Reading travel guide

Reading, UK - Overview: Home Of Major Multinationals

Reading is a large town in England. It is located just at the confluence of River Kennet and River Thames. The town falls midway between Swindon and London of the M4 motorway. In fact, Reading is one of the contenders for being the largest town in England. It also has the credit of hosting one of the biggest music festivals in the country.

Important national centre of medieval period

The town of Reading was a site of important monastery having strong royal connections. It was an important national centre during the medieval period.  Although it suffered huge economic damages in the seventeenth century, after a long time of recovery it is once again a very important commercial centre having strong links to insurance and technological industry. Reading is considered to be a university town too, as it has two universities supported by a large student population.

Districts and suburbs in Reading

Reading is located 66 km west from Central London, 64 km east of Swindon and 48 km south east of Oxford. Besides being a town centre, it also comprises of many districts and suburbs lying within the surrounding urban and borough area. They include Southcote, Newtown, Fords Farm, East Reading, Homcastle, Katesgrove, Tilehurst and the list goes on.

Location advantage of Reading

Its location in the Thames Valley gives it a significant position in the overall nation’s transport system. Thames and Kennet are navigable from the city. Yale lock, Caversham Lock Blake’s, Fobney Lock, County Lock and the South Cote Lock also lies within this borough. Again, Air Transport is enhanced by London Heathrow Airport, which is only 48 Km by road. Other airports like the London Gatwick (97 Km) and Southampton Airport (72 Km) is well connected by rail and road services. It is also a major junction point of the national rail system. Such a location has made Reading a major transfer point serving terminating and originating traffic.

Home to several MNCs

Reading is one of the important cities of the United Kingdom, as it has headquarters of major foreign multinationals and British companies. Companies like Symantec, Oracle, Microsoft, Cisco, ING Direct, Yell.com, Prudential, Sage and Symbol Technologies have their headquarters in the Thames Valley Business Park of Reading. 

21 South Street and The Hexagon

Reading has also several theatre venues, which includes 21 South Street and The Hexagon. These theatres are professional venues that are supported by the Reading Borough council. Various events including classical programs, dance, pop, rock and comedy are hosted by Hexagon. South Street is the venue of performing arts from community and professional sectors. The town is also the home of Reading Football Club and the Reading Racers Speedway team.