square BUDGET TRAVEL The overlooked alternative to Leeds with a video shop speakeasy
Read More
A wave of new residents has been attracted by good public transport connections – property asking prices have more than doubled over the past decade in and around Reading. The Elizabeth Line has added capacity, but Great Western Railway trains take as little as 23 minutes from Paddington.
There’s been a settlement in Reading since the 6th century when Saxons sailed up the Thames Valley, so there’s plenty more to see than the post-war architecture that Reading is now commonly associated with.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen. While much of the attention is focused on Bath, where she lived for five years, the writer spent some of her formative years in Reading.
Jane Austen spent much of her childhood in Reading (Photo: Stewart Turkington)For the anniversary, Reading Museum is opening the doors of Austen’s school room to the public for the first time, housed within the gateway of the medieval Abbey.
At the eastern end of the Abbey Quarter, Reading Gaol – which closed in 2014 – was where Oscar Wilde was incarcerated for “gross indecency” from 1895-7. Its new owner has suggested it will be converted into a hotel, museum and art gallery and that Wilde’s cell, where he wrote the poem The Ballad of Reading Gaol, will be opened to the public.
Afternoon tea and a brewery tour
Early morning at Sonning bridge, Berkshire (Photo: A J Withey/Getty/Moment RF/Andrew Withey)
To celebrate Austen’s anniversary, the hotel is hosting a themed afternoon tea from 1 May (£38pp). The menu features delicacies reminiscent of those enjoyed in the writer’s household, including Victoria sponge cake and plum mousse, and sandwiches inspired by the flavours of the early 19th century, such as caraway, lemon and spices.
Reading is known as the town of three Bs: biscuits (the now defunct Huntley & Palmers was once the largest biscuit manufacturer in the world), bulbs (Suttons Seeds was founded here) and beer. Simonds Brewery has been replaced by the Oracle shopping centre, but Phantom Brewing Co is a modern craft brewery that opened near the river in 2019. Tours are £10pp and its taproom serves burgers from American diner inspired 7bone.
Beyond the urban sprawl
Reading might be one of south-east England’s most densely populated areas, but there are some havens of greenery.
Basildon Park country house and estate in Berkshire (Photo: Peter Fleming/Getty/iStock Editorial)
The Thames Path National Trail is just five minutes’ walk from the station and Reading has the longest Thames frontage of any local authority along the path. A three-mile stroll from Caversham Lock past Fry’s Island and through the Thames Valley Park Nature Reserve takes you to the picturesque village of Sonning, home of Theresa May, Jimmy Page and George Clooney.
The town has a way to see the Bayeux Tapestry without going to France – sort of. Reading Museum is home to a full-size Victorian replica of the artwork, which was embroidered by 35 women in 1885.
Another free diversion is found on the University of Reading campus – the Museum of English Rural Life examines everything from hop-picking holidays to what it’s like to farm in the Lake District.
A dip by the Thames
The Thames Lido is the perfect place for a dip (Photo: Andre Pattenden)The Thames Lido is a highlight. A Ladies Swimming Bath opened on King’s Meadow by the river in 1902, when it was fed by the Thames. It was later switched to mains supply, but closed in 1974.
There’s also a restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes, such as plaice with caper butter sauce (£25) and cavolo nero risotto (£14).
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( The average commuter town with links to the Camino de Santiago and Jane Austen )
Also on site :