⚽ SELECT CAR LEASING STADIUM ⚽
Reading FC – Your Complete Travel Guide
🏟️ ABOUT THE SELECT CAR LEASING STADIUM
The Select Car Leasing Stadium (formerly known as the Madejski Stadium) has been Reading FC’s modern home since 1998, replacing the historic Elm Park. Located adjacent to Junction 11 of the M4 motorway in south Reading, this 24,161-capacity venue represents one of the finest examples of late-1990s stadium design. The stadium features four single-tier stands forming a classic bowl shape, with the West Stand incorporating a two-tier design that houses the impressive Voco Reading Hotel, which overlooks the pitch. Built on a former landfill site at a cost of over £50 million, the stadium incorporates sophisticated engineering, including a hybrid pitch system and methane venting.
The symmetrical design ensures excellent sightlines from every seat, with generous legroom and modern facilities throughout. Away fans occupy the South Stand behind one goal, receiving an allocation typically around 2,000-2,300, with the potential for more for bigger fixtures. The stadium is shared with London Irish RFC (rugby union), adding to its profile as a multi-purpose sporting venue.
Reading FC – The Royals – were founded in 1871, making them one of England’s oldest football clubs. The club enjoyed memorable periods in the top flight, including promotion to the Premier League in 2006 and 2012. Reading’s finest moment came in the 2005-06 season when they won the Championship with a record 106 points under Steve Coppell, followed by a memorable first Premier League campaign. The famous blue-and-white hooped shirts have been worn since the club’s formation.
Reading has established strong rivalries with nearby clubs, including Oxford United (the M4 Derby), Swindon Town, and Wycombe Wanderers. After difficult years of financial turmoil under previous ownership, Reading was acquired by American lawyer Rob Couhig in May 2025, bringing stability and fresh optimism to the club. Currently competing in League One, the Royals represent proud Berkshire football heritage in a modern, accessible stadium that consistently ranks among supporters’ favourite away day destinations.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS
| Capacity | 24,161 (all seated) |
| Opened | 1998 |
| Away Section | South Stand |
| Away Allocation | Typically 2,000-2,300 seats (expandable) |
| Record Attendance | 24,184 vs Everton (Premier League, 2012) |
🚗 GETTING TO THE SELECT CAR LEASING STADIUM
The Select Car Leasing Stadium is brilliantly located adjacent to Junction 11 of the M4 motorway, making it one of the most accessible stadiums in English football. Reading sits at a major transport crossroads with excellent motorway links and one of the busiest railway stations in the UK. The stadium is approximately 3 miles south of Reading town centre and Reading railway station. You can reach the ground by train (with a short shuttle bus or taxi ride), by car from the M4/M3/A33, or by direct bus from various locations. This is genuinely one of the easiest away days for transport logistics!
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
Select Car Leasing Stadium Address: Junction 11, M4, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0FL
🚂 BY TRAIN – Excellent Connections!
Reading is served by Reading railway station, one of Britain’s busiest and best-connected stations, with services from London Paddington, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Southampton, and numerous other destinations. The station is a major hub on the Great Western Railway network. From Reading station, the stadium is approximately 3 miles south. The nearest station to the stadium is Reading Green Park (opened 2023), which is just a 10-15 minute walk from the ground, but train frequency is limited. Most away fans use Reading main station and take the matchday shuttle bus or a taxi.
Typical Journey Times to Reading Station:
🔴 London Paddington: 25-30 minutes (direct, very frequent)
🟠 Oxford: 25-30 minutes (direct)
🟡 Birmingham New Street: 1 hour 45 minutes (change at Oxford or Didcot)
🟢 Bristol Temple Meads: 1 hour 15 minutes (direct)
🔵 Southampton: 45 minutes (direct)
🟣 Manchester Piccadilly: 2 hours 30 minutes (change at Oxford)
🔴 Gatwick Airport: 1 hour (direct)
From Reading Station to the Stadium:
- Football Shuttle Bus F1: Operates from 2 hours before kick-off, running frequently to/from the stadium. Departs from Reading Station South West Interchange (near Tudor Road). Returns up to 1 hour 45 minutes after the final whistle. £5.50 return (cash or contactless). This is the most popular option!
- Alternative: Reading Green Park Station: 2 stops south on the Basingstoke line (half-hourly service). 10-15 minute walk to the stadium. Good option if you’re coming from the south (Basingstoke, Winchester).
- Bus 9/9B: Regular service from Reading Station to Green Park area (near stadium). Around 20 minutes journey time.
- Taxi: From the station to the stadium, approximately £10-12. Takes about 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Uber/Boltis also available.
💡 Top Tip: The Football Shuttle Bus F1 is brilliant value and very convenient – just £5.50 return and runs frequently. Reading station has excellent facilities, including numerous cafés and pubs, so you can arrive early, have a drink/food in town, then catch the shuttle bus to the ground. Don’t miss your return bus after the match – queues can be long!
🔗 Plan Your Journey: nationalrail.co.uk | gwr.com
🚗 BY CAR – Motorway Access!
The Select Car Leasing Stadium is located directly adjacent to Junction 11 of the M4 motorway, making it exceptionally easy to find and access by car. The stadium is visible from the M4 and is less than a mile from the junction. Parking is available at various locations around the stadium and in the nearby Green Park area.
If You’re Driving:
- From M4 (East or West): Exit at Junction 11, follow signs for Reading A33. The stadium is visible on your left within half a mile of the motorway junction. Turn left onto Imperial Way for the stadium approach.
- From M3/A33 (South): Follow A33 northbound towards Reading. Stadium clearly signposted on the left as you approach the M4 junction.
- From M25: Take M4 westbound to Junction 11 (about 40 minutes from M25 Junction 15).
- From Oxford (A329M): Follow A329M into Reading, join A33 southbound, follow signs to stadium.
Parking Options:
- Official Stadium Car Parks: Limited availability, mainly for season ticket holders and hospitality. Pre-booking is essential if available. £8-15.
- Green Park Business Park: Various car parks in the business park area around the stadium. Some offer matchday parking (check restrictions). Generally free, but can fill up early.
- Reading Green Park Station: Car park available. Park and walk 10-15 minutes to the stadium. Good option if arriving early.
- Park & Ride – Mereoak/Shinfield: Official park-and-ride schemes operate on matchdays. Buses run directly to the stadium. Check the Reading FC website for details and pre-booking.
- Retail Parks (Imperial Way area): Some retail parks nearby, but check time restrictions (usually 2-3 hour limits). Not recommended for full matchday parking.
- Street Parking: Limited residential parking in the surrounding areas. Be respectful of residents and check parking restrictions carefully.
💡 Top Tip: Arrive 90+ minutes early for best parking availability. The Green Park business area has convenient car parks, but spaces fill up quickly. The park-and-ride schemes are excellent value and guarantee a parking spot. Post-match exit from the M4 junction area is generally smooth with good motorway access in all directions. The stadium’s M4 location is genuinely brilliant for travelling fans!
🍺 PUBS & DRINKS NEAR THE SELECT CAR LEASING STADIUM
⚠️ IMPORTANT ADVICE: The Select Car Leasing Stadium is located in a business park/retail area with NO traditional pubs immediately nearby. The best approach for away fans is to drink in Reading town centre (3 miles away, 10-15 minutes by bus/taxi), which has numerous excellent pubs, then catch the shuttle bus to the stadium. Reading is generally a friendly town with a welcoming atmosphere for away supporters. The stadium does operate a mixed fan zone outside the East Stand (opens 90 minutes before kick-off) for those who arrive early.
🍺 Reading Town Centre Pubs (Safe for Away Fans)
🍺 The Three Guineas (Station Approach, Reading, RG1 1LY)
Grade II listed Fuller’s pub located in the old ticket hall of Reading railway station. Thoroughly refurbished with ornate tiling and railway memorabilia. The de facto away fans pub on matchdays! Excellent selection of Fuller’s ales (London Pride, ESB, Oliver’s Island) plus rotating guests and craft beers. Food available. Large outdoor seating area. Very convenient if arriving by train – literally at the station! Generally busy on matchdays with a good atmosphere. About 3 miles from the stadium (take the shuttle bus from outside).
Distance to Stadium: 3 miles (shuttle bus available) | Price: ££ (Mid-range) | Website: three-guineas.co.uk
🍺 Hope & Bear (153 London Road, Reading, RG1 5DE)
Charming traditional gastropub located about 15 minutes walk from the station. Two immaculate beer gardens, open fire in winter, excellent selection of craft beers and real ales. Adventurous pub menu featuring quality food including fish and chips, burgers, steaks, and Sunday roasts. Very popular with students and locals. Generally welcoming to away fans. Spacious interior with great atmosphere. About 3 miles from the stadium.
Distance to Stadium: 3 miles (bus/taxi) | Price: ££ (Mid-range)
🍺 The Greyfriar (Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1EH)
Wetherspoons pub near the town centre. Large venue with typical Wetherspoons pricing – cheap drinks and food. Generally safe for away fans due to the chain pub status. Convenient location close to the station. Gets busy on matchdays but can accommodate large groups. Standard Wetherspoons menu and beer selection. About 3 miles from the stadium.
Distance to Stadium: 3 miles (shuttle bus/taxi) | Price: £ (Budget)
🍺 BrewDog Reading (38-40 Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1DX)
Craft beer specialist in the town centre. Excellent selection of BrewDog beers, plus guest craft ales and ciders. Modern interior, good food menu (burgers, wings, hot dogs). Popular with younger crowds. Generally welcoming atmosphere for all supporters. About 3 miles from the stadium.
Distance to Stadium: 3 miles (bus/taxi) | Price: ££ (Mid-range)
🍺 The Fisherman’s Cottage (Kennetside, Reading, RG1 3DT)
Beautiful riverside pub with idyllic setting by the River Kennet. Picturesque beer garden, cosy interior with antique sofas, timber sheds for outdoor drinking. Excellent selection of ales and food. Popular for its scenic location. Great for a relaxed pre-match drink if you have time to spare. About 3.5 miles from the stadium.
Distance to Stadium: 3.5 miles (taxi) | Price: ££ (Mid-range)
🍺 Near the Stadium
⚠️ No Traditional Pubs Near Stadium
The stadium area is a modern business/retail development with NO traditional pubs within walking distance from the ground. The closest food/drink options are chain restaurants in the Green Park retail area (Nando’s, Pizza Hut, etc.), but these are primarily restaurants rather than pubs. The stadium operates a mixed fan zone outside the East Stand (opens 90 minutes before kick-off), which serves drinks and food. Best advice: drink in Reading town centre, then take the shuttle bus to the ground!
🍔 Food Options: Reading town centre has excellent food options – The Oracle shopping centre contains numerous restaurants, cafés, and chains. Green Park retail area near the stadium has Nando’s, McDonald’s, KFC, Costa, and other chains (but these get very busy on matchdays). Stadium concourses offer standard football fare – pies, burgers, hot food (£4-6). The Three Guineas at the station serves good pub food if you arrive early by train.
🚌 Transport Tip: The stadium’s isolated location means drinking in the town centre is the best option. The Football Shuttle Bus F1 runs frequently from the station (£5.50 return), making it easy to drink in town before taking the bus to the ground. Many away fans arrive 3-4 hours early, spend time in Reading’s town centre pubs, then catch the shuttle bus. It’s a great system and Reading town centre is genuinely enjoyable!
🍽️ WHERE TO EAT IN READING
Reading offers an excellent and diverse dining scene, from The Oracle’s riverside restaurants to independent eateries throughout the town centre. The Oracle Shopping Centre is the focal point for dining, with over 20 restaurants and cafés overlooking the River Kennet. Reading town centre also features numerous independent restaurants, chain favourites, and diverse international cuisine. Whether you want a quick pre-match bite, a leisurely riverside lunch, or proper sit-down dining, Reading delivers quality options across all price ranges!
🏛️ The Oracle Riverside Dining
Côte Brasserie
The Riverside, The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AG
Authentic French brasserie with outdoor terrace overlooking the River Kennet. Classic French dishes include steak-frites, moules marinière, and coq au vin. Beautiful setting, quality food, and excellent wine list. Popular for both lunch and dinner. Consistently rated one of Reading’s best restaurants.
💰 Price: £15-30 per person | ⭐ Why Visit: Best riverside location in Reading with authentic French cuisine
Zizzi
The Riverside, The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, RG1 2AG
Popular Italian chain with riverside seating. Excellent pizzas with crispy bases, fresh pasta, and generous portions. Family-friendly atmosphere, good value, and the ‘Secret Garden’ courtyard is beautiful in good weather. Great for pre-match dining with reliable quality and quick service.
💰 Price: £12-25 per person | ⭐ Why Visit: Reliable Italian with perfect riverside setting – ideal for families
Bella Italia
The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, RG1 2AG
Another excellent Italian option at The Oracle. Classic pasta, pizzas, and Italian favourites in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Two flexible kids’ menu sizes make it particularly family-friendly. Plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Great value and consistently good food. Walking distance from Reading station (10 minutes).
💰 Price: £12-22 per person | ⭐ Why Visit: Best family-friendly Italian in Reading – flexible kids’ menus
Cosy Club Reading
The Oracle, Reading
Stunning 1970s glamour-inspired restaurant with elevated dishes and expertly crafted cocktails. Brunch, lunch, dinner, and after-work cocktails are all excellent. Bespoke décor with vintage portraits, plush velvet sofas, and statement lighting. Picture-perfect interiors and warm hospitality. Private dining room available for special occasions.
💰 Price: £15-30 per person | ⭐ Why Visit: Stunning interiors and brilliant cocktails – perfect for something special
🍔 Quick Eats & Pre-Match Options
Five Guys
The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading
Premium burger chain serving customisable burgers with fresh ingredients and unlimited toppings. Cajun fries are brilliant. More expensive than typical fast food but significantly better quality. Quick service is perfect for pre-match dining. Locations at The Oracle and throughout Reading town centre.
💰 Price: £10-15 per person | ⭐ Why Visit: Best burgers in Reading – quick, quality, customisable
Nando’s
The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading
Popular peri-peri chicken restaurant with flame-grilled chicken in various spice levels. Quick service, reliable quality, excellent for groups. Good vegetarian options. Perfect pre-match option if you want something filling without breaking the bank. The loyalty programme offers regular discounts.
💰 Price: £10-18 per person | ⭐ Why Visit: Reliable peri-peri chicken – perfect group dining before the match
Pieminister (New Street Station)
Birmingham New Street Station, B2 4QA (inside the station)
Gourmet pie specialist right in Reading station – perfect for grabbing food as you arrive by train. Proper British comfort food with quality ingredients. Range of meat and vegetarian pies, mash, and sides. Quick service is ideal for those arriving just before kick-off. Genuinely good quality.
💰 Price: £6-10 | ⭐ Why Visit: Quick, delicious, right in the station – perfect for arriving fans
🌍 Independent & Specialist Dining
Zero Degrees
Near The Oracle Shopping Centre (1 minute walk)
Bar, restaurant, and microbrewery all in one. Excellent selection of craft beers brewed on-site, pizzas, burgers, and sharing plates. Contemporary atmosphere with various seating areas, including the Tank Lounge on the mezzanine. Popular with locals and visitors. Great for combining quality food with craft beer before the match.
💰 Price: £12-25 per person | ⭐ Why Visit: On-site microbrewery with excellent food – proper craft beer experience
London Street Brasserie
London Street, Reading town centre
Highly-rated independent brasserie serving modern British and European cuisine. Quality seasonal ingredients, creative menu, excellent service. More upmarket dining experience, perfect for special occasions or if you’re making a proper day of it. Booking is recommended, especially on matchdays.
💰 Price: £25-40 per person | ⭐ Why Visit: Best independent fine dining in Reading – quality ingredients and creative menu
Comptoir Libanais
The Oracle, Reading
Authentic Lebanese restaurant with beautiful riverside alfresco dining. Mezze, grilled meats, falafel, and aromatic tagines. Vibrant atmosphere, colourful décor, healthy options. Perfect for something different with great vegetarian and vegan choices. The outdoor terrace is brilliant on a sunny day.
💰 Price: £15-28 per person | ⭐ Why Visit: Authentic Lebanese with riverside terrace – perfect sharing plates
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN READING
Reading offers excellent accommodation across all price ranges. As a major business and commercial centre between London and the West, the town has plenty of hotels catering to business travellers and tourists. The town centre and areas near the station offer the most convenient options with good transport links. Given Reading’s proximity to London (25 minutes by train), many away fans don’t stay over, but if you’re making a weekend of it, Reading has you covered!
💷 Budget Options (£45-£75 per night)
Premier Inn Reading Central
The Caversham Road location is near the town centre. Modern, reliable Premier Inn standard. Good value, walking distance to the station and town centre pubs. Around £55-70 per room. Very convenient base for an away day.
Location: Town centre area | Book: premierinn.com
Travelodge Reading Central
Friar Street location in the heart of town. Basic but functional accommodation. Around £45-65 per room. Central location near pubs and restaurants. Perfect budget option.
Location: Town centre | Book: travelodge.co.uk
Ibis Reading Centre
Friar Street location, town centre. Modern Ibis standard with comfortable rooms. Around £60-75 per night. On-site bar/restaurant. Walking distance to everything in town.
Location: Town centre | Book: accor.com
💡 Budget Tip: Town centre hotels put you within walking distance of Reading’s best pubs and restaurants, plus the shuttle bus to the stadium!
💷💷 Mid-Range Options (£75-£130 per night)
Voco Reading Hotel
Located INSIDE the Select Car Leasing Stadium in the West Stand! 4-star hotel with 201 rooms overlooking the pitch. This is the most convenient option possible – literally at the ground! Modern facilities, restaurant, bar, leisure centre with pool and gym. Rooms £100-130 per night. Pre-book early as it fills up quickly on matchdays. Unique experience staying at the stadium!
Location: Inside the stadium! | Book: ihg.com/voco | Phone: 0118 900 6666
Hilton Reading
Drake Way, near the A33. Large business hotel with indoor pool, gym, and restaurant. Comfortable 4-star standard. About 2 miles from the stadium, 2 miles from the town centre. Rooms £85-110 per night. Good parking is available.
Location: South Reading | Book: hilton.com
Holiday Inn Reading – M4 Jct 10
Wharfedale Road, Winnersh Triangle (Junction 10 M4). Modern business hotel near the motorway. Restaurant, bar, parking. Rooms £80-105 per night. About a 10-minute drive to the stadium. Good motorway access for early departures.
Location: Near M4 Junction 10 | Book: ihg.com
💷💷💷 Premium Options (£130+ per night)
Crowne Plaza Reading
Caversham Bridge location on the River Thames. 4-star luxury hotel with riverside views. Excellent restaurant, bar, spa facilities. Premium rooms and suites. Around £140-180 per night. Beautiful setting with character. 20 minutes’ walk to the station.
Location: Riverside, north Reading | Book: ihg.com
Malmaison Reading
18-19 Great Western House, Station Road. Boutique hotel right by the station. Contemporary design, stylish rooms, excellent brasserie and bar. Around £130-170 per night. Perfect location for train travellers. One of Reading’s coolest hotels!
Location: Railway station | Book: malmaison.com
🎯 THINGS TO DO IN READING
Reading is a historic Berkshire town that successfully combines medieval heritage with modern commercial development. As one of Britain’s most important business centres, it offers excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment. The town sits at the confluence of the Rivers Thames and Kennet, providing attractive riverside walks and parks. Reading Abbey ruins offer fascinating history, whilst the town’s proximity to London (25 minutes by train) makes it perfect for combining football with capital city attractions. The Oracle shopping centre is one of the UK’s largest, and the town centre has a lively pub and restaurant scene. For those interested in broader Berkshire attractions, Windsor Castle is just 20 minutes away!
🏛️ Reading Abbey Ruins
The remains of Reading Abbey, founded by Henry I in 1121. These atmospheric ruins in Forbury Gardens were once one of Europe’s largest royal monasteries. Henry I was buried here, and Parliament met here during the English Civil War. The ruins have been extensively restored and offer free admission. Beautiful Forbury Gardens surrounding the ruins provide a peaceful spot in the town centre. Fascinating medieval history right in the heart of Reading!
Location: Town centre (Forbury Gardens) | Cost: FREE | Website: reading.gov.uk
🛍️ The Oracle Shopping Centre
One of the UK’s largest shopping centres with over 80 stores, including all major high street brands – Debenhams, House of Fraser, Apple, John Lewis & Partners. Excellent selection of restaurants, cafés, and bars overlooking the riverside. Beautiful waterfront location by the River Kennet. Perfect for browsing before the match or if making a weekend of it. Good range of restaurants for pre-match dining – Zizzi, Nando’s, Five Guys, Wagamama, plus numerous independent eateries.
Location: Town centre riverside | Website: theoracle.com
🏰 Windsor Castle (Nearby)
The world’s oldest and largest occupied castle is still an official residence of the British Royal Family. Just 20 minutes from Reading by train, Windsor Castle is one of England’s most spectacular attractions. Tour the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel (burial place of monarchs), and see the Changing of the Guard. The town of Windsor is beautiful with excellent pubs and restaurants. Perfect for combining with a Reading match if you’re making a weekend trip!
Location: Windsor (20 mins by train) | Cost: Adults £28.50+ | Website: rct.uk
🐻 Beale Wildlife Park
Family-friendly wildlife park about 7 miles from Reading featuring over 160 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Highlights include Arctic foxes, lemurs, meerkats, exotic birds, and farm animals. Beautiful riverside location with gardens and play areas. Great for families with children. Adventure playground, miniature railway, and paddleboat lake. Open year-round (check seasonal hours).
Location: Lower Basildon (30 mins by bus) | Cost: Adults £18+, Children £15+ | Website: bealepark.co.uk
🌊 Riverside Walks
Beautiful walking routes along the Rivers Thames and Kennet. The Thames Path National Trail passes through Reading, offering scenic walks towards Henley or Pangbourne. The Kennet & Avon Canal towpath provides another excellent walking route. Multiple riverside pubs along the routes make for pleasant stops. Great way to work up an appetite before the match or recover afterwards!
Location: Various riverside access points | Cost: FREE
🎸 Reading Festival Heritage
Reading is famous for the Reading Festival, one of the UK’s most iconic music festivals held every August Bank Holiday weekend (in nearby Richfield Avenue). Though unlikely to coincide with your match visit, the town has a strong music heritage. The Sub89 and Purple Turtle are excellent live music venues if you fancy catching a gig during your stay. The town centre has a vibrant nightlife scene.
Website: readingfestival.com
🏴 THE READING EXPERIENCE
🚆 Transport Hub: Exceptional rail connections make Reading one of the easiest away days in England!
🏛️ Historic Town: Medieval abbey ruins and beautiful riverside setting combine with modern amenities!
🛍️ Shopping Excellence: The Oracle shopping centre offers top-class retail and dining options!
⚽ MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
🏟️ Excellent Facilities: Modern stadium with comfortable seating, generous legroom, and excellent sightlines throughout!
👍 Away-Friendly: Generally welcoming atmosphere with good facilities in the away end – one of the better away days in League One!
🚌 Brilliant Logistics: The shuttle bus system from Reading station makes matchday transport stress-free!
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
Visiting the Select Car Leasing Stadium is genuinely one of the easiest and most pleasant away days in English football. The stadium itself is excellent – modern, comfortable, with brilliant sightlines and facilities throughout. Away fans in the South Stand enjoy an unrestricted view, generous legroom, and good atmosphere thanks to the stadium’s excellent acoustics.
The symmetrical bowl design means there are no bad seats anywhere. Reading fans are generally welcoming, creating a friendly matchday atmosphere without hostility. The stadium management is professional, and the facilities match any in the Championship or League One. This is modern football done properly with excellent organisation and genuine care for visiting supporters!
The logistics are absolutely brilliant. Reading’s position as a major transport hub means exceptional rail connections from everywhere – London is just 25-30 minutes away, Bristol under 90 minutes, Birmingham around 2 hours. The Football Shuttle Bus F1 from Reading station (£5.50 return) is frequent, reliable, and excellent value. Reading town centre offers fantastic pre-match facilities with quality pubs, The Oracle shopping centre, and diverse dining options.
The Three Guineas at the station is the traditional away fans pub and rarely disappoints. Though the stadium location means no pubs are within walking distance of the ground, the shuttle bus system makes drinking in town and travelling to the match genuinely convenient. Many away fans arrive 3-4 hours early to enjoy Reading’s town centre before heading to the game.
If you’re driving, the M4 Junction 11 location is simply perfect – visible from the motorway, easy to find, with decent parking options in the Green Park area. Post-match exit is smooth with excellent motorway access. Reading itself is an interesting town that successfully combines medieval heritage (the abbey ruins are atmospheric) with modern commerce. The Oracle shopping centre rivals any in the UK, whilst riverside walks and nearby Windsor Castle add visitor appeal.
The Voco Hotel INSIDE the stadium is unique – staying at the ground is a genuine experience! The town’s proximity to London (just 25 minutes) means you can easily combine a Reading match with capital city tourism. This is accessible, friendly, well-organised League One football with superb facilities. The Select Car Leasing Stadium delivers everything you want from a modern away day – comfort, convenience, and a welcoming atmosphere. Reading represents English football at its most professional and enjoyable!
Take the train to Reading, enjoy the town centre pubs, catch the shuttle bus, and experience one of the country’s finest modern stadiums where Berkshire hospitality meets excellent facilities!
🔵⚪ Come On You Royals! 🔵⚪
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS
🏟️ Reading FC: 0118 968 1100 | readingfc.co.uk
🎫 Ticket Office: 0118 968 1313 | readingfc.co.uk/tickets
🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk
🚌 Reading Buses: reading-buses.co.uk
ℹ️ Visit Reading: visit-reading.com
🏨 Voco Reading Hotel: 0118 900 6666 | ihg.com/voco
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🔵 Part of the Football Nonsense League One Away Days Collection
For more away day guides, visit footballnonsense.co.uk
John Herman is a Leeds-based, would-be football writer and founder of Football Nonsense. Blending fan passion with sharp opinion, he tackles the game’s biggest debates—from the terraces to the boardroom—with honesty, humour, and heart.