Wokingham factfile

How to get to Wokingham
Wokingham is a market town in the county of Berkshire, 53 km (33 mi) west of London. It is well served by bus and rail, and easily reached by road via the A329 London to Reading road, and M3 and M4 motorways.

Wokingham through the ages
The name Wokingham comes from "Wocca's People's Home". Wocca was a Saxon chieftan whose followers farmed much of the land in the area (as well as in Wokefield and Woking).

In medieval times Wokingham was noted for its bell foundry, which supplied churches across the south of England.

In Victorian times it became known as Oakingham, and the acorn with oak leaves remains in the town symbol.

Today Wokingham specialises in software development, light, techology-focused engineering and service industries.

Famous people from Wokingham
Will Young, singer and winner of the first Pop Idol in 2002, was born in Wokingham, along with teen star of E4's Skins, Nicholas Hoult.

Famous landmarks in Wokingham
Noted for its fine stained glass, Lucas Hospital, built in 1663, is a fine example of Restoration architecture and is the only Grade 1 listed building in Wokingham.

The Old Town Hall is a lovely red-brick Victorian building in the centre of Wokingham. Built in the Gothic style in 1858, it is probably the best-known building in the town.

Sports and leisure in Wokingham
Wokingham has eight public parks, two leisure centres, a swimming pool, a cricket club, a golf course, a football team and facilities for orienteering, fishing, sailing and windsurfing.

Arts and culture in Wokingham
The Mall Gallery is a community art gallery run by Wokingham Borough Council and sponsored by The Cultural Partnership. All exhibits are free to view. The gallery is open weekdays and located within the Civic Offices.

Natural beauty spots around Wokingham
Lavell's Lake Local Nature Reserve has a rich and varied bird population and is nationally known for its migratory and resident species.

California Country Park is set within 100 acres of rare ancient bogland and lowland heath and offers a wealth of walking and wildlife-watching opportunities for visitors.

Wokingham's claim to fame
In 2007 Halifax estate agents ranked Wokingham as the number one place to live in the UK.