Accommodation Legoland – Hotels near M4 Reading – Reading Hotels near Train station

The Berkshire town of Reading has a rich and interesting history. It was founded at the confluence of the River Thames and the River Kennet in the ninth century and played an important role during the English Civil War and saw a number of its industries– including the cloth, ironwork and brewing trades – flourish over the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Today, Reading's success continues in some more modern market sectors, such as information technology and insurance, and it is also a vibrant university town.

One of the town's most fascinating attractions is Reading Gaol, an early Victorian institution that was made famous by Oscar Wilde's epic poem The Ballad of Reading Gaol. Wilde was imprisoned in Reading from 1895 to 1897 and wrote the poem after his release.

Literature lovers will be able to find plenty of other connections in Reading. Jane Austen was educated at the Abbey School, a building connected with the medieval Abbey Gateway in Abbot's Walk, while Michael Bond, the creator of Paddington Bear, was born in Reading and lived there for much of his life.

The Reading area also boasts a range of modern attractions, including Coral Reef Waterworld in nearby Bracknell. This centre is billed as an indoor "tropical paradise" and includes water slides, rapids, bubbling spas and more. Visitors with families may also be interested in visiting Beale Park, which is situated on the banks of the Thames and features wildlife attractions, river cruises and play areas, as well as regular events and festivals.

Visitors looking for some evening entertainment in Reading can head to a number of major venues, including the Hexagon, South Street and the Concert Hall. The coming months will see the Hexagon host comedy from Simon Amstell and Paul Merton, music from the Rat Pack tribute group and family shows including Angelina's Star Performance and LazyTown Live.