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.
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.
You can also see the mill arch over the Holy Brook. This is the only remaining part of…
Twelve hands-on galleries including Roman Silchester, changing art gallery, Box Room,…
The Thames Lido is an urban retreat open all year round offering spa days and swimming…
The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL) is England’s most extensive museum dedicated…
Thames Rivercruise is a family business based at the heart of the Upper Thames and cruise…
We are a family run business, established in 1989. You are welcome to visit without…
The River & Rowing Museum is situated in the picturesque town of Henley on Thames and…
Enjoy the River Thames - from public cruises or self-drive and chauffeur-driven days out,…
Come and ‘have a go’ at rowing at Henley – home to the world-famous Royal Regatta! From…
Barn Galleries is a family business founded in 1991 with our first exhibition, ARTSPACE.
Closed for 2009.
Home and gardens of Lord Nuffield founder of Morris Motors and…
West Berkshire Brewery is an independent brewery nestled in the heart of Berkshire with…
Home to the Stonor family for over 850 years, Stonor Park dominates a magnificent view of…
Hire a bike and explore Swinley Forest on the green , blue and red trails fit for all the…
Fly a Spitfire simulator at this local museum which covers local history from the Romans…
From the social whirl of Royal Ascot in June to 21 Ascot Racedays throughout the year…