Address: Abbot's Walk, Reading, RG1 3HW
Location
The Reading Abbey Ruins are a Grade 1 listed historical site located in the centre of Reading. The Abbey is connected to Forbury Gardens Park and backs on to the River Kennet.
Entry to the abbey is free.
History
Reading Abbey was founded by King Henry the 1st in 1121 and was one of Europe's largest monasteries at the time.
When Henry the 1st died in Normandy in 1135, his body was returned to Reading and was buried in the then incomplete abbey.
In 1538, the abbey was largely destroyed during Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries. During this time, the last abbot, Hugh Faringdon, was hanged, drawn, and quartered.
St James' Church, which is adjacent to the abbey, was built in 1837, utilising some of the ruins materials.
What's There?
Throughout the abbey, there are display boards sharing information on the ruins history. To one end of the ruins, there is an open green with benches on either side, ideal for lunch or picnics.
The abbey is connected to the Grade 2 listed Forbury Gardens. The gardens are ideal for visitors looking for a relaxing break and also have their own fair share of history. Click here for more information about Forbury Gardens.
Parking
There is no on-site car park at this location, but there is pay and display roadside parking along Valpy Street and The Forbury road. Pay-and-display parking has a two-hour limit.
There are seven disabled parking spaces next to the gardens on The Forbury road.
Blue badge holders park for free for four hours.
Accessibility
The abbey is ideal for visitors who struggle to walk long distances, with frequent benches throughout its grounds.
When parking along Valpy Street and The Forbury road, the distance to the abbey is around 150-200 metres, through Forbury Gardens. There are plenty of places to stop and rest along the way.
The paths are smooth and suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. There is a somewhat steep slope to access the abbey, pictured at the bottom of the page.
There are no public toilets at this location.
Conclusion
Overall, Reading Abbey is ideal for history enthusiasts and offers a peaceful space to stop for lunch or a picnic. With free entry, and Forbury Gardens next door, this location is perfect for a cheap day out.
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