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Reading

Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EU
Caversham Princess, Thames Rivercruise on the thames near Reading
  • Caversham Princess, Thames Rivercruise on the thames near Reading
  • Oracle Reading
  • Boat on the Thames at Reading
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  • Staue of Queen Victoria outside Reading Museum
  • Reading Abbey Quarter
  • Autumn display Museum of English Rural Life (MERL)

About

At the centre of the eastern section of the Great West Way, Reading offers the excitement of a modern city blended with an unexpected slice of English heritage, all located between the rivers Thames and Kennet.

In the core of Reading’s Abbey Quarter, the extensive Abbey Ruins tell the story of 900 years of history. Founded by King Henry I of England and also his burial place, visit the spot where Henry I was buried or where Jane Austen went to school six hundred years later and where Oscar Wilde was imprisoned in the late 19th century. Then head for the hands-on, family-friendly Reading Museum to see the only full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry or The MERL - the national museum dedicated to food, farming and countryside.

Reading is a waterways town - take a Thames river trip aboard a Thames River Cruise circular tour or stretch your legs along the Thames Path on the longest stretch of the river of any local authority in England. Watersports fans can also hire a SUP or kayak, go open water swimming or just enjoy a Lido and Lunch/Dine swimming package at the restored Edwardian Thames Lido or picnic in the meadows alongside the Thames.

For fans of a faster lifestyle, go shopping in one of the country’s top ten retail capitals, dine your way around the world, check out Reading’s vibrant nightlife or search Reading’s brand new online cultural hub - whatsonreading.com

Reading is located near the centre of the Great West Way, making it a great base from which to explore the many delights of the route. Its hotels include 5-star luxury of the Roseate in the Abbey Quarter and all the famous hotel brands from Hilton to Novotel, Malmaison to Crowne Plaza. 

And if you’ve been thinking of planning a trip to explore the region, you’ll find Reading the ideal touring base. Henley, Windsor, Oxford, and a host of lovely Thameside villages, are all within easy reach – creating magical experiences to treasure forever.
 

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Map & Directions

Road Directions

From M4 - Take Exits 10, 11 or 12 dependent on your direction of travel. From South - leave M3 at J6 - take A33 north to Reading.

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What's Nearby

  1. Reading Abbey Quarter

    You can also see the mill arch over the Holy Brook. This is the only remaining part of…

    0.34 miles away
  2. Reading Museum

    Twelve hands-on galleries including Roman Silchester, changing art gallery, Box Room,…

    0.34 miles away
  3. Thames Lido

    The Thames Lido is an urban retreat open all year round offering spa days and swimming…

    0.65 miles away
  1. Museum of English Rural Life

    The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL) is England’s most extensive museum dedicated…

    0.71 miles away
  2. Thames Rivercruise Ltd.

    Thames Rivercruise is a family business based at the heart of the Upper Thames and cruise…

    0.92 miles away
  3. Bozedown Alpacas

    We are a family run business, established in 1989. You are welcome to visit without…

    5.22 miles away
  4. River & Rowing Museum

    The River & Rowing Museum is situated in the picturesque town of Henley on Thames and…

    6.46 miles away
  5. Hobbs of Henley Boat Trips

    Enjoy the River Thames - from public cruises or self-drive and chauffeur-driven days out,…

    6.53 miles away
  6. Henley Rowing Association

    Come and ‘have a go’ at rowing at Henley – home to the world-famous Royal Regatta! From…

    6.56 miles away
  7. Nuffield Place

    Closed for 2009.

    Home and gardens of Lord Nuffield founder of Morris Motors and…

    9.39 miles away
  8. West Berkshire Brewery

    West Berkshire Brewery is an independent brewery nestled in the heart of Berkshire with…

    9.86 miles away
  9. Stonor Park

    Home to the Stonor family for over 850 years, Stonor Park dominates a magnificent view of…

    10.09 miles away
  10. Swinley Bike Hub

    Hire a bike and explore Swinley Forest on the green , blue and red trails fit for all the…

    10.95 miles away
  11. Maidenhead Heritage Centre

    Fly a Spitfire simulator at this local museum which covers local history from the Romans…

    11.96 miles away
  12. Ascot Racecourse

    From the social whirl of Royal Ascot in June to 21 Ascot Racedays throughout the year…

    12.99 miles away
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