At the meeting point of the Rivers Thames and Kennet, visit Reading City Centre. Acquaint yourself with this downtown area by strolling along its promenade, which is lined with restaurants and small stores. Browse the town’s shopping centers and explore museums.
Reading was once famous for beer, bulbs and biscuits, the Three Bs that fueled its economy during the industrial revolution. Today Reading is better known as a cosmopolitan financial hub. This blend of old and new is one of the city’s biggest attractions.
For a history lesson, head to the Reading Museum, which traces the town’s past from its time as a Saxon Settlement right up to the present day. Just east of the city center, the Riverside Museum is housed in two former industrial buildings on the banks of the River Kennet.
Enjoy a quiet moment at Forbury Gardens, which features a monument commemorating the 66th Berkshire Regiments and those who fell at the Battle of Maiwand in Afghanistan in 1880. Stroll from here to the medieval ruins of Reading Abbey. Set in well-maintained parklands, the abbey consists of arches and walls that have survived since it was constructed in the 12th century.
About a 1-hour drive west of London, Reading City Centre is a renowned shopping destination. Most stores are located within walking distance. The main shopping street, Broad Street, is only about a 1,600-foot (500-meter) walk from the train station. Set on the banks of River Kennet, the Oracle shopping complex is the perfect spot if you’re looking for high fashion and a variety of dining options. For independent stores, go to Harris Arcade, which has a collection of shops stocking anything and everything, from clothing and jewelry to music.
