Walking the Thames Path
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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

Reading is excellently located (and connected), making it a great base to explore the region on foot. It is on a number of national and international trail routes such as the Thames Path, the Great West Way and St James Way. From short afternoon strolls to epic, week-long hikes, there really is something for everyone.

Reading’s local Parks and Gardens
With over 100 parks within its immediate boundaries, there’s no shortage of green space in Reading. For a more leisurely afternoon stroll, Prospect Park, Forbury Gardens, Harris Gardens and Caversham Court Gardens all offer well-paved routes with beautiful natural scenery. Or, take a self-guided tour around the University of Reading's Whiteknights Campus, with its new marked nature trail. The trail takes roughly 30 minutes to...Read More

Thames Path National Trail
The Thames Path National Trail runs right through Reading, with the longest Thames river frontage of any local authority along its winding route. You can easily pick up the path from the town centre and follow it west towards Pangbourne or East towards Sonning, either way you’ll be spoilt with miles of stunning riverside scenery. Plus, you can make it as long or as short as you like!

St James Way
If you fancy adding a few more steps to your journey, why not explore the St James' Way? One of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, the route starts in Reading at St James' Church and runs to Southampton, picking up the route again from A Coruna in Galicia (as part of the Camino Ingles). Don’t forget to get your Pilgrim Passport stamped before you set off!

Swinley Forest
Technically in Bracknell’s boundaries, but just 13 miles east of Reading town centre, Swinley Forest is a stunning expanse of woodland covering over 2600 acres. Owned and managed by the Crown Estate, you’ll find miles of woodland walking, as well as a café for refreshments, a Bike Hub, playground and Go Ape tree top experience.

Reading Town Centre
Reading town centre is best explored on foot with its central and Abbey Quarter districts set within a compact, easily walkable area. Don’t miss Reading’s very own Banksy, 'Create Escape', which appeared on the wall of Reading Prison in March 2021, and the historic Abbey Ruins, the final resting place of King Henry I. To explore under your own steam, pick up a self-guided walk map from Reading Museum, or check out Reading’s walking tours for a guided visit.

Coley Meadows

Local conservationist Adrian Lawson shares his love of these meadows which are on the south west edge of Reading. A joy for wildlife fans.

Basildon Park
National Trust property, Basildon Park, lies just 8 miles west of Reading town centre and, in addition to Basildon Park House, it offers plenty of walking opportunities and views of the stunning West Berkshire countryside. There are four signposted routes to choose from, with meadows and woodlands and over 400 acres of parkland (dogs on leads also welcome!).

Kennet and Avon Canal
Although perhaps not rivalling the walking on offer along the Thames Path, there is still something to be said for its little sister, the Kennet and Avon Canal. The Kennet bisects the town centre and provides riverside outdoor dining at the Oracle shopping centre, scenic backdrops to Reading Abbey, locks and mooring for canal boats and makes for a picturesque riverside stroll.

Dinton Pastures Country Park
Within Wokingham’s geographical boundaries but just 6 miles to the east of Reading town centre (and walkable from Winnersh train station), Dinton Pastures Country Park is a great place to walk for the whole family. With a number of beautiful lakes and a brand-new Dragonfly Café for a well-earned pit stops, Dinton Pastures offers hours of beautiful lake-side walking trails. Also boasting an activity centre, water activities, climbing wall and huge playpark, there’s plenty to keep the non-walkers entertained, too.

The Ridgeway National Trail
A national trail spanning 87 miles across central southern England, The Ridegway offers more serious hikers miles upon miles of walking routes, taking in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding National Beauty and the North Wessex Downs. You can take a section of the trail from Reading’s village of Streatley to Watlington (around 15 miles), or you can take a backpack and explore further – either way, you’ll be spoiled by stunning remote countryside, just a stone’s throw from Reading.

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Stitch in Time

Address

24 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

Telephone
0118 958 1462

Reading

Tailor offering alterations and other services.
Malmaison Reading

Address

18-20 Station Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1JX

Telephone
0118 334 1331

reading@malmaison.com

READING

Next stop Malmaison Reading. Located directly opposite the station and only 30 minutes from the hustle and bustle of London, the former home to Great Western Rail is now a first class business venue. When it comes to event space and meeting rooms in…
The Blagrave Arms

Address

35 Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1PW

Telephone
0118 958 6775

theblablareading@gmail.com

Reading

Stylish gay-friendly bar with fantastic champagne and wine menu. Gorgeous decor, great atmosphere and regular live entertainment and events, including karaoke every Thursday, and just a stone's throw from the station...
Picnic

Address

2 Butter Market, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2DP

Telephone
0118 958 9292

info@picnicfoods.co.uk

Reading

Specialising in ethical coffee and locally produced food and with a unique welcoming atmosphere, we attract a varied and discerning crowd .
The Face Bar

Address

Ambrose Place, Chatham Street, READING, Berkshire, RG2 8SL

Telephone
0118 9568188

sharon.facebar@gmail.com

READING

Modern bar and rock club with regular DJ sessions and a reputation for staging wild gigs.
Yoga Reading

Address

3-5 Cremyll Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8NQ

Telephone
07952 714 385

Reading

A welcoming space where you can learn how to move well for life. Yoga Reading is a community yoga studio based on the Caversham-Reading border. It’s where you can find the perfect movement practice to suit your mind and your body. Our teachers are…
Stanlake Park Wine Estate

Address

Stanlake Park, Twyford, READING, Berkshire, RG10 0BN

Telephone
0118 934 0176

tours@stanlakepark.com

READING

Stanlake Park in Twyford, Berkshire is one of the oldest vineyards and wine producers in England. Our Italian winemaker’s modern and international approach is reflected in award-winning wines that are enjoyable, very drinkable and the perfect…
Pure Gym Basingstoke Road

Address

350 Basingstoke Road, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0NT

Telephone
+44 3450133463

info.readingbasingstoke@puregym.com

READING

Whether you prefer to strength training, cardio, fitness classes, or a little bit of everything, we have all the kit and classes you need at PureGym. All of our gyms in Reading are open 24/7 and have over 50 classes each week included in your…
Sonning Golf Club

Address

Duffield Road, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6GJ

Telephone
0118 969 3332

READING

Sonning’s original layout was designed by JH Taylor with later input from Harry Colt. The course measures 6,329 yards and has a par of 70 and a SSS of 71. It generally plays longer than its yardage due to the elevation of several greens and fairways…
Reading Football Club

Address

Select Car Leasing Stadium, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0FL

Telephone
0118 9681313

READING

The Select Car Leasing Stadium (formerly known as the Madejski Stadium) is the home of Reading FC. One of the oldest football clubs in the UK, Reading FC recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. The men's team currently play in the EFL…
Alpaca walking at Bozedown Farm

Address

Hardwick Road, Whitchurch On Thames, READING, Berkshire, RG8 7QY

Telephone
0118 984 3827

info@bozedown-alpacas.co.uk

READING

Come and enjoy a fascinating walk in the beautiful South Oxfordshire countryside. Lead an alpaca around our alpaca farm which nestles between the edge of the Chilterns and the River Thames. Learn more about these attractive, enigmatic creatures that…
Argos

Address

Unit A2 Forbury Retail Park, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3HS

Telephone
0345 165 7790

Reading

Catalogue retailer selling massive range of products.
Yours

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
01189 574095

READING

Your best loved plus size clothing brand, shop sizes 16 – 36. Yours Clothing believe that all women should look and feel great, regardless of their dress size. Fabulous ladies curve fashion does not end at a size 14, and we’re the proof! The UK’s…
The Ale House

Address

2 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BH

Telephone
0118 950 8119

Reading

Tucked on the corner of Broad Street amid the coffee shops, The Ale House is a back-street locals pub right in the centre of town. There is said to have been a pub on...
Market House

Address

1-2 Market Place, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2EG

Telephone
0118 304 3400

info@markethousereading.com

READING

Retro industrial chic hotel with 24 uniquely decorated rooms in the heart of Reading centre. A few minute’s walk from Reading train station, a stone throw away from The Oracle shopping centre and all the other great amenities Reading town centre has…
Urban Fun

Address

Units 49, 50/52 Broad Street Mall, Reading, -RG1 7QE

info@urban-fun.co.uk

Reading

Urban Fun is where excitement meets adventure! Dive into a vibrant world of games, from classic favourites to the latest high-tech experiences. Whether you’re challenging friends in competitive games or enjoying a solo quest, Urban Fun has something…
Waterstones

Address

89 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AP

Telephone
0118 958 1270

Reading

A mainstream and academic book retailer that encourages browsing.
Reading Rugby Club

Address

Sonning Lane, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6ST

Telephone
0118 969 6592

READING

In 1898, three senior officials from the Rugby Football Union met in Pangbourne to set up a rugby club in Reading. In 1938, The land at Holme Park, Sonning, was purchased and the pitches laid. The Club is still based there. The Men's First Team play…
Reading Biscuit Factory

Address

1 Queens Walk (corner of Oxford Rd), Broad Street Mall, Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0191 2611103

info@readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

Broad Street Mall, Reading

We are a three-screen cinema, bar, coffee shop, live performance space and community hub situated at the heart of Reading’s town centre. Our aim is to offer a fantastic and welcoming venue and create a setting where everyone can relax, work, meet…
Fidget and Bob

Address

The Piazza, Kennet Island, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0GX

Telephone
0118 931 0271

hello@fidgetandbob.co.uk

Reading

Fidget & Bob is the new all-day café bar in Kennet Island, Reading.

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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