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 walk around and can be completed as a circular walk, starting and finishing close to central campus bars and cafes.

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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Sushimania

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 958 8293

reading@sushimania.co.uk

READING

Sushimania offers traditional Japanese cuisine ranging from sashimi, sushi, traditional & modern makis. As well as grilled seafood’s & meats, tempuras, rice and noodles.
Crown Lodge Guest House

Address

27 Russell Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7XD

Telephone
0118 956 9014

crownlodgereading@gmail.com

READING

In the heart of Reading, this family guest house offers rooms with Freeview TV, tea/coffee facilities and free WiFi.
Gordon Ramsay Street Food Burger

Address

The Oracle Centre, Riverside, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

READING

Join us by the Riverside at The Oracle Shopping Centre and enjoy our signature burgers, seasoned fries and a bottomless soft drink for £16.
House Of Flavours

Address

32-36 King's Rd, Reading, RG1 3AA

Telephone
0118 950 3500

info@house-of-flavours.co.uk

Reading

House of Flavours Indian Restaurant & Bar, was conceptualised when their founders recognised the need to create a unique dining experience for Reading.
Genting Casino Reading

Address

18 Richfield Avenue, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8PA

Telephone
0118 939 1811

READING

Welcome to Genting Casino Reading where you'll find an extensive range of the best and most-popular casino games in both live-dealer and electronic formats.
Gail's Bakery

Address

Broad Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2BD

reading@gailsbread.co.uk

READING

Newly opened in October 2022, Gail's bake fresh, handmade bread, pastries and cakes every day, served with our carefully-sourced house blend specialty coffee. We take great pleasure in using the best ingredients we can find for food and drink,…
Tours 2 Order

Address

READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DP

Telephone
07827 715353

info@tours2order.com

READING

I’m Graham Horn, a specialist and fully qualified Blue Badge tourist guide for the South West, South and South East of England. That area stretches from Cornwall to Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire to Kent, and everywhere else in between. Our…
Trailfinders

Address

23 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BH

Telephone
0118 334 6500

Reading

Trailfinders are experts in tailor made travel. Speak to our travel consultants and discover an unbeatable selection of holidays and unique travelling opportunities.
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.
Best Western Calcot Hotel

Address

98 Bath Road, Calcot, Reading, Berkshire, RG31 7QN

Telephone
0118 9416423

gm@calcothotel.co.uk

Reading

A home away from home near Reading. Whatever your reason for staying at the Best Western Calcot Hotel, you're guaranteed a comfortable place to lay your head, let the Calcot Hotel be your home away from home during your trip. Best Western Calcot…
Moss

Address

The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

READING

Moss is ‘The UK’s No.1 Branded Suit Specialist’ with an unrivalled expertise and a proud heritage that spans over a century.
With styles to suit all tastes and budgets, the Moss Bross store at The Oracle carries an extensive range of suits,…
Ibis Styles Central Reading

Address

4 Duke Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4RY

Telephone
0118 958 3455

HA071@accor.com

READING

Our central spot puts you right at the heart of Reading, with the famous Madejski Stadium and Thames Valley Park Drive both only 10 minutes away.
Mal Brasserie

Address

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

Telephone
0118 334 1331

reading@malmaison.com

READING

This former train-house turned hotel has an abundance of style and decadence. Chez Mal Brasserie is the hotel's fantastic restaurant. Located less than a minutes walk from Reading station this hotel is the perfect place to meet friends for food.
Reading Abbey Rugby Club

Address

Peppard Road, Emmer Green, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8XA

Telephone
07500 967646

READING

Reading Abbey was born in the early 1950s as a youth side meeting the playing demand of boys who went to non-rugby playing schools. As a consequence when they wanted adult rugby they were uncomfortable with the established hierarchy at the two clubs…
Monks Retreat

Address

163-163A Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HE

Telephone
0118 950 7592

Reading

The name of this Stonegate pub, and the street it is in, recalls the Franciscan monks who came to Reading in the 13th century.
Wingstop

Address

The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

READING

What began as a small buffalo-style chicken wing restaurant in Garland, Texas, continues to soar to great heights.
Since setting up shop in '94, they've been putting flavor first. And they're not about to stop. Wingstop are all about taking their…
The Henley Distillery

Address

Hampstead Farm, Binfield Heath, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxfordshire, RG9 4LG

Telephone
07511 208490

shop@thehenleydistillery.co.uk

HENLEY-ON-THAMES

Located in an 18th century threshing barn just three miles outside out of Reading, The Henley Distillery, voted New Distillery of The Year 2022 by The Gin Guide, offers tours, gin tastings and fully-immersive gin-making experiences inviting people…
De Vere Wokefield Estate

Address

De Vere Wokefield Estate, Goodboys Lane, Mortimer, READING, Berkshire, RG7 3AE

Telephone
0118 933 4000

wokefield.salesteam@devere.com

Mortimer, READING

Set in 250 acres of Berkshire countryside, De Vere Wokefield Estate has been completely transformed following a £20 million refurbishment throughout whether you choose to stay in Wokefield Place, Wellington Lodge or the estate’s historic, grand…
TGI Fridays Riverside

Address

Unit 8, The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0344 264 6052

Reading

TGI Friday's Reading Oracle is an award-winning restaurant, home to legendary food and drink. Fresh ingredients are used to craft a huge burger range...
TeamSport Go Karting Reading

Address

Cradock Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0EE

Telephone
01252 732300

Reading

Our Reading track is a must-see for any dedicated karter. With two tracks, one for our top-of-the-range E-Karts, and one for the Combat Karts experience. Race around the 450m track in our fleet of electric karts including a boost button to help to…

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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