Caversham
Reading's leafy north-bank neighbourhood across the Thames — cafes, delis, and the closest thing to a village feel in the city.
Caversham Bridge over the Thames with narrowboats moored
Why people stay in Caversham
Caversham sits on the north bank of the Thames, connected to the centre by Caversham Bridge and Reading Bridge. It has always thought of itself as different from Reading — technically Oxfordshire until 1911, and residents still bring it up. Church Street and Prospect Street form the small high street, with independent butchers, a decent wine shop (Vino Vero), and Geo Café for breakfast. At 9pm on a weeknight it's quiet — most places close by 10, and the Baron Cadogan is your late-night pint option.
This is where to stay if you want walkable Thames access without booking a country hotel. Christchurch Meadows and the towpath give you 45 minutes of riverside strolling before you hit anything urban. Skip Caversham if you need buzz — there is none after 10pm. Skip it also if you’re bringing a car; parking on the narrow terraced streets around St Anne's is a fight. The upside: you’re 15 minutes' walk from Reading Station across the bridge.
The main option is Crowne Plaza Reading East (misleadingly named — it's actually on the Caversham side of the river at Richfield Avenue), running $110-$150. There are a couple of B&Bs along Prospect Street around $85-$100. For character, the Thames-side inns further out (Roebuck at Tilehurst) are a short taxi. Avoid anywhere advertising 'Caversham' that's actually in Emmer Green or Caversham Park — those are 20 minutes uphill by bus.
What to see
Hotels in Caversham
Getting around Caversham
Buses 22, 23, 24 and 27 run from Reading Station across Caversham Bridge every 10 minutes, taking 8 minutes to Prospect Street. From Heathrow, take RailAir to Reading Station and switch. Walking from the station is 15-20 minutes depending on which end of Caversham. Inside the area everything's on foot — Prospect Street to the river is 5 minutes.
Questions about Caversham
Yes — it's actually closer to Richfield Avenue than most town centre hotels, about a 10-minute walk over Caversham Bridge. Prices go up but not as brutally as the RG1 core. Book by March for August dates.
Easily — 15 minutes across Reading Bridge to Prospect Street, or 20 via Caversham Bridge with river views. Both are well-lit and safe. There's no need for a taxi unless you have heavy bags.
