FAQs

Here are a few of the most common questions we get asked about Reading:- 

Is Reading on the Thames?

Yes, Reading is on the River Thames although the Thames doesn't appear in the town's name. The Thames flows through the heart of Reading with lots of lovely walks along its banks, water sports, river trips, the Thames Path National Trail and even the HQ of Thames Water overlooking the river. Reading is a waterways town and as well as the Thames, it also has the River Kennet and the Kennet and Avon canal flowing through the town centre. That's why Reading is where it is - located at the confluence of the two rivers.  Find out more about Reading on the water.

Is Reading on the Elizabeth Line?

Reading is the final station on the new Elizabeth Line coming west out of London. If you have a TfL Freedom Pass it is free to travel to Reading on the Elizabeth Line. You can use contactless throughout the Elizabeth Line. Oyster cards and valid Travelcards are also accepted, but not west of West Drayton (you'll need a valid ticket for the West Drayton-Reading leg of your journey).

The new Elizabeth Line means you can now travel from Central London, The City and Canary Wharf directly to Reading without needing to change trains. The journey takes about an hour. The fastest way to travel from London to Reading by rail is on a GWR non-stopping mainline service from London Paddington. 

Find out more about visiting Reading by the Elizabeth Line.

What is Reading famous for?

Reading is the largest town in England. It is famous as the home to the Reading Festival, Reading University, Reading Football Club and the burial place of King Henry I of England. 

Reading is also known for its 3Bs - Biscuits, Beer and Bulbs, the Victorian industries that made it wealthy in the 19th century. Nowadays, it is famous as the home for tech businesses such as Microsoft and Oracle and other global brands such as PepsiCo, Bayer and Nokia. It is also the regional shopping centre for the Thames Valley with people travelling to shop in The Oracle and Broad Street Mall shopping centres and other major stores. 

Reading is famous for its links to Oscar Wilde, Jane Austen, Henry I, as well as more modern celebrities such as Ricky Gervais, The Princess of Wales, Kennetth Branagh and Michael Bond, the creator of Paddington.

What is the shopping like in Reading Town Centre?

Reading is the regional shopping capital for the Thames Valley. The town centre has two major shopping centres, a pedestrianised main shopping street and lots of small independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

The Oracle Shopping Centre and Broad Street Mall are in the centre of Reading and have major brands such as Apple, Next, H&M and Zara. Reading's Broad Street has John Lewis, M&S and Primark among the many other shops. All these shops are within easy walking distance of each other and the train station and there are multi- storey car parks in the town centre. 

Find out more about shopping in Reading.

How can I find the Banksy in Reading?

Reading has its own Banksy on the walls of the fomer Reading Prison. He created Create Escape overnight in 2021 and it is said to represent the former prison's most famous inmate Oscar Wilde. It is easy to find and is just a five minute walk from the station. Follow our map to find the best route through the Abbey Quarter to see Reading's Banksy. 

Is Reading Prison open to the public?

Reading Prison closed in 2013 and is not open to the public. Its most famous inmate was Oscar Wilde, who was imprisoned in Reading Gaol in the 1890s. He is immortalised by the Oscar Wilde gates on Chestnut Walk and the new Banksy mural.  The prison has recently been sold and we await the plans of the new owners with much interest. 

Does Reading have cheap hotels?

Reading has a wide variety of hotels, from budget chains such as Travelodge, Premier Inn and Holiday Inn to 4 and 5 star hotels such as Novotel and the Roseate. 

If you are going to the football stadium, you can stay at the nearby Voco or Hilton. In the town centre, all of the hotels such as Penta and Malmaison are a short walk from the station. 

The cheapest hotel nights are usually weekends and the begining and end of the week. 

Find out where to stay in Reading.

What's Reading like?

Reading is a really nice place to live, work and visit. It is the UK's largest town but its town centre is very compact and easy to walk around from the central railway station. The River Thames, shops, Kennet and Avon Canal, museums, Abbey Ruins and much more are all in the town centre. 

It is a green town, with lots of parks and river and canal frontage. It is a very diverse place with people from all over the world coming here to work for one of the many high-tech companies or study at the University. 

If you are visiting Reading, it's best to come by train as the station is in the heart of the town and everything you would want to visit is an easy walk. But if you drive, you can park in the town centre multi-storey car parks. 

Reading is also the sunniest place to live in the UK. 

Does Reading have a beach?

Reading is not on the sea but it does have lots of ways to enjoy the water. At Caversham Lakes, there is a family beach as well as paddle board and aqua park fun. People often swim in the Thames at Thames Valley Park, you can swim in the open air at Thames Lido or hire canoes at various locations. 

The Oracle Shopping Centre on the Kennet and Avon canal has a Beach Bar in the summer months and there are great picnic spots in Forbury Gardens, Christchurch Meadows, Thames Valley Park and Thames Prom.

Does Reading have a low emission zone?

Reading does not have a Low Emmission Zone (ULEZ) or Congestion Charge Zone. It is really easy to travel to Reading by train or bus and if you drive you can choose from a number of park and ride options or town centre multi-storey car parks.