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| Click Here To Book Car Hire From Reading | ||
| Car Hire and Car Rental From Reading | ||
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What was true for the great chronicler of the very best of British in the 1930's, when Betjeman travelled the area in the 1930's is still very true today. Modern Reading is a revelation to most people. It's historic importance as the county town of Royal Berkshire, is often overshadowed by the fact most people know Reading as a major transport interchange, and as a major commercial centre, capital of the Thames Valley economic region. While it's true many international companies have chosen Reading as their home, thanks to its unrivalled communications network, and that we have some of the finest high tech business parks in the south-east, the people of Reading also celebrate a history that spans the last 1400 years. In fact we have the distinction of being one of a handful of places where an English King was buried (Henry I). The city centre is the embodiment of over a thousand years of history combined successfully with all the assets of a modern, vibrant city. The Victorian red-brick buildings for which we are famous, nestle besides beautiful medieval churches, famous old coaching inns sit opposite high-tech office developments - there is a surprise around every corner. And over the last few years Reading has pursued a policy of encouraging more residential development in the centre - bringing a new cosmopolitan feel to our lively streets, almost 24 hours a day. Much of this recent success story is thanks to The Oracle Shopping and Leisure Complex. Opened in 1999, this huge city centre development has already welcomed over 75,000,000 visitors. The centre occupies a central site, straddling the banks of the River Kennet, where the Courage Brewery used to stand. Thanks to The Oracle and the follow-on development it has encouraged throughout the city centre, Reading is now one of the top ten shopping destinations in the country. The choice and quality of our nightlife has also become legendary - whatever your age and tastes. Just a short walk from The Oracle, its shops, restaurants and multiplex, you can find Reading's most important historic quarter. The historic heart of Reading is bordered by three important landmarks: The Museum of Reading/ Town Hall Complex- opened in 1872-75, this complex of three buildings is now family-friendly museum and art gallery; The Town Hall conference centre and the Concert Hall. The Town Hall building was designed by eminent Victorian architect ,a and local boy, Alfred Waterhouse in the high gothic style. The Forbury Gardens and Abbey Ruins - these beautiful formal gardens were once the forecourt of Reading Abbey, and the ruins of the Abbey itself can be found between the park and the river Kennet. Henry I, the Abbey's founder and benefactor was buried in front of the high altar here in 1136. Following its consecration by Thomas Beckett in 1164, the Abbey became one of the most important religious and political centres in England. Some of the Abbey's wonderful architecture can still be enjoyed - including St Laurence's Church and the Gateway - and the ruins themselves offer a fascinating glimpse of the scale of an abbey that covered the whole of the town centre, until the time of the reformation. Reading Gaol (or Reading Young Offenders Centre in its current form) is right next to the Abbey Ruins enshrined forever in literature thanks to the epic poem written by its most famous inmate, Oscar Wilde's Ballad of Reading Gaol. Designed n the 1830's as a "model " prison, Wilde was sent here due to concerns for his health. His cell survives intact but visitors are not allowed. However you can enjoy the Bruce Robinson artwork on Chestnut Walk (between the prison and the Kennet) that celebrates Wilde's art and his life. Our "Heritage Walk" Leaflet will help you discover the many hidden delights of Reading and is available from Reading Visitor Centre and Travel Shop. We believe that Reading is a great place to be whatever the season - whether you're staying for a night or planning to live here. With our programme of special events and festivals, first class hotels and guest houses, superb parks, play facilities, sports centres and theatre, we are the envy of other towns our size. All this, together with the fact we are surrounded by beautiful countryside and close to many favourite tourist attractions, makes Reading the perfect venue of all types of business and holiday travel. | ||
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