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Reading’s historic importance as the county town of Royal Berkshire is often overshadowed by the fact most people know the town as a major transport interchange and as a major commercial centre which has become capital of the Thames Valley economic region. Indeed, the likes of the Green Park, with all its businesses and the seemingly endless developments around the town, have led to a reputation that puts Reading solely as modern and lively.

As well as these more contemporary facets however, Reading also celebrates a history that spans approximately 1,400 years. In fact, Reading has the distinction of being one of a handful of places where an English King was buried (Henry I). There are museums dotted around the town that document the region’s history; some are located at the University of Reading, while others include the Museum of English Rural Life, the Museum of Reading in the central Town Hall which is home to the replica Bayeux Tapestry, and the Museum of Berkshire Aviation.

The city centre is the embodiment of more than a thousand years of history combined successfully with all the assets of a modern, vibrant city. The Victorian red-brick nestle beside beautiful medieval churches, while famous old coaching inns sit opposite high-tech office developments - there is a surprise around every corner. And over the last few years Reading has pursued a policy of encouraging more residential development in the centre, bringing a new cosmopolitan feel to its lively streets almost 24-hours-a-day.

Much of this recent success story is thanks to the Oracle Shopping and Leisure Complex. Opened in 1999, this huge city centre development has welcomed millions of visitors. The complex occupies a central site, straddling the banks of the River Kennet, where the Courage Brewery used to stand. Thanks to the Oracle and the follow-on development it has encouraged throughout the city centre, Reading is now one of the top shopping destinations in the country. Further, the choice and quality of the nightlife has also become legendary thanks to a whole host of bars and restaurants, while the shops and coffee houses make the central streets and pedestrianised zones busy more often than not.

The county town of Berkshire since 1867 and home to age-old monuments such as the Abbey ruins and the Minster, Reading has in recent years produced a top football team, a national music festival and well-known celebrities such as comedian and actor Ricky Gervais and actress Kate Winslet. It is not hard to see why this town is a popular and inspiring place to stay and visit.