10 Things to Do Along the River Thames in Reading

21st July 2026

Reading is reputed to have the longest Thames frontage of any local authority area along the river’s length. And while Reading doesn’t have Thames in its name, it certainly embraces its river heritage.

There are so many different ways to enjoy the Thames here, from walking the Thames Path or taking a cruise up the river to hiring a kayak, have afternoon tea on a river barge or just sitting on your hotel balcony overlooking a lovely stretch of the river. Have a read of our top 10 picks:

Tea on the Thames

Have afternoon tea or Cha Chaan Teng on Whittington’s Tea Barge. Cha Chaan Teng (Hong Kong Café) is a unique culinary tradition born in 1950s Hong Kong, blending British teatime classics with Eastern flavours. Think comforting, sweet-and-savoury fusion food served with a rich, velvety milk tea. Available Fridays. Michel Roux liked it! Or try their traditional Afternoon teas on Saturday and Sunday.

Stay on the river

Stay on The Thames at the new Village Hotel, which overlooks Caversham Bridge. Request a riverside room to sit and watch the rowers. Or just chill on their river terrace. They have a pool and gym in case you get too relaxed!

Take a cruise

Cruise the Thames upriver to Pangbourne with Thames River Cruise. The family-owned business departs from Caversham Pier and offers a range of cruises including the popular Cream Tea cruise and Sundowner cruise. You can also hire and skipper your very own picnic boat for the afternoon.

Discover the Thames’ wildlife

The Thames is home to an abundance of wildlife, from elegant swans and herons to kingfishers and ducks. Take a gentle stroll along the Thames Path, explore Christchurch Meadows or pause at one of the riverside spots with a coffee and see what you can spot along the way.

Swim and dine at Thames Lido

The award-winning Thames Lido is set in the original Edwardian Ladies Bathing Pool alongside the Thames at Caversham Lock. Popular packages include swim and lunch/dinner, including use of the heated outdoor pool, hot tub and sauna. Enjoy your day in the knowledge that the local electricity is generated by the river alongside.

Explore Caversham

Caversham on the north bank of the Thames in Reading is one of the most sought-after places to live in the South-East. Have a picnic in Christchurch Meadows before exploring the area’s independent shops and cafes. Don’t miss Caversham Court Gardens, which runs down to the water’s edge.

‘The play’s the thing’

One of Britain’s most unique theatres, the Mill at Sonning, offers dinner and a show just 45 minutes’ walk along the Thames to the village of Sonning. And while the intimate horseshoe theatre is the main event, pre-theatre dinner is served in the beautiful mill building on the Thames.

Start your river holiday in Reading

Caversham Boat Services have holiday boats available for weekend or week-long trips up and down the Thames. Or you could just hire a rowing boat for an hour or two.

Get afloat yourself

The current is generally gentle on this stretch of the Thames. Hire paddleboards at Wokingham Waterside Centre or Reading Canoe Hire. You can also hire kayaks, canoes and other watercraft.

Walk the Thames Path

This year is the 30th anniversary of the Thames Path National Trail and Reading offers an easy base to explore its central section, especially for people travelling by train, as the riverbank is only 200 metres from the train station. Walk west to Pangbourne or Goring and get the train back or east for a circular trip to Shiplake, Wargrave or Henley. If you want to walk longer stretches of the Thames, Walk the Thames can help with accommodation and baggage transfers.

With long summer days to enjoy, there’s no better time to explore Reading’s riverside. Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying a little longer, discover more ideas for things to do in Reading and start planning your next adventure.