Situated in Berkshire, Reading is an increasingly popular town to live in and visit. With trains to London Paddington in as little as 22 minutes, the town benefits from exceptional connectivity, which is only set to grow with the launch of the Elizabeth line passenger service in 2022.
There are also excellent job opportunities for the town’s highly skilled workforce thanks to the investment of national and international companies including KPMG, Virgin Media, Microsoft and Huawei. It is the presence of technology companies, which has given Reading the title of the ‘Silicon Valley of Europe’.
Major investment projects are progressing in Reading, with the latest progress for the town centre regeneration at Minster Quarter taking a step forward in June 2021, and work commencing in August 2021 on the second phase of the £750m Station Hill project, which will include office, retail, hospitality and leisure space.
In this blog post, we outline some of the best things to see and do in Reading, from enjoying food and drink in the town centre to exploring the Chilterns AONB.
Food and drink
With a growing food scene, there are plenty of relaxed dining spots in Reading including Coconut Bar & Kitchen which serves Pan Asian cuisine and Italian restaurant, Cozze. L’Ortolan is ideal for special occasions having had a Michelin star for almost two decades. The restaurant offers a modern menu which showcases regional produce in a stunning Grade II listed building.
Reading is also home to several popular drinking spots including Milk, an independent rum bar with an extensive cocktail menu, and Market House, a vibrant rooftop bar and terrace.
Heritage attractions
Reading and the surrounding area is home to several heritage attractions. For example, Reading Abbey has had a long history since it was built under the reign of Henry I. It has been a boarding school, which was attended by Jane Austen and a jail, which had famous inmates including Oscar Wilde.
Located a short drive outside of Reading near Newbury, Highclere Castle is another popular spot for history lovers. It’s also the filming location for the award-winning TV drama, Downton Abbey.
Getting active
Residents and visitors to Reading have plenty of options to get outdoors including in the Chilterns AONB. Meanwhile Thames Lido is a great location for al fresco swimming, which is open to both members and non-members. The town is also home to both the River Thames and the River Kennet making it popular for water activities including kayaking and paddle boarding.
If you’re looking for an indoor activity on a rainy day, the Parthian Climbing Centre in Reading is a fun option for experienced and first-time climbers alike.
GRE Assets has several residential projects in Reading including City Tower, Chatham Place, Addington Court and Aviator Place.
