If you plan on going on a vacation and enjoying your free time, then Reading City is the perfect place to go. Reading is a quite large town situated in the authority area in England, near the Thames Valley. The population of Reading, according to the 2001 census, reaches a total of 232.662 residents. It is ranked as the 21st town in the United Kingdom.
Reading exists as early as the Roman occupation of Britain. Nevertheless, the first concrete evidence of Reading as an existing town goes back to the 8th century. Reading has a lot of wonderful attractions to offer to its tourists. Its charming small houses, its old-fashioned streets with souvenir shops and the wonderful streets present the tourists with an unforgettable holiday. The accommodation in Reading is affordable, ranging from antique inns, fancy hotels and remote B&Bs.
The Maiwand Lion is an impressive sculpture and war memorial in Forbury gardens, Reading. The statue was erected in 1886 and named after the Battle of Maiwand. It commemorates the death of 330 soldiers during a campaign in Afghanistan in 1880. The sculptor George Blackall Simonds finished the statue in two years. It is considered to be the largest cast iron statue in the world.
Forbury Gardens is a charming park in the town of Reading. At first, Forbury was an Abbey founded in 1121, but was later destroyed by Henry VIII through the Dissolution of the Monasteries Act in 1538 It is one great place to take an afternoon walk and enjoy the shadows of the trees or a picnic on the grass. The park also houses facilities such as a refreshment kiosk, public toilets and wooden benches.
Reading Museum is the museum of history of Reading City. The museum contains galleries describing the history of Reading and its related industries, a gallery of ancient Roman artefacts, a copy of the Bayeux Collection and an extensive art collection.
Basildon Park with this beautiful Palladian mansion was built in 1776-83. The interior is notable for its original delicate plasterwork and elegant staircase, as well as the unusual Octagon Room. The house fell on hard times early in the last century but was rescued and restored by Lord and Lady Iliffe, who filled it with fine pictures and furniture. The early-19thC pleasure gardens are currently being restored and there are way-marked trails through the parkland. The property is owned by The National Trust.
