Reading

What is Reading Like? 

Reading is a vibrant and diverse town in Berkshire. One of the largest towns in the whole of the UK, Reading is the perfect place for anyone who is looking to live in a bustling town with a family-friendly feel. 

Reading is a prime spot for London commuters who are seeking more for their money outside of the capital. The Berkshire town is just 30 minutes away from London via a direct train to London Paddington. Being within such close proximity of the capital, Reading is a great option for those who are looking to leave the hustle and bustle of London but still be a resident in a lively town. With a great selection of entertainment, a busy nightlife and a notably warm community feel, Reading has plenty to offer. 

Reading has been voted as one of the best places to make a living and work in the UK. The information technology sector is particularly strong here, and both Microsoft and Oracle have headquarters in the town. Information technology, business and financial services, legal services, energy and renewables, bio-pharma and biotech and the creative sector are all popular job sectors in Reading.  

Some of the most popular areas in Reading include: 

• Reading town centre. If you want to be right in the heart of all the action, this is the place to be. Unsurprisingly, this is the most popular area for students 
• Earley. This is a particularly popular area with families with family-friendly activities and beautiful lakesides 
• Caversham. This is a suburb a mile outside of Reading with a charming community atmosphere 
• Winnersh. If you would rather live in the countryside but still have easy access to the town, this is the place for you. There are over 70 allotments here as well as a community hall 
• Woodley. This is the largest suburb of Reading, 4 miles east of the town centre. It has a good range of shops, supermarkets and cafes as well as a fantastic leisure centre  

Bars, Restaurants and Nightlife 

As a university town, Reading boasts a vibrant nightlife with a variety of independent bars, pubs, and restaurants. Be At One is famous for its exciting cocktails and party atmosphere, while Oakfield Social Club is a top spot for live music. Traditional pubs like The Alehouse and The Nag’s Head offer a classic drinking experience, and The Hope & Bear serves craft beers and gastro-inspired pub grub. The Market House stands out with multiple bars, a rooftop terrace, street-food stalls, and uniquely decorated hotel rooms.

Food enthusiasts will enjoy the diverse dining options, including Honest Burgers, BrewDog, and various Greek, Latin American, Italian, French, and Argentinean restaurants.

Leisure Centres and Outdoor Activities 

Reading offers several gyms and leisure centres, such as Buzz Gym and The Gym Group, both open 24/7. The town also has four leisure centres for activities like swimming, badminton, netball, and basketball. Palmer Park Sports Stadium features outdoor and indoor facilities, including an athletics stadium, football pitches, a Velodrome, and a gym.

Nearby, Reload offers laser clay pigeon shooting and archery, while Teamsport provides a state-of-the-art go-karting track. The Caversham golf club is highly regarded, and The Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre in Bracknell offers hands-on falconry experiences. Beale Wildlife Park in Lower Basildon is a fantastic outdoor park along the River Thames, perfect for scenic walks along the Kennet and Avon Canal.