Discover History & Heritage in Reading

Reading's history and heritage dates back to medieval times and the founding of Reading Abbey by Henry I, who was buried in the Abbey. There's lots to explore from this period of pilgrimage as well as Reading's second coming as an industrial powerhouse in Victorian times. 

Look up and enjoy the architecture in the town, visit the Abbey Ruins, discover why Reading was known as Biscuit Town, circle Oscar Wilde's former prison - Reading Gaol - don't miss Reading's Banksy as you go -  and visit the site of Jane Austen's former school in the Abbey Gateway. The Abbey Ruins also has its own Augmented Reality tour. 

There are regular guided tours of many aspects of Reading's history or just explore under your own steam.