Reading, United Kingdom + Add a trip

If the weather is good, then sit and relax in the restored Forbury Gardens. Sited right next to the shops, with a Carluccios nearby for coffee and cakes. Sit in the garden and relax. In the summer the bandstand features brass bands on Sundays.

Try the Reading Museum (housed in the Victorian civic buildings built by Alfred Waterhouse). The museum often has interesting temporary art exhibitions, usually with a link to the town's history (currently work by Sir Terry Frost who taught at the university's Fine Art Department). Has a replica Bayeux Tapestry (not sure why) and a fine collection of biscuit tins from one of Reading's historic industries, Huntley and Palmers.

Drink until it comes out of your ears! Friar Street is full of naff pubs, the Lyndhurst and Brewery Tap are good. And the Purple Turtle is an institution. Zero Degrees brews its own beer on site and next door is Sahara which is good for cocktails.