Life
Reading city life
Although a relatively small town, in Reading you have the chance to discover some interesting cultural sights, very important landmarks that speak about British history and culture.
Most popular attractions in Reading are:
- The Maiwand Lion in Forbury Gardens – an unofficial symbol of Reading
- Reading Abbey
- The Abbey Gateway
- Greyfriars Church
- The Museum of Reading
- The Museum of English Rural Life
- The Harris Botanic Gardens
In the surrounding areas of Reading, you can visit the Museum of Berkshire Aviation, Mapledurham House and Watermill, Caversham Court Gardens or Silchester to see the remains of old Roman city.
For shopping, check out Broad Street, the main shopping area and three smaller shopping arcades, the Bristol and West Arcade, Harris Arcade and The Walk.
See a play at the theatres venues in town: The Hexagon and South Street Arts Centre. Enjoy one of the many festivals Reading hosts, such as the Reading Festival, the largest of its kind in the UK and the Reading Beer Festival.
For a town, Reading has quite a rich nightlife, with many pubs and bars to choose from and have a fun night out.
Take a day trip to Henley-on-Thames or for a more multicultural atmosphere, go to Oxford or London, only around half an hour away by train.
International atmosphere in Reading
The main cultural diversity in the city is maintained by the international student population. In terms of ethnic communities, mostly you can find Chinese people and a large Polish community. A small percent of people living in Reading that is born overseas come from European countries like: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and Bulgaria.
Since Reading is an important commercial centre in Southern England, many important multinational companies have set their offices here, particularly companies involved in the information technology field.
Weather Reading
Reading has mild winters and warm summers, with limited ranging of seasonal temperature and generally moderate rainfall throughout the year. Winter temperatures are above the UK average and the coldest month is usually February with an average minimum of 2 °C (35F). February is the driest month, rainfall accumulation increases during autumn and October is the wettest month of the year. During summer, temperatures are around 22 – 23 C (71 – 73 F).
