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ReadingDestinations > UK > South > Reading guide Reading is a delightful place to visit and is considered by some as the capital of the Thames Valley. The town itself is only twenty minutes from London, yet has is own individual character and vibrant history. Situated on the banks of the river Kennet and the river Thames, Reading is full of charm and character. The town is famous for its beer and biscuits, but also for its vibrant history from Henry I in the 12th century, Henry VIII in the 14th century, Edward the IV in the 15th century, through till the Industrial Revolution. During the two World Wars Reading became an established university town for educational excellence. Today it is one of the largest universities in the country. It is hardly surprising that a town, which grew between two great rivers, should enjoy waterways and riverside activities, weather you take a stroll down the river banks or canoe along the river there is plenty of activities to enjoy which evolve the rivers. If you prefer dry land why not visit one of the historical buildings, the museums or enjoy one of the many exciting family days out on offer. Why not sample some local food and attractions, or discover some of the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Whatever you decided, Reading has a lot to offer.
ArtsShinfield Players Theatre & Arts Centre 21 South Street Art Centre The Hexagon Reading Abbey
AttractionsThere is so much to visit in Reading and the surrounding area. It is also a prime location with Windsor, Oxford and London all near by. Museum of Reading Blakes Lock Museum The Look Out Discovery Park Basildon Park The Herb Farm Beale Park
ClubsClub Tropicana After Dark Churchill's Club RG1 Level One Utopia
HistoryReading is a historical town that was first inhabited in the sixth century by the Saxons. Later in 1121 Henry I founded Reading Abbey, and in 1164 the Abbey became one of the most important religious and political centre in England. Today the remains of the Abbey are still standing and can be explored, and there are still regular live performances by bands, poets and playwrights. During the Industrial Revolution Reading entered a period of industrial growth and in 1810 the Kennet and Avon canal opened, providing the town with direct access to Bristol and the sea. It was at this time that Reading became famous all over the world for three reasons, its Beer, Biscuits, and bulbs.
LeisureTo the West of Reading there is a Superbowl, great fun for all the family. Or why not try your hand at Laser Quest, which is situated on London Street. For those who prefer a more sedate leisure activity there are plenty of libraries in reading. The town's main library is on Abbey Street.
PubsReading has so much to offer in Bars, Pubs and nightclubs, all catering to a variety of different tastes. Listed below is a very small sample of some of what is on offer. The Purple Turtle The Fruitbat Bar The Rat & Parrot The Broadwalk Edward's The Royal Albion (A great family pub) Flyer and Ferkin
RestaurantsChinese Shanpan Pavilion Indian Gulshan Portugese Mr Piri - Piri Seafood The Lemon Plaice (Fish & Chip Take away). Mr Cod (Fish & Chips) Thai Old Siam Pad Thai Peekay (non-licensed, bring your own alcohol). Vegetarian Café Iguana
ShoppingReading is a great place for shopping, and with the opening of the new Oracle complex has made reading one of the best places to shop in the U.K. It is also it more enjoyable as the whole of the town centre is pedestrianised between 11am ad 4pm. Allowing you to amble at your own pace and enjoy the street entertainment. In reading you will find large department stores, major high street names, smaller unique shops, and the colourful street market (which is held on Hosier Street, Wednesday to Saturday). With lots of shopping arcades to explore you are sure to find what you are looking for, whether it's from a high street store or a unique boutique.
TransportAir There are fast direct rail links between Reading, Heathrow Airport (30 minutes by car via the M4) and Gatwick Airport (1 hour 20 minutes by car via M4/M25). There is also direct coach service to both the airports. Bus There is a good local bus service with plenty of stops around the town centre and Station Hill. Car The M4 has three junctions at Reading, with the M25, M40 and M3 all in easy reach there is little problem accessing Reading by car. Once in Reading there are multi-story car parks around the town; the largest is at Reading train station. There are also three pay and display car parks at Chatham Street, Queens Road and Broad St Mall. So there is little stress of finding places to park. Coach National Express Coach services have a wide U.K. service. For pick up points and destinations, and run regularly from London Victoria to Reading. Rail Reading General Station is situated in the centre of the town on Station Hill. There are main line services to Reading from all over the U.K. with good connections if there is no direct train
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