Whilst staying at Sure Hotel by Best Western Reading why not explore Berkshire. With a variety of places of interest to visit, it’s a perfect place to learn about Berkshire.
Reading Town Centre
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Under 2 miles away from Sure Hotel by Best Western is Reading Town Centre. The town centre has one of Britain’s finest shopping centres. The Oracle is sophisticated shopping, dining and lifestyle experiences with over 80 fabulous stores including House of Fraser, Reiss, Hugo Boss, Hollister Co, Kiko Milano and a 11-screen Vue cinema. There are vibrant riverside cafés, bars and restaurants. Other shopping centres include; Broad Street Mall, Friars Walk, Butter Market and the Market Place.
There are often street performers in the centre of town who are entertaining to watch. Some of the performers sing, others play instruments, share their football skills! Reading Museum and Art Gallery, The town hall and Forbury Gardens which is famous for the Maiwand Lion statue, which commemorates the deaths of 329 men from the 66th (Berkshire) Regiment of Foot who lost their lives in Afghanistan between 1878 and 1880. There is a bandstand, which hosts live music events every weekend throughout the summer months. There is a fountain, rose garden and kiosk, which serves hot drinks, ice-cream and also light lunches.
Red Kangaroo
Image credit: redkangaroo.co.uk
Prepare to put a spring in your step at the Red Kangaroo is Reading’s new trampoline park, it is a place for bouncers to have some serious fun, great for kids, adults and families. Great indoor entertainment, an all-weather activity centre features the latest wall-to-wall trampolines as well as other aerial activities including, gladiator beams, foam pits, ninja courts and dodgeball bouncing courts. The Red Kangaroo is 36,000 feet which is the equivalent to 12 tennis courts. There is a cafe on site with a selection of paninis, hot dogs, pizza, gourmet coffees and teas. There are also quiet rooms with free wi-fi.
Beale Park
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Beale park is an outdoor wildlife park that is within 30 acres set against the River Thames. It is home to an exciting mix of animals and attractions for all to enjoy! From the Indian Blue Peafowl, Alpaca, Greater Rhea to the Red-neck Wallaby. You can take a ride on the park’s miniature train, enjoy the parks variety of gardens and the lakes. There is a little tikes outdoor village which is great for the children and a little tikes indoor play area too. There is a toy exhibition which features toys from the 50s, 60s and 70s, some great memories for many! You can also enjoy the Pavilion, Model boats, paddling pool and a sandpit. Don’t forget to visit the education centres on your visit too.
Mapuldurham
Image credit: mapledurham.co.uk
Mapledurham House is an Elizabethan stately home it is a Grade 1 listed building. Each room has an attendant on hand to answer any questions, you can learn about the history of the house and grounds.It has a working waterwheel which was seen in the Eagle has Landed film the water wheel powers the last working mill on the River Thames. You can watch the grain being milled into flour and the miller is able to answer questions. The flour and byproducts can be bought in the old beamed shop.
The grounds are spacious there are fabulous views and a church, all set by the River Thames and surrounded by the Chiltern Hills. Enjoy cream tea in the delightful tea room or get a bite to eat or take your own picnic. You can combine your visit with a relaxing boat trip from Caversham to Mapledurham. A multi purpose theatre and arts centre in the heart of Reading. Built in 1977 in the shape of an elongated hexagon. The hexagon modern and classical music, Rock, Pop, Drama, Dance, comedy and touring stage productions. The regular events include the Reading Comedy Festival and The Hexagon Pantomime.
The Hexagon has welcomed The Royal Shakespeare Company, the English National Ballet,Manic Street Preachers, English National Ballet, The Stranglers and the The Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Hexagon
Image credit: readingarts.com
A multi purpose theatre and arts centre in the heart of Reading. Built in 1977 in the shape of an elongated hexagon. The hexagon modern and classical music, Rock, Pop, Drama, Dance, comedy and touring stage productions. The regular events include the Reading Comedy Festival and The Hexagon Pantomime.
The Hexagon has welcomed The Royal Shakespeare Company, the English National Ballet,Manic Street Preachers, English National Ballet, The Stranglers and the The Philharmonic Orchestra.
