When I first investigated possible places to live in England, I discovered Reading. ‘Reading? As in reading a book?’ my family asked, raising their eyebrows in curiosity. Little did they know, and frankly, little did I know at the time, that we were about to embark on a journey in a town that’s so much more than just its literary namesake.
Having unpacked our bags and settled into life in Reading over the past four months, it’s time to share why this diverse corner of Berkshire has become our unexpected haven. So, come along as I unravel the tapestry of Reading’s charm, a town where life is as rich and vibrant as the stories you find in the pages of your favourite book.
Where Is Reading?
Located in the picturesque county of Berkshire (proclaimed a Royal county by Queen Elizabeth II), Reading lies in the south-east of England. Its prime position along the River Thames, just 61 kilometres west of London, makes it a hot spot for both urban convenience and the charm of the English countryside.
You might be wondering why I refer to Reading as a town, when it has a population of about 350 000 people. Well, in the UK, a place is only called a city if it has been granted city status by the reigning monarch. Historically, this designation required the presence of a cathedral, but in Reading’s case, it’s mostly graced by churches and the remnants of an abbey! While some towns have successfully applied for and received city status, Reading, at least for now, remains a town.
A Superb Location
As recent transplants to Reading, we are still discovering what makes the place tick. One of its great assets is its location. Nestled in the heart of Berkshire, the town is a fascinating mix of history, modernity, and natural beauty.
Strategically positioned along the M4 corridor, Reading is a transportation hub that connects the east and west of England. Its proximity to major roadways and rail links enhances its accessibility and makes it a favourable destination for commuters. We’ve been able to travel to London by train and by bus, take a short drive to Windsor, Wales is just a couple of hours away by road, and the coast is also within reach.
If you need a good dose of ocean breeze and views, Bournemouth and Poole are only a 90-minute drive south, and both have superb Blue Flag status sandy beaches. If you’re looking for a pebbled beach, Brighton Beach is also less than two hours away. All in all, it’s a handy place to live if you like to travel, as we do.
River Charm
My family has always loved living near water – there’s something inherently peaceful about being close to water, whether it be the crashing waves on the shore or the gentle flow of a river. Reading is set on the south bank of the River Thames, with a tributary, the River Kennet, running through the centre of town. We love taking strolls along the Thames Path, soaking in the peaceful scenes of swans and geese gracefully navigating the waters, honking to each other gloriously. The rowers add a lively touch to the tranquil ambience.
A great way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon, is to take a boat ride up the Thames. We enjoyed a cruise up to the Mapledurham lock and weir, passing through beautiful Berkshire and south Oxfordshire countryside. Gliding along the river, the gentle hum of the water against the boat provided the perfect soundtrack to unwind and soak in the natural beauty surrounding us. It’s an hour escape that feels like a mini-vacation!
Once a former gravel pit on the outskirts of Reading, lying in the flood plains of the Thames, the Caversham Lakes is now a wonderful area for those enjoying water sports and time out in natural surroundings. It’s a popular place in the summer, and some intrepid locals even opt for the New year’s Day polar swim – I’m not too sure about this yet, but may be convinced to participate over time!
Chiltern Hills AONB
Reading lies on the border of Berkshire and south Oxfordshire, meaning we are close to the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This provides me with the opportunity of walking through King Wood to work in the mornings, surrounded by sessile oak, field maple, beech and hawthorn trees, as well as holly and ivy. I’ve spotted foxes and deer, had conversations with delightful little squirrels and been spooked by the hoots of some over zealous owls in the morning mist.
There is so much more to explore, but having these open fields and stunning woods only a few kilometres from home, adds to the attraction of living here.
Amicable People
We have found the residents of the town to be diverse, friendly and ever helpful. From the moment we arrived, we were acutely aware that ours were not the only foreign accents. In fact, a significant portion of the population comprises working immigrants from Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia, each contributing to the cultural mosaic of Reading. The local English folk have been exceptionally warm and welcoming, and are always interested to know where we’re from and our story.
The town is not perfect. We have also seen the homeless people camping in the doorways of shops in the centre of town, and read of petty crime in some parts of town. Life is hard for many people here. However, there are also many organisations and individuals who make it their mission to help those who are struggling and less fortunate.
History: Anglo-Saxons, Vikings And More
Reading boasts a history that spans over a millennium, making it a town steeped in tradition and cultural significance.
Hunter-gatherers resided here over 500 000 years ago, while archaeological findings show evidence of Bronze Age communities from around 2 500 BC . Saxons settled here in the 6th century, then the Vikings arrived in the region in the late 800’s.
Thereafter it was the turn of the Normans. The construction of Reading Abbey in the 12th century added to the town’s prestige, with the Abbey becoming a hub of religious and cultural activities. However, its prosperity took a hit during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, when Henry VIII ordered the closure of religious institutions. A visit to the Abbey ruins is a must – we love how the ruins form part of the centre of town, together with Forbury Gardens.
Throughout the medieval period, Reading flourished as an important centre for trade and commerce.
Reading’s location along the River Thames played a pivotal role in its development as a transportation hub. The town’s growth surged during the Industrial Revolution, marked by the expansion of industries such as brewing, seed cultivation, and the famous Huntley & Palmers biscuit factory.
The 20th century saw Reading evolve into a significant commercial and economic centre, with it currently serving as the IT hub of the country.
Food Scene
With such a diverse range of people living here, it was inevitable that there would be a huge variety of restaurants from which to choose. We have enjoyed meals at traditional English pubs, and at other pubs serving traditional Thai food. There are many good Asian and Indian restaurants, interspersed with Italian and Lebanese eateries. Fish and chips shops aren’t as common as we thought, but we love all the spicy, tasty dishes served. Street food is popular in Reading, and people flock to the Blue Collar Street Food Arena in the evenings to sample food from a variety of food traders.
There is an abundance of coffee shops – some truly exceptional, and others, not so much. The Collective, Caversham, has become a firm favourite, providing comfortable seating indoors and outdoors, as well as take-away orders on days when all you want is the coffee.
The Weather
While it’s a well-known fact that people don’t exactly flock to England for its tropical weather, our decision to settle in Reading seems to be a stroke of luck. Since our arrival, it’s as if all the dramatic tropical storms decided to take a detour, sparing Reading from their full force. We were greeted with hot and humid weather, something we’re accustomed to, and have been gradually adapting to the cooler, wetter conditions that typically characterise this time of year. It turns out, the English weather might just be smiling on us – at least for now! Could this be the best place to live in southern England?
Come rain or shine, it appears that weather doesn’t hold people back here in Reading. Whether it’s cycling, running, walking the dog, or catching up with friends and family, the spirit of the town remains undeterred. Armed with a plethora of all-weather coats and a bit of forward planning, everyone seems to soldier on, determined to make the most of every moment – the forecast may change, but the enthusiasm to enjoy life stays constant.
Reading: The Next Chapter
Living in South Africa presented its own set of challenges, particularly regarding safety. Now, here in Reading, the contrast is striking. Every day, our newfound sense of freedom is underscored by the graceful flight of red kites above us. Once extinct in England, these magnificent birds made a comeback through a reintroduction effort in 1989. Fast forward to today, and Reading has wholeheartedly embraced the red kites. Research affirms that the town has not only welcomed them back but has developed a genuine affinity for these magnificent creatures, creating a unique bond between Reading and its avian residents. And we have grown to love them too.
The efficient transport system, the sense of security, and the overall feeling of independence and freedom have made a profound difference to our lives. As we embark on walks around town and the Chiltern Hills nearby, there’s a palpable excitement in the air as we look forward to discovering more about the region, unravelling its stories, and immersing ourselves in this vibrant community. It’s a new chapter, and we’re eager to explore every page and discover more reasons why Reading is such a great place to live.
