Reading - the county town of Royal Berkshire - is a place of surprising contrasts. The town has existed since around 800 AD, and blends the very best of old and new - old from coaching inns and Victorian gothic public buildings to imposing modern offices.

The town is ideally situated just 25 minutes drive from Heathrow, on the M4 corridor between London and South Wales. While we are surrounded by beautiful countryside, our excellent transport links put us in easy reach of Britain's most popular tourist attractions - Windsor, Oxford and London are under an hour, the Midlands and South Wales just 2 hours, whether you choose to travel by road or hi-speed train.

People come to Reading for all sorts of reasons - many to enjoy shopping in our attractive centre. Others come to enjoy the beautiful riverside scenery and parkland (the town sits between the Thames and the Kennet), the nearby historic houses, exciting children's playparks, or our remarkable history.

The museum of Reading is the perfect starting point if you want to discover the town - exciting and unusual exhibits tell the story of Reading from our earliest Saxon settlers. The Museum also features the important Silchester collection of Roman remains, and Britain's Bayeux Tapestry - a full-size Victorian replica of the world's most famous embroidery, and a hugely popular tourist attraction.

Next you can explore the beautiful Forbury Gardens and Abbey Ruins - the site of one of England's most magnificent Abbeys. Henry I. the Abbey's founder, is buried here. In an era saturated with history, two literary figures stand out - for here stands Reading Prison, made famous by inmate Oscar Wilde's great epic poem The Ballad of Reading Gaol, and nearby is the Abbey Gateway where Jane Austen went to school.

Stroll along the Kennet, and just up from the prison you'll find Blake's Lock Museum, packed with exhibits from our recent industrial and social history.

For those who enjoy more lively entertainment, Reading's nightlife is varied and colourful - from live music in a wide choice of town centre pubs, to The Hexagon Theatre, arts centres, open air cafes, nightclubs, casinos and more.

A crowded calendar of special events gives people more reasons to come back to our town. Highlights include the famous Rock Festival, Children's Festival, WaterFest, WOMAD International Festival...whenever you choose to stay in Reading we can guarantee you a choice of outstanding entertainment.

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