Located at the meeting point of the Thames and Kennet rivers, this Berkshire town includes medieval abbey ruins, the annual Reading Festival, and a major university campus spread across 130 hectares of parkland.
Reading, a town in Berkshire, England, sits at the confluence of the Thames and Kennet rivers. This former market town has grown into a commercial center, home to the University of Reading and the site of the annual Reading Festival. You can walk through medieval abbey ruins, stroll in Victorian gardens, or browse modern retail centers. From Reading, you can easily reach nearby Windsor and Oxford by train or bus.
The Oracle and Broad Street
The Oracle, Reading's main shopping complex, runs along the River Kennet. It has over 80 shops, eateries, and a multi-screen cinema. For a different shopping experience, walk down Broad Street, Reading's main pedestrian road. Here you'll find a mix of well-known brands and local independent shops.
Reading Festival
Every August Bank Holiday weekend, Reading hosts one of the UK's longest-running music festivals. The Reading Festival brings thousands of music fans to see performances by famous artists on multiple stages. If you visit during this time, expect the town to be busier than usual and hotel rooms to be scarce.
University of Reading Campus
The University of Reading, founded in 1892, is an integral part of the town. Its main Whiteknights campus covers 130 hectares of parkland and is open to visitors. The university contributes to Reading's cultural offerings through its museums and public events.
Reading Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens
In central Reading, you'll find the remains of Reading Abbey, established in 1121 by King Henry I. Once among the largest royal monasteries in medieval England, today you can walk through the stone ruins and imagine the original structure. Next to the abbey lies Forbury Gardens, a well-maintained Victorian garden. Here you'll see neatly trimmed lawns, colorful flower beds, and the Maiwand Lion statue, which honors soldiers who died in the Afghan Wars.
Reading's Museums
Reading Museum, located in the town's Victorian Gothic Town Hall, chronicles Reading's history from Saxon times to now. One of its key exhibits is a full-size copy of the Bayeux Tapestry, hand-stitched in the 1800s. For a different historical perspective, visit the Museum of English Rural Life. Run by the University of Reading, this museum examines the history of the English countryside through hands-on exhibits and a large collection of farming tools and artifacts.
Reading's Transport Connections
Reading's location and transport links make it easy to travel around the region. Reading Station, one of the UK's busiest rail stations outside London, has direct trains to many major cities. The new Elizabeth Line provides quicker access to central London and Heathrow Airport.
Day Trips from Reading
A short drive from Reading takes you to Basildon Park, a Palladian mansion surrounded by extensive grounds. This National Trust property shows what life was like for the 18th-century aristocracy. You can also visit Silchester, where you can see the remains of the Roman town Calleva Atrebatum and walk around its ancient town walls.
Parks and River Walks in Reading
Reading has many parks and green areas despite being an urban center. The Thames Path and Kennet and Avon Canal offer good routes for walking and cycling. Caversham Court Gardens, north of the Thames, is a relaxed spot for a riverside walk with views of the town.
Eating and Drinking in Reading
Reading offers a variety of dining options. You can find traditional British pubs as well as restaurants serving international cuisines. The town center has many chain restaurants, while areas like Caversham and the Oracle Riverside have more independent eateries and bars. You can try some local beers while you're here – Reading has been brewing ale since medieval times.
