Reading Tourist Attractions

Stratfield Saye House was the home of the first Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, who had achieved the status of national hero after he defeated Napolean at Waterloo.The house was granted to him by the state and currently houses numerous momentos of the soldier and statesman. Of particular note are the banners surrendered by the French when he entered victoriously into Paris. Numerous prints and engravings found throughout the house tell stories from the man's illustrious careerAn exhibition in the stables at Stratfield Saye House covers the life of the Duke, including such items as the first Wellington boots and the robe that he wore during the coronation of King George IV.

At Mapledurham House, near Reading, visitors can see the last working watermill on the Thames. (The first record of a watermill on this site is in the Domesday Book). The historic family home of the Blount family is still lived in and remains open to visitors. Collections include family portraits, an oak staircase and a chapel with a Strawberry Hill Gothic-style mounted ceiling.

Blakes Lock Museum in Reading has displays that concentrate on the town's waterways, trades and industries. The museum is located on the banks of the River Kennet. It hosts permanent and temporary displays that are inventive and fun, ranging from workshops to handbills and memorabilia from days gone by.

Among other historical exhibits, the Museum of Reading features Britain's only faithful replica of the famous 12th century Bayeux Tapestry located in Bayeux, France. This world renowned embroidery chronicles the Battle of Hastings and the Norman conquest.

Newbury (pop. 31,894) is on the Kennett River 53mi/85km west of London. It was once a center for the cloth trade. There is a notable racecourse half a mile southeast of Newbury.Visitors to Newbury will enjoy the many unique shops, cafes and restaurants, or a walk along the canal path in Victoria Park.

Lambourn is located between Swindon and Reading, just north of the M4. It is a major centre for horse-race training with numerous major stables and over 1,500 racehorses each year.

Basildon Park is a classical 18th C house built by John Carr of York. It features an unusual Octagon Room and seashell collection. The mansion was restored in the 1950's and features a collection of paintings, furniture and textiles.

Bracknell is located on the A322 southwest of Windsor. The mansion, completed in 1760, in South Hill Park now houses a large arts centre.Local leisure facilities in Bracknell include a swimming pool, a dry ski slope and an ice rink.

Bucklebury Farm Park is over 70 acres of parkland in which to see deer in their natural habitat, take trailer rides, or pet the many other animals. There is also a playground, nature trail, woodland walk and large picnic area.

Heckfield is located 7mi/10km south of Reading. There are two notable houses Heckfield Place, a Georgian Estate that operates as a conference centre, and Highfield House.

Located on the edge of the former Woodley airfield, the Museum of Berkshire Aviation highlights aviation in Berkshire. Of particular note at this museum is the photo display and the Fairey Jet Gyrodyne.