. In fact, it’s one of the best Airbnbs I’ve ever seen, full stop.
You’ll be sharing common spaces like a kitchen and garden with the owners. But you can rest assured that each inch of the house is so wonderfully decorated that it totally makes up for the lack of privacy (if this even matters at all).
That said, your suite comes with a private kitchenette, its own entrance, and even continental breakfast and coffee provided each morning. For my work-from-home crew, the room has a dining space that doubles as an office space.
Stylish One-Bed Apartment with Private Workspace | Perfect Short-Term Airbnb for Digital Nomads
Considered one of the most suitable Airbnbs in Reading for digital nomads, this spot has fast Wi-Fi and a private workspace that will make the mundane workday a pleasant experience.
Let’s not beat around the bush; the apartment is compact. But it’s more than spacious enough for two guests (max three, in my opinion). The rain shower is as good as showers get, and the kitchen is fitted with all the necessities you might need during your visit.
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It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Reading
And there are more where those come from. I’ve left no stone unturned in finding you the very best of the best Airbnbs in Reading. Here are a few more of my favourite Airbnbs in Reading!
Modern Four-Bed Townhouse with Free Parking
True relaxation and homeliness await you at this modern townhouse overlooking a leafy area of Reading. Wooden floors, white cabinetry and furniture, and touches of warm wood make the townhouse inviting and cosy, even in the depths of the British winter.
The highlight of this house is the kitchen doors, which open onto a small yard where you can enjoy your morning coffee in whatever weather Reading decides to throw at you. The views from the bedroom out of the floor-to-ceiling windows offer a glimpse of suburban British life.
Wooden Cabin Retreat with Gardens
If you’re hoping to balance history with nature, you won’t find a space more suitable than this one. It’s not like other Airbnbs in Reading. Instead, this wooden structure sits at the bottom of a residential garden, tucked away between trees.
From the cabin itself, you’d never believe you’re in a busy commuter town. The apartment has one bedroom as well as an oversized sofabed in the living room that can easily sleep an extra guest (or two small kids). It’s ideal for a recovery space after Reading Festival.
Idyllic Two-Bed Apartment with State-of-the-Art Fittings
Deciding to stay in this gorgeous UK vacation rental was as easy as saying yes to cheese on my chips in the kebab shop at 2 am! Just one look at this Airbnb listing and you’ll be reaching for the ‘reserve’ button.
Each of the two bedrooms has a double bed and shares a bathroom. The space is professionally decorated with a marble bathroom and a modern grey and gold kitchen. The bedroom decor, on the other hand, brings in a pop of colour, with blue and orange linens and art that liven up the space a bit.
Fully-Equipped Micro Apartment in Newtown Neighborhood
I’ve always been a fan of tiny houses. They’re compact, fitted with just the necessities, and are usually located in central parts of a town or city. This micro apartment is no exception. In fact, it exceeds expectations with its touch of history and authentic quirks.
While the kitchen and bathroom have been tastefully remodelled, you’ll still find the odd antique wooden cabinet or original fireplace around. I think this is an epic Airbnb in Reading for solo travellers, but it’s also spacious enough for travelling couples.
Family-Friendly One-Bedroom Apartment with Yard
If you’re travelling with a child or even a new baby, staying here should be a no-brainer. Set in an apartment block just a five-minute walk from the town centre, you’ll have access to a secure parking spot – an addition not to be taken lightly in this busy area, especially when travelling with kids.
The bedroom has a king-sized bed that can be divided into two singles, and there is also a comfortable sofa bed in the lounge. Ditch your travel cot and travel light because this spot has a cot and pack-and-play available on request. You’re welcome, mums and dads!
Private Ensuite in a Colourful Home with Shared Terrace
The best thing about this colourful home isn’t even its affordability, but how homely and cosy the common spaces are (although its reasonable price certainly doesn’t hurt). You can feel the space is ‘lived-in’, but in the best way possible. Personal and quirky touches scatter the space, and I’m all for it.
Within the shared space, you can enjoy the huge garden and patio, which has a lush garden with a seating area. Access to the kitchen is limited, but you will be offered a delicious breakfast of cereals and coffee each morning!
Sunny One-Bed Condo with Quiet Workspace
Another one of the best Airbnbs in Reading for digital nomads, this one-bedroom apartment will quickly feel like your first-ever solo home did – independent and invincible!
It’s perfect for couples or solo female travellers, with a double bed, a desk space in the bedroom, and a modern kitchen with more than just the basics. It’s just a few minutes from the shops and restaurants of Caversham Court Gardens, so it’s ideal for those travelling without a car.
Two-Bedroom House with Sunny Terrace
Picture this: you arrive home from a day exploring Reading (or, let’s be honest, visiting all the epic things to do in London) to a warm, light-filled living room. You turn the kettle on for your afternoon tea and sip it in the sunshine (*not promising anything) on your private terrace.
After a luxurious soak in the bath, you head into the kitchen to get dinner going. These are the reasons I choose an Airbnb over a hotel—time and time again.
But let’s get back to that terrace because it is no doubt the highlight of the house. A decked area with a dining table and umbrella allows for all-day al fresco dining. What more could you ask for? Some sun I imagine!
One-Bedroom Flat with Full Kitchen in Central Reading
This property is the epitome of simple living. It is beauty—it is grace—it is exactly what I look for in an affordable Airbnb in Reading. It’s fitted with all the necessities for daily living, including a full kitchen with a hob and an oven, laundry facilities, and a spacious living and dining area for two guests.
But that’s not all. It’s also just a short stroll from Reading train station and Broad Street Mall and includes a private parking space right in the heart of the town.
Affordable One-Bed Flat with Modern Kitchen
To close things off, I’ve added one more incredibly well-valued property in East Reading. Suitable for up to three guests (with one on the sofa bed), the apartment includes a parking spot, a modern tiled bathroom with a bath, and a kitchen so beautiful that you’ll be fighting over who gets to make dinner.
Trust me on this one, this compact space has everything you could wish for and more for a short stay in Reading, including free laundry facilities, toiletries, and even some books and board games to keep you busy on a night in.
FAQs About Airbnbs in Reading
Curious about Reading? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions. If you have any of your own, feel free to drop it in the comments below!
What To Pack For Reading
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Reading Travel Insurance
Even though Reading is by and large a very safe place to stay, you should consider purchasing good travel insurance for the UK. You can spend days researching safety statistics, travel only to the safest destinations, or pay extra money to fly with the best of the best airlines. Still, you’re never totally safe from the unexpected.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on The Best Airbnbs in Reading
Reading is a classic UK town, it’s got a Wetherspoons, a slight air of mediocrity and the local Abbey is an ancient ruin they couldn’t be arsed to fix! The main bonus here is that you’re not in an Airbnb in Milton Keynes instead, ya feel me?
BUT, it truly comes alive when tens of thousands of people descend each year to take part in the UK’s second largest music festival after Glastonbury. Reading is legendary in this respect and the festival always offers up a fantastic mixture of genres for all tastes and is rightly considered one of the best festivals in the UK.
It takes just 38 minutes to get to London from Reading, so there’s your selling point right there. Rather than paying over the odds staying in London in a dilapidated hostel with a bathroom shared with an entire floor of exchange students in central (speaking from personal experience here), why not commute from a leafy town and experience what it is to be a middle-class Brit!?
Whilst Reading itself might not be much to write home about, it’s not the worst place in the world to find yourself. I mean, you could end up in Bradford and despite its proximity to Leeds Festival, it is still significantly shitter!
Whether you’re looking for the convenience of a modern apartment in town, the charm and comfort of a historic cottage in the burbs, or the luxury of a penthouse, Reading’s Airbnbs cater to all preferences and travellers, whether you’re a commuter, a rocker or a sports fan.
If you’re still on the fence, this Sunny One-Bed Period Home has my vote! Or, if it’s budget-friendly accommodation you’re after, be sure to check out this Affordable Private Room.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
- Check out our Backpacking around the UK guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Make sure you visit the most beautiful places in the UK too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks in the UK.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
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