Reading offers the best of both worlds. It is an exciting town close to the capital city, but also lies within easy of reach of both the countryside and the coastline.
From its central location in the south, you are ideally placed to head out and visit some of the region’s most popular attractions and landmarks.
Watch a football match at Madejski Stadium
Football fans can watch Reading’s team in action at Madejski Stadium, which is situated on the outskirts of the centre.
If The Royals aren’t playing while you are in town, you can also book a tour of the stadium. Walk in the footsteps of your favourite players as you go behind the scenes and make your way to the dressing room and out onto the pitch.
You’ll also visit the Players’ Lounge and the Directors’ Lounge, as well as learning about the club’s history.
Dance to live music at Reading Festival
Reading Festival – twinned with Leeds – runs over the August bank holiday weekend each year, and is one of the most famous music events going.
Its feast of live performance first took place in 1961, and it has been mostly known for showcasing rock, although elements of hip hop, pop and dance can be found today.
Headliners over the years have included Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Linkin Park, Green Day and Blink-182. Make your way around the various stages and you’ll be treated to a musical treat from some of the world’s biggest bands, as you dance through the day and into the night.
Shop until you drop at The Oracle
Retail hub The Oracle is situated alongside the scenic River Kennet, with around 80 department stores and shops to be found here.
Make your way onto Broad Street for even more shops and back out onto the riverside, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants lining both sides of the water – grab a bite to eat and watch the world go by.
Here you’ll also find an 11-screen cinema, so after all that shopping you can settle down with a box of popcorn and watch one of the latest releases.
Visit Henley-on-Thames
Just a short drive from the centre of Reading is the quaint town of Henley-on-Thames, famous for hosting the Henley Regatta every summer.
After the rowing there are several other notable events, including the 80s-themed Rewind Festival and Henley Festival, which boasts an eclectic mix from pop to classical music.
As well as hiring a boat for a few hours and discovering the town from the water, this is also the ideal place to lay down a blanket and tuck into a picnic. The town comes to life during the summer and even if you don’t buy a ticket to the events, there is a real buzz in the air.
Car hire in Reading gives you the freedom to travel in and around this exciting southern town, taking in all the sights and attractions at your own pace.
