Reading

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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.