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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Novotel

Address

25b Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DP

Telephone
0118 952 2600

H5432@accor.com

READING

Perfectly situated in the heart of the town. The guests can choose from executive and superior rooms, all boasting airy, contemporary designs and warmth. Meeting@Novotel, making your meetings a success. Whatever type of meeting you are organizing,…
FourBears Books

Address

Prospect Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8JG

Telephone
0118 9481747

Reading

Welcome to our lovely book shop, based in Caversham. Whether you enjoy books for children or books for adults, we have the perfect selection for you.
Holland and Barrett

Address

The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AG

Reading

Holland & Barrett is the UK's leading retailer of vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements. This store is one of our new style stores, complete with many new features including a help yourself fruit, nuts, seeds and snacks Pick and Mix gondola, our…
JD

Address

52 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AA

Telephone
0118 959 2083

Reading

Retail chain specialising in designer branded footwear, casual sportswear and accessories for men, women and children.
Subway - Duke Street

Address

21 Duke Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4SA

Telephone
0118 958 5555

Reading

Subway is a privately held American fast food restaurant franchise that primarily purveys submarine sandwiches and salads.
Sheabutter Cottage

Address

118 Henley Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 6DH

Reading

Sheabutter Cottage, located on Henley Road in Caversham, is a local independent family-run fair trade shop dedicated to ethical practices. They offer a wide range of unique and handmade products. Experience the allure of locally crafted items from…
Palmers Riding Stables

Address

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

Telephone
01189 472 496

READING

The stables are in approx 43 acres of Oxfordshire countryside and on the Berks/South Oxfordshire border. We are on a bus route and are 3 miles from the centre of Reading.
The Riding school has been in existence since the mid-1960s and stood where…
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.
The Great House at Sonning

Address

Thames Street, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6UT

Telephone
0118 969 2277

reception@thegreathouseatsonning.co.uk

READING

Situated in the beautiful conservation village of Sonning. All of our rooms are restful spaces where every detail has been considered, from the comfy beds to the rousing showers. Rooms are located in the Main House, Palace Yard, Coach House & Clock…
California Chalet and Touring Park

Address

Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG40 4HU

Telephone
0118 973 3928

WOKINGHAM

Situated in beautiful Berkshire countryside we are open all year round – 12 months, 4 seasons where each one brings its own highlights to the surrounding area. We provide the perfect setting to relax and to spend quality time in an impressive and…
Prospect Park

Address

Liebenrood Road, READING, Berkshire, RG30 2ND

READING

Prospect Park is Reading’s largest open space and gets its name from the fine views across the Kennet Valley and beyond, which can be enjoyed best from the Mansion House.
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…
Caversham Artisan & Farmers Market

Address

Waitrose Car Park, Church Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8AY

Reading

Caversham Artisan & Farmers Market has been and always will be here to serve the community. We believe in providing our shoppers with quality products as well as outstanding service. Since day one, a genuine love and passion for our own market…
Holiday Inn Reading South - M4 Jcn 11

Address

500 Basingstoke Road, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0SL

Telephone
0871 942 9067

reservations@hireadingsouth.com

READING

The hotel is situated 10 minutes south of Reading city centre and offers on-site parking for cars and coaches. The hotel is also close to the Madjeski Stadium and has a welcoming Open Lobby and bar plus Spirit Health Club ensure our guests have a…
Oliver Bonas

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Reading

Oliver Bonas has evolved from curating others’ designs to creating our own. Our team of designers now take Olly’s exploratory spirit and channel it into our fashion and homeware collections. We are inspired by the alchemy of great design and fresh…
Cote Brasserie

Address

9 The Riverside, Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 959 1180

reading@cote-restaurants.co.uk

Reading

Located on the Riverside, Côte Brasserie is open daily for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Inspired by new trends in Paris, it offers a consistently good menu and prompt service.
Rise Bakehouse

Address

4 Chatham Place, Reading, RG1 7JF

hello@rise-bakehouse.co.uk

Reading

We are a small team of passionate bakers dedicated to bringing better bread to the people of Reading. Our focus is on naturally fermented sourdough and pastries, made by hand, from scratch, using local and seasonal produce wherever possible. Our…
Ernest Jones

Address

The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

READING

Diamond and watch specialist, Ernest Jones, has a stunning range of jewellery and accessories in contemporary and classic designs – the perfect gift for yourself, or someone close to you.
At the store you’ll find some of the world’s finest, most…
Palmer Park Leisure Centre

Address

Wokingham Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 1LF

Telephone
0118 937 5080

Reading

Palmer Park Leisure Centre and Stadium is a brand new development providing first class leisure facilities. The centre is located in the heart of Palmer Park. Operated by Better in partnership with Reading Borough Council, the new facilities include…
Pret A Manger - Thames Tower

Address

40 Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LX

Telephone
0118 958 8020

Reading

Pret creates handmade natural food avoiding all the obscure extras common to so much of the 'prepared' and 'fast' food on the market today.

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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