£69.50 (Non JG member)
Overview
A Story of Biscuits & the Bayeux Tapestry! Reading Abbey ruins has had a multi-million-pound programme of restoration. We also discover some of the town’s treasures including Britain’s full-size copy of the Bayeux Tapestry. You’ll meet your Blue Badge Guide at 10.30am to buy coffee before exploring the Abbey Quarter – the grounds of the once magnificent Reading Abbey, founded by William the Conqueror’s son Henry I. In a beautiful Victorian Park an impressive vast lion reminds us of the first Afghan Wars and, just outside the gate, Reading’s Victoria Cross hero is commemorated by a most unusual sculpture. You’ll take a stroll along Oscar Wilde’s Chestnut Walk, beneath shady trees between the River Kennet and the old walls of Reading Gaol. After free time to buy lunch we board an old Edwardian boat for our two and a quarter hour cruise from Reading down river to Henley, Queen of the Thames. Along the way are breath taking views as we pass through beautiful Sonning. Thirteenth century houses still dot Sonning’s windy streets, indicating remnants of its past mediaeval roots. There’s a bar on board that also sells hot drinks.