Explore Reading
Known for
Reading Festival (one of the world's oldest and most celebrated rock festivals), the Reading Gaol (where Oscar Wilde was imprisoned), the Huntley & Palmers biscuit heritage, and a Thames Valley city of significant cultural and commercial importance
A little history
Reading Gaol held Oscar Wilde from 1895-97, inspiring The Ballad of Reading Gaol. Reading Festival — first held in 1971 — is one of the world's most celebrated rock festivals. Huntley & Palmers biscuit factory made Reading a global food manufacturing centre. The town is at the junction of the Thames and Kennet.
Reading Festival in August is genuinely legendary. Reading Museum for the Huntley & Palmers heritage. The Oracle for shopping. The Thames riverside walk. The Gaol — now an arts venue.
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Food & drink in Reading
Reading has excellent independent restaurants and cafes. The Oracle and town centre have strong independent food. Oracle riverside has good options.
Restaurants & cafes
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For businesses in Reading
Reading is one of the UK's most significant business centres. Strong independent food alongside major retail. Tech companies drive a young professional food culture.
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Frequently asked questions
Reading is a place in Berkshire known for reading Festival (one of the world's oldest and most celebrated rock festivals), the Reading Gaol (where Oscar Wilde was imprisoned), the Huntley & Palmers biscuit heritage, and a Thames Valley city of significant cultural and commercial importance. Reading Gaol held Oscar Wilde from 1895-97, inspiring The Ballad of Reading Gaol. The population is around 232,000.
Reading has excellent independent restaurants and cafes. The Oracle and town centre have strong independent food. Oracle riverside has good options.
Yes. Roam is a free local discovery app live in Reading and across Berkshire. It is available on iOS and Android.
Local Reading businesses can list on Roam for free in around 90 seconds. Add your business name, address, opening hours and a few photos via the Roam website, and your listing goes live in Roam's discovery feed for users browsing Reading and the wider Berkshire area. There is no subscription fee.
Roam covers Reading and the surrounding area in Berkshire, including Caversham, Earley, Woodley, Tilehurst, Southcote, Whitley, Emmer Green and Purley on Thames.
