Boating Holidays across the canals and rivers of Europe from Le Boat
Information About Reading, The Thames
Alternative Location: 
Things to do in Reading
Back to topWhy do we recommend stopping here?
Reading is a thriving town with a full range of shops and services. In the past, it was famous for the 3 'B's - Biscuits (Huntley & Palmers), Beer (Simmonds Brewery) and Bulbs (Suttons Seeds). Today, Reading is strongly into more modern business and has undergone major regeneration in recent years. There is a large Tesco supermarket here, conveniently situated alongside the riverbank - ideal for restocking.
What is there to see?
The Forbury Gardens, recently restored with the help of a Heritage Lottery Grant are now laid in their original design. The Maiwand Lion - often used as the symbol of Reading - was erected in 1884 as a memorial to the men of the Berkshire Regiment killed at the Battle of Maiwand during the Afghan campaign.
What can I visit?
The Reading Museum and Art Gallery offers permanent displays on Reading's history, as well as the famous Biscuit Gallery telling the story of Huntley and Palmers, one of the major businesses the town in days gone by. You can also view the world's only full scale copy of the Bayeux Tapestry - the Victorians who created it covered up nude male figures! Visit the beautiful St Laurence's Church and Graveyard in Town Hall Square and its many tombstones from the 1700's. Henry the first, who died in France, was brought back to Reading Abbey which he founded and he was buried in front of the high altar in 1136. The Museum of English Rural Life at Redlands Road, Reading (close to both the unniversity and the Royal Berkshire hospital) records the changing face of our rural heritage. The entrance to the Kennet & Avon canal is just to the east of the Tesco moorings. The Riverside Museum at Blake's Lock (on the K & A) tells the story of Reading's two rivers; the Thames and the Kennet.
Is this place famous for anything?
Reading Festival 2nd - 24th August 2008
Do any famous people live here?
Michael Bond, the creator of Paddington Bear, who lived in Reading for many years, was commuting from Reading to Paddington when he first had the idea for this famous character. Oscar Wilde, famous for books such as 'The Importance of Being Earnest' and 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' was imprisoned at Reading Gaol for 2 years.
Is there a public swimming pool?
Central Swimming Pool, Battle Street, Reading. There is a 25metre pool, a shallow splash pool, diving pit, and teaching pool. The Rivermead Leisure Complex at Richfield Avenue, Reading includes a lagoon pool with flume, and wave machine and a baby pool.
Opening Hours: Central Swimming Pool is open Mon - Fri 7.30am - 8.30pm, Sun 8am - 4pm Rivermead is open all day for various sessions
Alternative: At Christchurch Meadows, Reading Bridge there is a paddling pool in season.
Is there a tourist office?
Reading Visitor Centre, Church House, Chain St, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HX Tel: 0118 956 6226 www.readingtourism.org.uk
Is there a golf course here or nearby?
Reading Golf Club, Kidmore End Road, Emmer Green, Reading, RG4 8SG, two miles north of Reading town centre. Tel: 0118 947 2909 Visitors welcome Monday -Thursday.
Shopping in Reading
Back to topSupermarket
Tesco
Kings Meadow, Reading. Directly accessible from the river on the right handside. Moor up and replenish your provisions!
Opening Hours: Monday 08.00 - midnight, Tuesday-Friday 24 hour opening, 08.00 -22.00, Sunday 10.00- 16.00
What other shops are there??
Theere is a full range of shops and services in this large town
Practicalities at Reading
Back to topMooring
Above Caversham lock there are lots of public mooring places available on both sides of the river. There is also a long stretch of mooring alongside the bankside at Reading, which is close to the festival area. Mooring can be difficult during the Reading Festival (22nd -24th Aug 2008)
Can I get water here?
Water is available at Shiplake Lock, two locks further down the river.
Are there any 220v points to plug the boat into?
no
Are there any waste pump facilities here?
At Shiplake Lock, two locks further down the river.
Are there toilet/shower facilities here?
No
Is there a bank?
HSBC Bank, 26-28 Broad St, Reading, Lloyds TSB, 109 Oxford Rd, Reading, Barclays, 130-131 Friar St, Reading. Halifax Bank 65/67 Broad Street, Reading
Is there an ATM?
Yes
Is there a post office?
2-4 Crown Colonnade, London Rd, Reading and several others
Is there a doctor?
London Street Surgery, 72 London St, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4SJ Tel: 0118 957 4640
Is there a dentist?
Friar Street Dental Practice, 15 Friar St, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DB. Tel: 0118 957 3668 or London Street Dental Practice, 43 London Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4PS. Tel: 0118 950 7229
Is there a pharmacy?
Boots The Chemist, The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, RG1 2AS. Tel: 01734 571 135
Is there a taxi company here?
1st Yellow Cars Ltd, 79 London Rd, Reading, RG1 5BY. Tel: 0118 966 0666
Can I get internet access here?
Quarks Internet Café, 7 Union St, Reading or Miraj Internet Café, 123 London Street, Reading.
