Once famous for its three B’s - biscuits, beers and bulbs - only the beer survives, and Reading now excels in two Is – I.T and Insurance. Located in the Thames Valley and surrounded by pretty Cotswold villages, Reading is a major commuter city, but unlike many, has plenty of things to see and do in its own right.

It will annoy the locals if you mention that Reading is not actually a city, since it’s still waiting patiently for its Royal Charter - Reading Buses were even forced to change their signs from ‘City Centre’ to ‘Central Reading’. None of this matters though, because city or otherwise, Reading has plenty of things to celebrate, including Reading Football Club’s promotion to the Premier League, as well as the continuing success of the Reading Festival – one of Europe’s largest music events.

The University of Reading is also ranked one of the top 10 universities in the UK, so expect to see students in many of its 200 pubs and bars. If you want to avoid them, head to one of Reading’s many wine bars which are frequented by wealthy London urbanites. The Oracle Shopping Centre more than passes muster for shopaholics, too.

There’s a holistic vibe at Reading’s Wellington Country Park Craft Fair in July, with crafts, crystals and alternative therapies on offer.

If it’s July then it must be time for Reading’s ‘Marvellous’, the aptly named family-friendly festival of music and fun.

The Reading Jazz and Ale Festival takes place in July. Chill out and enjoy a pint of Rebellion, which will hopefully agree with you.

You’ll be drenched in fun at Reading’s Water Fest in June, as the town celebrates life on the canal with waterside entertainment.

The world-famous Henley Regatta takes place just up the Thames in late June/early July. A sporting event to head for during a stay in Reading.

Reading Beer and Cider Festival takes place in August, with 500 beers, 200 ciders and enough English wine to float a boat.

Outside-Inside is Reading’s quirky arts festival in July where music, cinema and theatre spring welcome surprises all across town.

Reading Comedy Festival at the Hexagon promises to make October a barrel of laughs with some of the biggest names on the comedy circuit.

The Reading Eat Festival in June is a must for foodies with a feast of delectable delicacies designed to delight in July.

Has Reading Got Talent? Find out for yourself at this annual event held in August, at Broad Street Shopping Centre.

· Although it’s difficult to predict when Reading will have wonderful weather, the best months are likely to be from May to October. With its temperate maritime climate, Reading along with other parts of southern England is likely to have plenty of sunny days and winters which are mild.

· Winter temperatures are generally above freezing although there will be occasional ground frosts during the night. Daytime temps in Reading will tend towards 5 or 6°C. The hottest months of the year are July and August when during a hot spell temperatures can reach 30°C or more, but are more often lower, averaging out at 24°C or so.

· Reading experiences a relatively high amount of rainfall, in line with the rest of the UK especially during the winter months, so during a trip here make sure to carry a brolly.

· Reading’s closest airport is Heathrow, just 25 minutes’ driving distance along the M4, as well as a half an hour on one of the direct coach service from Reading Station - the RailAir Link. Gatwick is only an hour and a half away too, easily accessible by train.

· Reading is of the busiest interchanges on the UK’s rail network, with direct routes to just about everywhere in the UK.

· National Express services run from Calcot, about six miles from the centre, just off the M4 with some excellent offers on fares and a UK wide network of destinations.