Reading
Reading, the abode of the celebrated biscuit makers of Huntley and Palmers (H&P) was quite rightly known as the 'Biscuit Town' in the past. H& P was started as a nondescript bakery way back in 1822 in Reading and soon they became the largest biscuit makers in the world! Situated at the river mouths of Thames and Kennet, Reading is a large town that falls in the county of Berkshire.
Reading is a beautiful town, which treasures its rich past as it ushers in a vibrant future. Even while it remains a vibrant IT hub and the European headquarters of many acclaimed companies such as Microsoft, Compaq and Oracle, Reading fervently holds on to its nostalgic past. It was once a famous medieval city, well known for its monastery that enjoyed royal patronage; but soon this city fell into ruins. By the 18th century, the town started making strides in iron industry, brewing trade and many agricultural products such as the world famous Reading cheese. The opening of the Kennet and Avon Canal was a historic moment which took the local barges right up to the Bristol Channel. The town soon shot into fame for biscuits, beer and bulbs, which spun off the famous coinage of "Three Bs". Reading is home to the famous India Pale Ale of beer produced by Simond’s brewery and the hard hitting Reading sauce.
The town soon developed into a trendy city with many shopping centers and housing complexes that accentuated its skyline. Reading is a rocking University town with a staggering student populace of over ten thousand students, which imparts splashes of color and vivacity. It draws scores of tourists from far and wide who throng to enjoy its tourist attractions. You can still see the rudiments of Abbey- once home to over 100 monks, which dates back to 1164. The Reading prison is famous for its celebrity inmate Oscar Wilde, who wrote his epic poem “The Ballad of Reading Gaol", during his confinement here. In addition, you can experience the medieval grandeur in its innumerable palaces, churches, timeless coaching inns and gothic structures that jostle for space amidst the avant garde building and shopping malls.
The Museum of Reading in the Town Hall parades an impressive collection of various artifacts such as the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry and a rich Victorian Art Gallery that tell you more about its Anglo Sexon legacy,whereas the Museum of English Rural Life takes you to the interesting world of farming tools and the village life of the past.
The new face of Reading is well portrayed by the latest shopping mall of The Oracle, which has evolved as the hot spot of Reading. It is standing on the original site of the 17th century workhouse set up by John Kendrick and owes its name to it. The Museum of Reading still preserves the original gates of the Oracle work house. This mall promises an awesome shopping experience in its 3 storeys. You can also rummage through many high street stores such as Heelas, touted as one of the biggest department stores in the country.
Reading is also famous for its awe-inspiring leisure facilities that revolve around its many swimming pools, fitness centers, green tee courses, and ice-skating among others. It is also famous for its outstanding contributions in sports including football, hockey and rugby clubs.Reading offers the best possible dining options from budget eateries to opulent hotels and restaurants that serve local as well as a sumptuous international cuisine. It has an impressive medley of pubs and clubs that entice you with loads of music and dance. The theatre buffs have enough reason to cheer as Reading has many first class theaters like the Hexagon apart from concert halls and art centers.
Reading flaunts an impressive festival calendar with many important festivals such as the local event of Reading Days, which include tractor pulls, chicken BBQ and baseball tournaments among others. Halloween week is also celebrated with gaiety with a colorful parade.
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