What to do and see in Reading, England: The Best Sights & Landmarks

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.

An 18th-century house, a 1950s homeThis is a story of grandeur created, dissolved and resurrected - not once, but twice.Basildon Park is an impressive Georgian mansion, surrounded by glorious parkland, which was lovingly rescued from ruin by Lord and Lady Iliffe in the mid 1950s. The house you see today is a re-creation and restoration of the 18th-century mansion. They restored the elegant interior and scoured the country salvaging 18th-century architectural fixtures and fittings. They filled their comfortable new home with fine paintings, fabrics and furniture, which can still be enjoyed by visitors today.

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.

Holy Trinity Church Theale is a beautiful building, having been consecrated in 1832. It was modelled on Salisbury Cathedral and was once sketched by the artist John Constable. It is now a Grade 1 listed building. We meet for worship every Sunday morning at 10.30am, and provide many other activities for the community. Come and see our historic and beautiful church building.