England > Berkshire

Reading

The town of Reading, halfway between London and Oxford, grew up at the confluence of the rivers Thames and Kennet, and the history of the town is closely linked to its position as a navigation hub for the Thames Valley area.

The Kennet and Avon Canal has been reopened to passenger traffic, and once again connects Reading to the sea at Bristol. Visitors can hire narrow boats at Reading to travel the canal or the River Thames, and towpaths along both waterways provide pleasant walking.

Reading is a popular gathering place for swans, which congregate at Thameside Prom near Caversham Bridge.

Reading attractions

Basildon Park
A classical Georgian house built for Sir Francis Sykes standing in beautiful parkland above the Thames Valley.

Riverside Museum
Reading's museum of industrial heritage features reconstructions of a Victorian printing shop, a bakery, barber's shop, gypsy caravan. and turbines dating from the 1920's.

Mapledurham House and Watermill
A beautiful Elizabethan house on the Thames, with one of the last working watermills in the country. Delightful gardens, gift shop and tea rooms.

Stratfield Saye
Home of the Dukes of Wellington since 1817, the house exhibits mementoes of the Iron Duke and a an exhibition on his life and times.

Reading Museum
Explores the history and development of Reading from early Saxon times. Contains a full-size replica of the Bayeux Tapestry and a display of Roman artefacts from nearby Calleva Atrebatum.

Cole Museum of Zoology
Zoological specimens from across the globe. Much attention is given to dissected specimens, showing visitors at first hand the diverse biology of our planet and its diverse inhabitants.

Museum of English Rural Life
The National collection of the countryside and farming crafts. On the university campus.

Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology
For something completely different, visit the University of Reading's Classics Department, which hosts one of the largest collections of Greek and Roman artefacts in Britain.

Location map for Reading

Nearest Hotels to Reading

Royal County Hotel - 0 miles away Reading, Berkshire Stay from: £24.00

The George Hotel - 0 miles away Reading, Berkshire Stay from: £49.00

Crystal Guest House - 0.1 miles away Reading, Berkshire Stay from: £95.00

More Hotels near Reading