The ruins of Reading Abbey are to re-open to the public following an extensive £3.15 million restoration scheme, Reading Abbey Revealed, on June 16. The abbey has been close since 2009, for safety reasons.
In addition to the extensive conservation project, the 900-year-old abbey has benefitted from new signage and a programme of activities to increase customer satisfaction. The project is part of the local council’s ongoing efforts to conserve and develop the Abbey Quarter.
One of 12th century England’s wealthiest monasteries – King Henry I was buried at Reading Abbey – in its heydey it was one of the largest royal monasteries in medieval Europe.
Key features include, the Real Abbey Revealed – newly-created digital reconstructions of the Abbey in its glory, including a fly over the Abbey. Once the entrance to a Tudor royal palace, and latterly a classroom for the young Jane Austen, the Abbey Gateway is also re-opened after extensive renovation.
The reopening of the Abbey Ruins is part of Water Fest, Reading’s annual celebration of its waterways.
For more information, visit www.readingabbeyquarter.org.uk. Photo courtesy of Reading Museum.


Mark Bibby Jackson
Recent Posts
Latest Travel News
Upcoming Events
Tenerife Carnival 2023, Santa Cruz
January 17 - February 26Broadway Week 2023, New York, USA
January 17 - February 12Vinterjazz Festival Denmark 2023
February 2 - February 26Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2023 in Thailand
February 3 - February 5Quebec Winter Carnival 2023
February 3 - February 12Chingay Parade Singapore, 2023
February 3 - February 4Fiesta Tapati de Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile
February 3 - February 11Venice Carnival (Carnevale di Venezia) 2023
February 4 - February 21Hoi An Lantern Festival, Vietnam
February 4Viareggio Carnival 2023 (Carnevale di Viareggio) Italy
February 4 - February 25Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival 2023, Taiwan
February 5 - February 8