Reading Hotels - Smooth Hound Hotel Directory

Reading is located in Berkshire in south eastern England. Many tourists make their way to Reading each year in order to see the ruins of the medieval abbey as well as to enjoy views of the surrounding countryside. The city is located on the rivers Kennet and Thames and offers such attractions as a shopping centre several lovely walkways and parks. There are also several fine pubs and restaurants to enjoy while in Reading as well. Just a few kilometres from Reading are the remains of an old Roman town that can be explored daily for an admission fee.

Reading is a town in Berkshire and is located where the Thames and Kennett rivers meet. It has been an important centre in the country since medieval times and was occupied by the Vikings in 871. The town is mentioned in the Domesday Book and had around six hundred inhabitants at that time. Nowadays, it has swelled to around 140,000 people.

Reading Abbey was built in the town at the time of Henry I, who was buried in the grounds of the abbey. His grave is marked by a plaque. Currently, the remains of the abbey are in Forbury Gardens in the centre of the town and you are free to wander round the park and the abbey remains.

The town is a major shopping centre and shopping destinations include Broad Street Mall and the larger Oracle, which is home to 90 shops and stores as well as numerous cafes and bars to provide a respite from the task of shopping. The Oracle follows the banks of the river Kennett and in the warmer months you can sit out and watch the world go by on the river.

Since 1971, the town has been home to one of the UK's largest annual music events, the Reading Festival. This takes place in August at the same time as its twin festival in Leeds. The event has a variety of acts, spread over several different stages and sells out each year with many festival goers taking the opportunity of camping in its grounds. There is also a Fringe festival in the run-up to the event.

Football fans will know about the Madejski Stadium, which is home to Reading Football Club as well as the rugby club London Irish. The stadium is also the finish point for the annual half marathon which is held in the town in the spring and attracts over 12,000 runners.