This suburban station was built to allow long distance trains to serve the town of Reading without having to use the main line station. Trains would have had to reverse direction to continue their journey and this would take up platform space and time at an already busy station. Instead, trains used two lines which avoided the main station and then formed a junction with the main line to the west of Reading station. Reading West station allowed Reading passengers to board or alight from long distance trains. The platforms were made big enough to accommodate long distance trains, compared to the shorter platforms only used by local branch line trains at Bramley and Mortimer.
For many years, Reading West was very close to Reading FC’s Elm Park football ground. This stadium was built in 1896 and saw its last match played in 1998 prior to the club moving to its current home at the Madejski Stadium on the outskirts of the town (see Green Park station).
A £3.1 million facelift and upgrade including a new entrance and ticket office has been approved for Reading West and works are due to start soon.
Berkshire’s dynamic contribution to aviation history is graphically recaptured at the historic site of Woodley Airfield, near Reading.
2 minutes walk from the station, this popular public park is an oasis of peace and tranquillity
This museum near the station houses wonderful historic and artistic objects both local and global. Highlights
Whiteknights Campus, University of Reading Part of the University’s School of Biological Sciences
The Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology, established in 1922 by Percy Ure, is part of the University’s Department of Classics.
This large indoor shopping and leisure mall on the banks of the River Kennet, 9 min walk through town from the station.
The 87-mile long canal and navigation starts at Reading at the junction with the River Thames near Blakes Lock and runs through the centre of the town
Abbey Quarter encompassed Forbury Gardens and Reading Museum, but its focus is Reading Abbey.
Anything but dusty, this museum has fabulous displays of rural bygones. There are photographs, films, objects and artefacts.
This small museum gives an insight into the history of the Kennet and Avon canal and River Thames in the town.
Approximately 7 minutes from Reading station is Reading Bridge and the footpath alongside the River Thames.
Home to Reading Football Club, it is just over 1 mile from the new Reading Green Park station (not open yet).
Station Ticket Office Hours
Monday – Friday 06:30 – 10:45
Saturday – Sunday Closed
Train Station Information
Car Parking: 0
Cycle Parking: 0
Refreshments: No
Toilets: No
Taxis: No
Useful Numbers
Tel: 03457 000 125
Travel Assistance: 0800 197 1329
For train times text Reading West to 84950