Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Reading has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Reading.
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Sights in Reading
Reading has been described as England’s second city. It is a historic market town set in the Thames Valley, at the confluence of the rivers Thames and Kennet. The town has a population of 136,000 and is twinned with Twin towns in Germany, France and the United States.
The origins of the town date back to the 8th century when the Saxons founded a settlement called Readingum. The name probably comes from the River Reading which flows through the town. In 1086, the Domesday Book recorded that Reading had a population of 1,500 and was one of the largest towns in Berkshire. The town grew rapidly in the Middle Ages as a market town and an important stopping point on the routes between London and Bristol and London and what is now Oxfordshire. Reading became a Royal Borough in 1525 and was granted its first charter in 1191.
The town stagnated in the 17th century but began to grow again in the 18th century with the development of the Thames navigation system and the coming of the Great Western Railway in 1840. The town continued to grow in the 19th century with the opening of the Reading Collieries in 1868 and the Reading Festival in 1908.
Today, Reading is a thriving town with a large university, two railway stations and a busy shopping centre. The town has a number of tourist attractions including the Museum of Reading, the Abbey Ruins, Forbury Gardens, Reading Gaol and Caversham Park.
The Museum of Reading is housed in a Grade I listed building and tells the story of the town from the Roman period to the present day. The Abbey Ruins are the remains of the 12th century Reading Abbey, one of the largest monastic churches in England. Forbury Gardens is a public park in the centre of the town with a bandstand, a war memorial and a children’s play area. Reading Gaol is a former prison which was used to house both local and national prisoners. Caversham Park is a country estate with a deer park, gardens and a lakeside café.
History of Reading
Reading is a historic town in Berkshire, England, with a population of approximately 140,000. It is situated in the Thames Valley at the confluence of the River Thames and River Kennet, approximately 40 miles (64 km) west of central London. Reading’s history dates back to the 8th century, when it was founded by the Saxons. It served as a royal borough in the 11th to 16th centuries, and later became a prosperous market town. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Reading grew rapidly as a coaching centre, due to its proximity to London. The 19th century saw the coming of the Great Western Railway, and the construction of the Reading Abbey ruins, now a Grade I listed building.
The town has been home to many notable individuals throughout its history, including the writer Jane Austen, who spent her early life there. Other notable Reading residents include the scientists John Grieve Lucas and Ernest Rutherford, who worked at the University of Reading; the artist Stanley Spencer, who was born in the town; and the actor Sir John Gielgud, who attended Reading School.
Reading’s town centre is an eclectic mix of historic and modern architecture. The medieval core of the town, which includes the site of the former Reading Abbey, has been largely pedestrianised and is home to a number of shops, restaurants and bars. The town also has a large number of parks and open spaces, including Forbury Gardens, home to the annual Reading Festival.
The economy of Reading is predominantly servicebased, with a high concentration of employees working in the financial and insurance sectors. The town also has a significant retail sector, and is home to the Oracle Shopping Centre, one of the largest shopping centres in the UK.
Reading’s name is derived from the Readingas, an AngloSaxon tribe who inhabited the area from the 6th century. The first recorded use of the name dates back to 871, when the town was known as Reada ingas haming, meaning “the people or tribe of Reading”. The name possibly evolved from an earlier Celtic name, Rodas, which means “rods” or “clearing” (referring to the trees that were cleared to make way for the settlement).
The town was first settled by the Saxons in the late 6th or early 7th century. It became a royal borough in the 11th century, and was granted its first charter by Henry I in 1121. Reading grew rapidly in the 12th and 13th centuries, and was once again granted a charter, this time by King John in 1214. The town’s fortunes changed in the 16th century, when it was chosen as the site of one of Henry VIII’s new royal palaces. However, the palace was never built, and the town’s importance began to decline.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Reading became a major coaching town, due to its proximity to London. A number of famous coaches, including the “Flying Machine” and the “Queen’s Messenger”, operated from the town. The coming of the railways in the 19th century led to a further decline in the coaching trade, and the town’s economy suffered as a result.
The 20th century saw a number of changes in Reading. The town’s industry began to decline in the early part of the century, and many of the town’s residents left to find work elsewhere. The population declined from over 40,000 in 1901 to just over 30,000 by 1951. The second half of the century saw a regeneration of the town, with the construction of a number of new road and rail links to London. This led to an increase in the town’s population, which had reached almost 80,000 by 2001.
Reading has a long and varied history, dating back to the 8th century. The town has been home to many notable individuals, and has a thriving economy. It is an interesting and dynamic place to live, and is well worth a visit.
Vacation in Reading
When it comes to taking a vacation in the United Kingdom, there are few places more picturesque and historic than Reading. The city is located in the southcentral region of England, just a short distance from the capital city of London. Despite its close proximity to such a large metropolis, Reading has managed to retain its smalltown feel, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
There is no shortage of things to see and do in Reading. The city is home to a number of museums and art galleries, as well as a number of parks and green spaces. If you’re looking to do some shopping, you’ll find plenty of options, both in the city centre and in the numerous outlying suburbs. And of course, no trip to Reading would be complete without sampling the local cuisine. The city is home to a number of excellent restaurants, serving everything from traditional English fare to international dishes.
When it comes to accommodation, Reading has something to suit every budget. There are a number of hotels in the city centre, as well as a number of bed and breakfast establishments. If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, there are also a number of hostels and campinggrounds located just outside of the city.
No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to love about Reading. So why not start planning your vacation today?
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