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Reading Abbey
Name: Reading Abbey
Where: Abbey Street, Reading RG1 3BA
About: Reading Abbey is a ruined Abbey which was founded in 1121 by Henry I. Reading Abbey was popular and frequently visited by kings and others, most especially by Henry III. However, the Abbey was largely ruined in 1538 during Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries, and the buildings of the abbey were extensively robbed, with lead, glass and facing stones removed for reuse have been ruins ever since. In 2018, the ruins underwent a £3 millon project and re-opened to the public in Summer 2018.
Top Tip: Don't miss the impressive Grade I listed Gateway overlooking Forbury Gardens!
Reading Museum
Name: Reading Museum
Where: Blagrave Street, Reading RG1 1QH
About: Reading Museum has provided award-winning opportunities for learning, inspiration and enjoyment since 1883, therefore has a lot of interesting stories to tell. From the earliest days, they have collected archaeology, art, natural history, and ethnography, and objects relating to Reading. Today, they focus on collecting interesting things linked with Reading, its people and environment.
Top Tip: Have a look around the shop, which showcases a range of unique gifts either reflecting Reading and the local area or inspired by the Museum's collection.
Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre
Name: Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre
Where: Wall Lane, Reading RG7 2HP
About: Silchester in Hampshire has its origins as Calleva, a centre of the Iron Age Atrebates tribe from the late 1st century BC. After the Roman conquest of AD 43 it became the large and important town of Calleva Atrebatum. Unlike most Roman towns, it was never reoccupied or built over after it was abandoned in the 6th or 7th century, so archaeological investigations have given an unusually complete picture of its development.
Top Tip: Not only is there so much history to learn, but i's a fantastic place to walk the dog too so don't forget to take them along!
Mapledurham House
Name: Mapledurham House
Where: Mapledurham Estate, Mapledurham, Reading RG4 7TR
About: Mapledurham House is a Grade I Elizabethan stately home located just outside of Reading. The property was built in 1585 and first held by Michael Blount, and has remained in the Blount-Eyston family to this day. Mapledurham has been open to visitors since 1967 and you can enjoy a guided tour around the house on weekdays.
Top Tip: Don't forget to pop into the Mapledurham gift shop at the end of your visit and stop for afternoon tea at the Coach House Tea Room!
Forbury Gardens
Name: Forbury Gardens
Where: Reading RG1 3BB
About: Reading had a forbury, or 'borough in front', an area of open land which provided a meeting place between the Abbey and the town. The Forbury in Reading was part of the outer court of the Abbey, and provided a market place as well as a meeting place. Forbury Hill was used as a gun emplacement in the civil war. By the first years of the 19th century, the western part of the Forbury was in use as a playground or sports ground for Reading School.
Top Tip: There is a designated picnic area, so don't forget to take your picnic basket!
Basildon Park
Name: Basildon House and Estate
Where: Lower Basildon, Reading RG8 9NR
About: Sitting elegantly in 162 hectares (400 acres) of historic parkland and gardens, this 18th-century house was purchased by Lord and Lady Iliffe in the 1950s, when it was de-requisitioned after the Second World War. With extraordinary vision, the Iliffes brought Basildon Park back to life despite it facing demolition, and furnished it beautifully for the public to now see.
Top Tip: After you've explored the house and estate, we recommend tea and cake in the tea room where they serve traditional treats and scones.
Grey's Court
Name: Grey's Court
Where: Rotherfield Greys, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 4PG
About: This picturesque 16th-century mansion and tranquil gardens were home to the Brunner family until recent years when they donated it to the National Trust. The house exudes a welcoming atmosphere with a well-stocked kitchen and homely living rooms. The series of walled gardens is a colourful patchwork of interest set amid medieval ruins.
Top Tip: Don't miss the stunning 200 year old wisteria in the walled garden! The knarled plant is a beautiful sight to see all year round, but especially in wisteria season - late Spring/early Summer.