Reading is a town where history and everyday life sit side by side. A royal abbey, a Victorian prison made famous by Oscar Wilde, a giant iron lion and a riverside lido share the streets with busy shops, music venues and a thriving university.
The Reading colouring book from Britain in Lines, created in partnership with Reading BIDs, brings 20 of the town's best-loved places to the page.
About Reading
Reading's story stretches back more than a thousand years. In 1121, Henry I founded Reading Abbey, which became one of the richest in England, and the king himself was buried there. The town later grew on cloth, biscuits, beer and seeds, and the arrival of the railway made it a major crossroads.
Where the Thames meets the Kennet, Reading has always been shaped by water, and today its rivers and canal are some of its loveliest spaces.
The 20 Reading landmarks in the book
History and heritage
The Maiwand Lion in Forbury Gardens commemorates the soldiers of the Berkshire Regiment who died at the Battle of Maiwand in 1880. Close by is the Reading Abbey Gateway, where a young Jane Austen went to school. The book also features Reading Town Hall, Reading Gaol, made famous by Oscar Wilde's ballad, Watlington House, and Britain's Bayeux Tapestry at Reading Museum, a remarkable Victorian full-size replica.
On the water
The Thames Lido, a restored Edwardian swimming bath, sits alongside scenes of boating on the Kennet and Avon Canal and the Oracle Riverside, plus Reading's summer beach bars.
Everyday Reading
Reading Station, Reading Buses, The Blade on the skyline and the Tilehurst Water Tower are all part of daily life in the town, as is the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
Culture and nightlife
Music fans will recognise the Purple Turtle, the Rising Sun Arts Centre and Blue Collar Corner, while sport lovers will spot the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The university
Wantage Hall and the Great Hall at the University of Reading bring some beautiful historic architecture to the collection.
Why Reading is perfect for colouring
Reading offers a brilliant mix of medieval ruins, Victorian brick, riverside scenes and modern landmarks, plus the much-loved local haunts that make a town feel like home. Each page captures a different side of it.
Inside the Reading colouring book
The book contains 20 hand-drawn illustrations with clean, open line work that's relaxing to colour. It's printed in the UK on thick 160gsm paper, wire-bound to lie flat, with a soft-touch cover, for £16.99.
A thoughtful Reading gift
Whether they live in Reading, grew up there, studied at the university or simply love the town, this book is a personal way to celebrate it. 10% of every sale goes to Martin House Children's Hospice.
