Reading: Like a local

This month we had a chat with our insiders at Pentahotel Reading to bring you the optimum tips for your next visit. In the heart of Berkshire’s Royal heritage, Pentahotel Reading is surrounded by outstanding natural beauty.

 

1. The right spot for people watching.

You can’t beat the Riverside. There’s nothing like some shopping and food next to the river as you watch the people (and the water) go by.

 

2. Where to go to get away from the crowds.

Prospect Park is the place to visit if you need to get some fresh air and maybe do a bit of sport. The Caversham Park is amazing as well.

 

3. The best local market and what to buy there.

Smelly Alley is the place to go (the original name of the street is Union Street, but very few people know this!) where you can get local fruits and vegetables. The name comes from the butchers and fish shops that were traditionally located here.

 

4. Where to go after dark

Purple Turtle is definitely the place to go. No matter your style or what kind of music you like, you will always enjoy a pint there. For an underground club and live music venue, look no further than
 SUB89.

 

5. Place you would take your grandma?

Probably to the Forbury Gardens for a nice little walk and talk. Take a few hours for a relaxed stroll around and don't forget to pack a picnic!

 

6. What’s unique to your city?

Definitely the Reading Festival. It attracts major artists and is the world's oldest popular music festival still in existence. Of course, COVID put a spanner in the works for 2020, but fingers crossed that it will be safe to go ahead again this year!

 

7. What’s worth checking out in the region around the city?

The countryside here is amazing, so feel free to explore or just follow the river... The Thames Path is a long distance walking trail that follows England’s best-known river through meadows and historic towns, villages and cities. There are plenty of options (longer and shorter) departing from Reading for a scenic riverside walk along the Thames.