Car Hire Reading

Reading skillfully displays its historical strata—spanning medieval monastery remains and Victorian parklands to vibrant urban artwork and innovative cultural venues. Housing over 175,000 inhabitants, this bustling city surprisingly accommodates abundant greenery. Positioned where Thames meets Kennet, Reading offers straightforward access via the A33 and A329. Though experiencing typical southern English conditions—temperate with changeable skies—April through September generally provides optimal exploration weather. Visitors encounter a vibrant blend of antiquity and modernity, from age-old monuments to temporary installations and heritage-rich exhibitions. Whether exploring leafy sanctuaries, investigating preserved ruins or following riverfront pathways, the city guarantees memorable encounters.

Attractions In Reading

Reading’s appeal lies in its unexpected juxtapositions—ancient ruins in the city centre, modern sculptures tucked beside the river and sprawling parks a stone’s throw from bustling streets. It’s a place where heritage and creativity coexist easily and each attraction invites you to explore a different thread of the city’s story.

Basildon Park

Originally built in the 18th century and restored by the National Trust, Basildon Park is a remarkable example of Palladian architecture. During World War II, it served as a convalescent home and later as a barracks. In more recent years, it’s gained attention for appearances in period dramas and films like Pride & Prejudice, Marie-Antoinette and Dorian Gray. The house itself is surrounded by woodlands and landscaped gardens, ideal for long, looping walks. It’s a firm favourite for visitors coming in from Caversham, especially those seeking space and history in one go.

Prospect Park

This large, leafy park is one of Reading’s main outdoor recreation areas, offering space for everything from tennis to train rides. Children gravitate toward the miniature railway and climbing areas, while adults appreciate the open lawns and shaded benches. With its wide pathways and occasional pop-up events, it’s as suited to morning jogs as it is to lazy afternoons. Many people from Tilehurst make it their regular escape into greenery.

Caversham Court

Set beside the Thames, this serene garden balances formal landscaping with a relaxed riverside feel. It’s a carefully maintained space with flowerbeds, lavender borders and safe play areas for children. The garden’s riverside fence adds peace of mind for families while preserving stunning water views. With tea kiosks and benches tucked into quiet corners, it’s an ideal place to pause and reset.

Forbury Gardens

Just a short stroll from the town centre, Forbury Gardens is a Victorian gem built within the old Abbey precincts. A bandstand, fountains and curved walkways lend it charm, while the impressive Maiwand Lion war memorial, erected in 1886, stands at its heart. Weighing whooping 16 tons, it’s one of the largest cast iron lion statures in the world. The flower displays shift with the seasons and the surrounding wall makes the gardens feel quietly enclosed—a subtle break from the city’s rhythm. Visitors travelling in from Woodley often seek it out as a first stop before wandering through the rest of the gardens.

Reading Abbey Ruins

Founded by King Henry I in 1121, Reading Abbey was once one of the most significant religious sites in England. Its influence drew pilgrims and monarchs alike and Henry himself was buried here. Though the abbey was dismantled during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the surviving ruins retain their grandeur. Standing among the weathered arches, it’s easy to imagine the scale of the site in its prime. Those already planning a walk over from Earley often include this stop for its depth of history and easy access.

Reading Abbey Gateway

This imposing arch was once the grand entrance to the Abbey’s inner precinct and served as a royal lodging for notable visitors—including Queen Elizabeth I. Though flanked now by modern buildings, it still evokes the scale and influence of the abbey complex. Its stonework has been carefully preserved, making it one of the most visually striking historic remnants in the centre of Reading.

Reading Museum

Located in the town hall, Reading Museum is a rich blend of local history and broader cultural heritage. From Roman relics to modern art exhibitions, it covers a surprisingly wide scope—including a unique collection of Islamic-style pottery and a dedicated gallery for Reading Abbey. Many visitors from Theale add this stop to their day out thanks to its central location and free admission.

Museum Of Berkshire Aviation

Tucked into Woodley, this specialist museum covers the region’s proud aviation history with a small but well-curated display of aircraft and memorabilia. Restoration projects are often underway and the volunteers’ enthusiasm brings extra life to the exhibits. Displays such as the Handley Page Herald and the Fairey Gannet are highlights, alongside stories of local aviation pioneers.

Cole Museum Of Zoology

Found on the University of Reading campus, the Cole Museum is a compact but impressive collection of zoological specimens. From spiders to snakes to the full skeletons of camels and apes, it’s a fascinating journey through biodiversity. Students and researchers help maintain the exhibits, giving the space a living academic energy. It’s especially popular among curious minds coming in from Purley on Thames.

Ure Museum Of Greek Archaeology

A specialist museum focusing on the classical world, the Ure Museum offers insight into ancient Greece through its ceramics, statues and inscriptions. Though compact, it’s rich with academic detail and often draws those with an eye for antiquity. Its home within the University’s Department of Classics also adds to the scholarly atmosphere, making it a hidden favourite for quiet cultural exploration.

River & Rowing Museum

Though technically located in nearby Henley-on-Thames, this museum is a favourite with Reading residents and visitors alike. Its exhibitions blend sport, art and regional history, from Olympic rowing achievements to riverside life through the ages. The Wind in the Willows walkthrough is a hit with younger visitors, while history enthusiasts enjoy the sections on flooding, wartime rivers and local heritage.

Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry

Housed inside Reading Museum, this Victorian reproduction of the original Bayeux Tapestry spans nearly 70 metres and captures the dramatic events of the Norman Conquest in intricate detail. More than just a copy, it’s a masterful piece of needlework that adds another dimension to the museum’s already rich offering. Visitors can take their time following the embroidered story panel by panel—a quiet but compelling glimpse into historical storytelling at its finest.

The Museum Of English Rural Life

Known locally as “The MERL,” this museum offers a deep dive into rural life in England, from farming innovations to the evolution of domestic life in the countryside. Exhibits blend artefacts with personal accounts and the collection includes everything from early ploughs to combustion engines. A peaceful garden, café and archive space round out the visit. It’s often recommended by those coming in from Winnersh looking for something both educational and relaxing.

Holy Brook Mural

Tucked beside one of Reading’s hidden waterways, the Holy Brook Mural is a striking piece of community-driven street art. Created with local input and bold colours, it reflects the themes of connection, heritage and water that run through the town’s identity. Its placement along a lesser-known walking path makes it a pleasant surprise for those exploring off the main roads.

Paddington Bear Statue

This charming sculpture, located on Broad Street, celebrates the much-loved character with a Reading twist. The statue not only adds a splash of whimsy to the busy pedestrian zone but also acts as a popular meeting point. Its presence reflects the town’s embrace of creativity and the joy of storytelling. Many people discovering it while exploring from Twyford stop to take in its artistic detail.