Reading's growth as a commuter and employment hotspot has seen the town grow into a real Thames Valley powerhouse.

And as such, its suburbs have also flourished - none more so that popular Tilehurst.

Just three miles west of Reading town centre, Tilehurst is ideal for families with great schools and superb travel links into Reading and beyond.

The area also has that much sought-after green space, with Sulham Woods, a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) featuring glorious rolling fields beyond the trees - a dog walker's heaven.

Living in Tilehurst

Tilehurst offers residents the peace and quiet of the suburbs with great access to the whole of the Thames Valley and beyond.

The area's former notable residents include such varied luminaries as Formula One legend Ayrton Senna and Canadian rocker Bryan Adams!

Houses for sale in Tilehurst

Tilehurst's 20th century growth spurt saw a host of 1920s to 1950s properties built alongside traditional thatched cottages and period houses constructed in brick fired in Tilehurst kilns.

Consistent with the 20th century building spree of semi-detached homes, this type of property sold best in Tilehurst during the past 12 months, averaging £351,366.

Traditional terraced homes, meanwhile, fetched £297,377 on average, while large detached family homes averaged £551,539

Tilehurst transport links

Reading's superb transport links are well known and Tilehurst provides the best of both worlds - great access to Reading itself and rail services to London Paddington.

Trains from Tilehurst to Reading take five minutes, while Oxford is accessible in only 35 minutes.

Direct services to London Paddington take 41 minutes, but the arrival of Crossrail later this year will see trains from Reading direct to Tottenham Court Road take just 55 minutes.

On the roads, the A329 to the north connects Tilehurst to Reading, while the M4 runs south of Tilehurst from South Wales to West London.

Schools in Tilehurst

Primary education in Tilehurst really is second to none and, as such, families flock to the area to be near great schools.

Among the best are Birch Copse Primary and Westwood Farm Infant School, which are both rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted.

Downsway Primary, English Martyrs Catholic Primary, Moorlands Primary, Park Lane Primary, St Michael’s Primary, St Paul’s Primary, Springfield Primary, Meadow Park Academy and Westwood Farm Junior, meanwhile, are all rated 'Good'.

Denefield School and Little Heath School for secondary students are both rated 'Good'.

Shopping in Tilehurst

Most of Tilehurst's best shopping is located around The Triangle, known locally as the 'Village' and a pedestrianised shopping area.

A whole host of independent shops and restaurants are located around The Triangle, including a supermarket and village butcher.

And with access to Reading so superb, the Oracle Shopping Centre is within reach for those seeking a day of retail therapy.

Eating out in Tilehurst

If you like your food with a touch of spice then try Zyka on Park Lane close to The Triangle where classic Indian dishes are the order of the day.

The restaurant also runs a banquet night every Wednesday and buffet every Sunday.

The Prince on School Road is a hugely popular Tilehurst pub, serving a host of craft ales and a Sunday roast, while the Royal Oak on Westwood Glen is well known locally for its ales and 'superb' pint of Guinness.

Things to do in Tilehurst

If you live anywhere near Reading then it pays to be a sports fan with both football and rugby union on offer at the Madejski Stadium in the town.

But if you live in Tilehurst then you also need to get out and enjoy the outdoor space it offers.

The River Kennet through Reading also provides some lovely walking opportunities during the warmer months, but if you’re really looking for a lively weekend, the annual Reading Festival takes place on the August Bank Holiday weekend with a host of world-renowned bands taking to the stage.

Things to do with the kids

If Tilehurst's great outdoor space looks less appealing due to the weather, get the children along to the Mad Hatters Pottery Painting Cafe in Tilehurst.