What kind of lifestyle can I expect?
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Reading is in the heart of the Thames Valley, a region of beautiful countryside with excellent access to any area in the country. There are lots of great places for family visits, from zoos and country parks to castles and museums.
Reading itself is a shopper’s dream and home to the Oracle, now one of the UK’s top ten shopping desitinations, with over 90 top name shops, 28 bars, restaurants and cafes. The attractions of Windsor, Henley and Oxford are all within an hour’s drive while a 30-minute train journey will whisk you to the bright lights of the capital’s West End.
Womad, at the end of July, is a highlight for world music and arts lovers, while the Reading Fesitval – which has taken place every Bank Holiday for more than 30 years – attracts tens of thousands of people from all over the world to watch the biggest names in music.
Reading FC and London Irish RUFC both play on GreenPark’s doorstep at the superb Madjeski Stadium, while the roar of the Reading Racers speedway team can be heard nearby. Down the road at Bracknell, you can catch professional basketball with the Thames Valley Tigers and see the Bracknell Bees play Super League ice hockey.
Ascot, Newbury and Windsor racecourses are also all within easy reach.
More about shopping in the region (fact file)
More about sport and leisure (fact file)