🇬🇧 Reading: London’s Underrated Backyard Gem

🌟 A Town Steeped in History Nestled in Berkshire, just 37 miles from London, Reading blends ancient roots with modern energy. Roman Era (43 AD): Founded as Calleva Atrebatum, a military outpost. Medieval Heyday: Reading Abbey (built by Henry I in 1121) became England’s wealthiest monastery. Industrial Boom: Textiles and railways thrived; WWII reshaped its landscape. 🏰 Must-See Heritage Reading Abbey Ruins: Walk among 12th-century arches where kings were buried. Kennet & Avon Canal: Stroll this picturesque waterway lined with barges and weeping willows. Broad Street Mall: Where Victorian facades house trendy cafés and tech hubs. 💻 Tech Powerhouse: "UK’s Silicon Valley" Home to Huawei, Microsoft, and Oracle’s European HQs, Reading drives 5G innovation and ranks among Europe’s top FDI destinations. 🎓 Academic Excellence University of Reading: A Triple Crown-accredited research giant (founded in 1892 as Oxford’s extension). Henley Business School: MBA programs rivaling Ivy Leagues. 🌿 Why Visit? History Buffs: Abbey ruins + Roman artifacts. Tech Nerds: Campus tours at global HQs. Nature Lovers: Thames Path walks + canal-side pubs. #ReadingUK #HiddenGems #LondonEscapes