surrounding area
There are also many interesting things to see around Reading.
Basildon Park
Lower Basildon 7 miles west of Reading on the A329; grid reference SU611782, telephone 01189767360, (http://www.nationaltrust....). Open Feb-Dec everyday 10.00-5:00PM. This beautiful Palladian mansion was built in 1776-83. The interior is notable for its original delicate plaster work and elegant staircase. The early 19th century pleasure grounds are currently being restored, and there are waymarked trails through the parkland. Accessible by road or take the Thames Travel 132 bus from Reading see 'Get Around' section for contact info. Adult: £11.50; Child: £5.75; Family: £28.75;National Trust members free.Mapledurham House and Watermill
Mapledurham 4 miles west of Reading on the north bank of the River Thames; grid reference SU766670, telephone 0118 972 3350, (http://www.mapledurham.co.uk/). Open Sa-Su 2PM-5.30PM Easter-September. Mapledurham is a village with a special charm of its own, set in the valley of the River Thames, below the Goring Gap. Its cottages, church, almshouses and Watermill, with the old brick and flint walls, backed by the Elizabethan mansion and the still older manor house of Mapledurham Gurney, together retain an ancient village pattern which is rare today. The Watermill produces flour for sale, with wheat still ground by the traditional millstones. Accessible either by boat see Thames Rivercruise in the 'Do' section or a 15 minute drive from Reading. Open Sa-Su 2PM-5.30PM Easter-September.Silchester Roman Town
Silchester 8 miles south east of Reading; grid reference SU625640, (http://www.english-herita...). Open every day sunrise-sunset. Known to the Romans as Calleva Atrebatum, Silchester was abandoned after the Roman era which means that much of the archeology remains. All that is left on the surface now are a complete ring of city walls, the amphitheater and an little mediaeval church. Away from the rivers that have dictated the area demographics, Silchester is about as isolated a place as you will find in south-east England; on a spring weekday you are likely to find yourself sharing the ruins only with cows. Unfortunately there is no longer a bus service between Reading and the site. You can take the train to Bramley and follow the Silchester trail (http://www.hants.gov.uk/r...) from there. Access to the site is free of charge.
central reading
Reading has several interesting sights to see within the central area.
Reading Abbey Ruins & Forbury Gardens
These beautiful formal gardens were once part of Reading Abbey, and the ruins of the Abbey itself can be found between the park and the river Kennet. The Abbey's founder and benefactor was Henry I and he was buried in front of the high altar in 1136. The Abbey went on to become one of the most important religious and political centres in England. A few of the Abbey's buildings still exist intact, including St Laurence's Church and the Gateway, and the ruins themselves offer a fascinating glimpse of the abbey. Open during daylight hours. Free. The gardens were recently restored to their former glory and reopened Spring 2005.The Abbey ruins have been closed due to the risk of falling masonry. As of Oct 2010 no date for reopening the ruins has been set.
Museum of Reading
Blagrave Street, (http://www.readingmuseum....). Open Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM; Su 11AM-4PM. Situated in Reading's Victorian Town Hall, the museum explores the history of the area, from the Roman city at nearby Silchester through mediaeval Reading and its Abbey to the coming of the railways and Reading's 3Bs Biscuits, Beer & Bulbs economy. Among the items exhibited are a traditional painted Gypsy caravan, and the Roman eagle excavated from the ruins of nearby Silchester that inspired author Rosemary Sutcliff to write her historical novel "Eagle of the Ninth". Free.