Reading Abbey Quarter lies at the heart of Reading and brings together many unique historic sites within the former grounds of Reading Abbey, once one of Europe's largest royal monasteries. You can explore 900 years of history in the Quarter, including the Abbey Ruins, the burial place of King Henry I.
We recommend starting your visit at Reading Museum, discovering the history of Reading's royal abbey and the Norman conquest. Then explore the layers of history with a stroll around the Quarter. We also run regular tours of the Abbey Quarter and the Abbey Gateway where Jane Austen went to school.
Between 2010 and 2021 the award-winning ‘Reading Abbey Revealed’ project developed the Abbey Quarter through conservation, interpretation, signage and public activities.
