Top Things to do in Reading
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Reading, England
Discover the best top things to do in Reading, United Kingdom including St Mary's Church, The Museum of English Rural Life, Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre, Douai Abbey, Kennet & Avon Canal, Caversham Court Gardens, The Cole Museum of Zoology, The Lemongrove Gallery, Greyfriars Church, The Berkshire Yeomanry and Trooper Potts Memorial.
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1. St Mary's Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
St Mary's dates from 1069, when the Earl of Hereford ordered it built. Since then, it has been a home of worship and a significant part of life in Shinfield. The building is Grade 1 listed, and is known for some remarkable architecture (especially the fine, uncommonly timbered roof). From the moment people walk into St Mary's it is our aim to provide a welcoming, friendly experience and trust for them to leave with happy memories and hopefully, spiritual food for thought. With a newly refurbished organ, four part choir, bell ringers and a music group, music is central to worship at St Mary's. A mix of tradition and modern music is often employed, and works well. The tower contains 6 bells, and the tenor weighs 13cwt (660kg). In amongst all this activity, St Mary's is also a place for quiet, spiritual reflection and this is a key part of all our services - time to reflect on one's relationship with God and life. Services at St Mary's offer a range of worship styles, from the traditional Book of Common Prayer's Said Communion and Evensong, the Common Worship Eucharist, to more informal Family Services which are often used for baptisms. The Family Services have significant input from lay members and children in the form of short plays, reading and interactive stories. We are working towards opening the church more frequently by making the vestry secure with metal decorative screens, allowing the community at large a chance not only to see the church but also to act as a place for quiet meditation.
2. The Museum of English Rural Life
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
The Museum of English Rural Life is one of the best things to do in Reading. Whether on your own or with friends and family, discover our new immersive galleries, research our collections, refresh in our café and relax in our garden. Admission is free. The museum houses the most comprehensive national collection of objects, books and archives relating to the history of food, farming and the countryside. The museum galleries and garden were recently redeveloped thanks to Heritage Lottery funding.
Reviewed By ian19542016 - Reading, United Kingdom
A museum that is interesting, informative and educational, suitable for all age groups and best of all admission is free. The story of English rural life is told through a wide range of exhibits from horse drawn wagons large and small, early steam and petrol vehicles agricultural impliments, and items used by country folk in everyday life. For younger visitors there are a number of excellent interactive exhibits. Those of a certain age will recall childhood countryside days out and holidays. The only downside is that parking is very limited so best travel by public transport.
3. Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 reviews
Reviewed By rogergardiner - Basingstoke, United Kingdom
Not for wet weather but on a sunny day the circuit of the wall is well worth doing. Handy parking. Take in the 12th Century Church and the amphitheatre. Lovely countryside views. Drinks and food at the Calleva in Silchester.
4. Douai Abbey
5. Kennet & Avon Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 305 reviews
Reviewed By RosyU - Colombo, Sri Lanka
I have had peaceful walks along the canal. It is really nice to have such a view in the town area. very quiet and peaceful.
6. Caversham Court Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By A3303XQpaulh - Huddersfield, United Kingdom
Victorian park that has been looked after well. Clàssic clues of its Victorian look huge gates , stone pillars and iron gates. Green metal benches, bandstand, cafe and toilets . Staff friendly and welcoming and knowledgeable and hard working. Play areas , statues and lots of walks.
7. The Cole Museum of Zoology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
8. The Lemongrove Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
9. Greyfriars Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Malkimalk1952 - Reading, United Kingdom
Greyfriars offers several services on a Sunday to meet different worship tastes. Weekdays the bookshop is open and there are lots of activities for all ages.
10. The Berkshire Yeomanry and Trooper Potts Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
A life size bronze sculpture commemorates the story of Trooper Potts VC, the only man from Reading to be awarded the Victoria Cross. This was for his deeds in Gallipoli 21-23 August 1915 when he rescued a fellow man of Reading from almost certain death from in front of the Turkish lines. It took them 48 hours to get back to the British lines and for part of the way Trooper Potts strapped his severely wounded comrade, Trooper Andrews, to a shovel, he became known as The Hero with the Shovel. In addition there is a Roll of Honour which lists the 426 men of the Berkshire Yeomanry who gave their lives in the wars of the 20th Century. Information Boards tell the story of The Victoria Cross, The Berkshire Yeomanry and this VC story.
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