population: 0.232 million

extension: 40.78 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Reading and interested in visiting museums, I would highly recommend the Museum of English Rural Life. It's located on Redlands Road and has a fantastic collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history and culture of rural England. If you want to visit more museums of similar type, some nearby options include the River & Rowing Museum in Henley-on-Thames and the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to eat in Reading, according to local people, include:

1. Reading Biscuits - Sweet biscuits made with flour, sugar, butter, and caraway seeds.

2. Pie and mash - A traditional British dish consisting of a filled pie served with mashed potatoes and gravy.

3. Fish and chips - A classic British dish of battered fish and deep-fried potatoes, usually served with mushy peas and tartar sauce.

4. Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding - A Sunday roast meal typically consisting of roasted beef, potatoes, vegetables, and a savory pudding made from batter.

5. Full English breakfast - A hearty breakfast meal that includes bacon, eggs, sausages, black pudding, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast.

6. Sticky toffee pudding - A rich dessert made with dates, topped with a caramel sauce and usually served with vanilla ice cream or custard.

7. Chicken tikka masala - A popular Indian-inspired dish that consists of marinated grilled chicken in a creamy tomato-based sauce.

8. Kebabs - Grilled meat skewers often served in flatbread or pitta bread with salad and a yogurt-based sauce.

These are just a few examples, but there are many other delicious dishes to try in Reading as well!

Activities

Sure, here are some fun activities that locals in Reading enjoy:

1. Visit Forbury Gardens: This is a beautiful public park located in the heart of Reading city center. It's a great place to relax, have a picnic, or go for a walk.

2. Check out Reading Festival: This annual music festival takes place every August at Richfield Avenue and attracts thousands of music lovers from all over the UK.

3. Explore the Reading Abbey Ruins: The ruins of Reading Abbey, founded by Henry I in 1121, are a fascinating historical attraction right in the city center. You can take a guided tour or explore on your own.

4. Go shopping in The Oracle: This shopping mall has a great mix of high street and designer stores, as well as restaurants and cafes.

5. Enjoy a boat ride on the River Thames: The River Thames runs right through Reading, and you can hire a boat or take a river cruise to see the city from a different perspective.