The Clooper Guide To Reading
You May Know Reading From The Eponymous Reading Festival!
This historic Berkshire town is more than meets the eye. Boasting fantastic travel links, stunning greenery and an excellent nightlife scene – Reading has something for everyone. The local, the temporary local, or the happy holidayer.
PROPERTIES AND PRICES
TO BUY: Reading is about forty miles outside of London, meaning that the prices benefit from not being Central London prices. Spacious one-bedroom apartments start at around £50,000 to buy. There are also shared ownership opportunities where you can purchase a shared property from around £60,000 upwards.
TO RENT: Reading has a high population of young folk and professionals. Therefore, there are many opportunities to find flats or house shares. All bills included, prices ordinarily start from £350. You can also get a decent studio apartment for around £600 per month, or a single-bedroom apartment for a similar price.
TO STAY: Typically, luxury serviced apartments in Reading start at about £70-£90 per night. You can browse through some of our available properties here.
GREEN SPACES
Prospect Park is the first name that comes to mind in terms of green spaces in Reading. This public park was once a stately home’s gardens. There are numerous sports pitches to enjoy, as well as swathes of space for other activities. Picnicking, a stroll with your close friends, a spot of sunbathing. A rare opportunity in England, we know!
Arthur Newbery Park is another fantastic recommendation. Here, you can even net a view of the River Thames — while your little ones enjoy the large public playground.
One of the best, hence why we saved it for last, is Forbury Gardens. Forbury Gardens is one of the highest-rated parks by locals. Locals praise it for being beautiful as well as peaceful. The perfect place to unwind and enjoy a calm stroll. When the holidays roll around, there’s even a Christmas Winter Lights Trail!
THINGS TO DO
Reading is of course known for its outdoor rock festival. This huge festival takes place yearly and is on par with similar festivals such as Download. There is also a stunning town centre chock full of amenities and fun activities. Here are just a few.
- Beale Park: technically a green space, but we’re featuring it here because of its popularity. Beale Wildlife Park has been going strong since 1956, founded by Gilbert Beale. Gilbert Beale founded the Child Beale Trust, a charity dedicated to the care and conservation of rare and endangered animals and birds. The Keepers are friendly, passionate and well-informed. The gardens are well-kept, the animals are happy, and ready to meet you! With free parking to boot, how can we resist?
- The Museum of English Rural Life is apt to be found in Reading, considering its leafy locale. Visit alone or with friends to learn all about the history of food, farming and the countryside.
- Visit Reading Museum, to learn about an eclectic mix of everything from ‘biscuit tins to beetles.’
- The Hexagon is a popular theatre that hosts everything from comedians to drama performances.
- The Genting Club Reading is a fantastic venue for a night out. This Casino offers fan favourite casino games, a restauraunt and bar serving gourmet food, and a diverse selection of cocktails. Some even change on the daily!
AMENITIES
As we mentioned earlier, Reading boasts its own town centre. You can also find The Oracle, a large indoor shopping and leisure mall. Here you can find big brand stores, restaurants and amenities. The Oracle promises to cater to all of your ‘fashion and lifestyle needs, and there are even regular events such as market events. You can find out more on their website here.
If you’re looking for something more eccentric, try Harris Arcade. You can find tattoo studios, cafes, counter-serve restaurants and a collection of independently owned shops and stalls.
Reading Farmers Market also happens twice a month, along Great Knollys St. Locals praise it for its fresh food and vegetables, friendly vendors, and pleasant atmosphere. Reading benefits from several local farms and farmers’ markets, meaning your food can be locally sourced and guaranteed fresh.
SCHOOLS
The majority of Reading schools are judged to be ‘good’ or greater by Ofsted. This makes it a popular location for young families specifically. The easy commute into London is also a popular draw should you or your family wish to travel for education.
In Reading, you can find a diverse array of educational options. Religious schools, single-gender schools, private and public schools. You can even find specialised colleges, such as computing and engineering colleges. Reading College is, of course, another option, and a popular one at that, with over 900 courses available.
