Millennium Madejski Hotel
 Reading

What To Do In Reading

There is much to see and do in and around the thriving Berkshire town of Reading. The town is the capital of the county and is conveniently placed in close proximity to national capital London and the M4. Passing by the town on the motorway there is the prominent and memorable wind turbine which stands high on the north side of the M4. The turbine has become something of a signature for the Green Park business estate which sprawls just behind. Also placed just off the motorway is the Madejski Stadium, home to Reading Football Club and the London Irish rugby union team. The Millennium Madejski is adjacent to the stadium.

Reading is also well-known for the high standard of its shopping centres. This facet revolves around the Oracle with its classy designer outlets and its everyday high street shops. Outside, there is a handful of major shopping streets, while either side of the canal there are bars, restaurants and a cinema. This ushers in something of a continental theme to the town’s centre. Near to the central area and the train station there is Forbury Gardens, a popular park in the summer and with a lion statue as its focal point. Reading is also known for its role as a prominent university town; the University of Reading is home to in the region of 17,500 students with a particularly large number of international visitors, and is one of the country’s top 10 most research-intensive places of study.

Surrounding Reading there are several towns and cities which are well-worth a visit and prove popular among many. Just along the Thames to the north-east is the town of Henley, formerly the parliamentary seat of current London mayor Boris Johnson. The lovely town of Windsor is a couple of junctions east along the M4 and is home to sights such as the stunning Windsor Castle, an official residence of the Queen. A little further to the east is London, an approximate 30 minute journey by train from Reading and a feast for the eyes and senses.

Just to the west of Reading is Beale Park with its wildlife, entertainment and activities for all ages, while in the opposite direction, near Wokingham, are the serene lakes of Dinton Pastures. Meanwhile, other nearby attractions include the Legoland theme park near Windsor, the Elizabethan Mapledurham House and the Museum of English Rural Life near to the University.