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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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.
Las Iguanas

Address

The Oracle Riverside, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
023 8214 5522

reading@iguanas.co.uk

Reading

Introducing a slice of South American life at Las Iguanas – Reading, with sizzling Mexican & Southern American dishes alongside our legendary cocktail menu. Perfectly located on the Riverside next to The Oracle Shopping Centre, next to Vue Cinema.…
Rabble Theatre

Address

School Lane, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8HX

READING

Outstanding. Professional theatre at it’s very best” Five Stars, The Stage
RABBLE Theatre is a multi-award-winning theatre company based in Reading, producing work in the region’s iconic spaces. Coming up; Henry I, written by Beth Flintoff…
Hobbs

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

Telephone
0118 958 2451

Reading

Women's clothing store selling self-designed, stylish and luxurious fashion with new selections every season.
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.
The Roseate Reading

Address

26 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJ

Telephone
0118 952 7770

reception.TFLR@roseatehotels.com

Reading

The Roseate Reading hotel is designed for both business and pleasure, boasting the latest technology, stylish yet functional surroundings and dedicated conference rooms providing the ideal location for meetings and events. All our meeting rooms are…
Wagamama

Address

Unit R12 Oracle Riverside, The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 951 1599

Reading

Wagamamas combines fresh and nutritious food in an elegant yet simple setting with helpful, friendly service and value for money. Serving Asian food...
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…
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.
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.
Palmer Park

Address

Wokingham Road, READING, Berkshire, RG6 1LE

READING

This large 50-acre parkland is home to Palmer Park Sport Stadium. It also offers a large children’s play area and adjacent cafe next to Wokingham Road with a second smaller accessible play area (known locally as ERAPA) near London Road. As well as…
Intoku

Address

30a Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HX

Reading

It all started with our founders Mia and Greg, their love of anime and Japanese culture, and a small market stall in the hustle and bustle of Manchester. An unusual place for our sushi story to start, but this humble stall was the perfect spot to…
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…
Pure Gym Caversham Road

Address

69 Caversham Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8AD

Telephone
+44 3450133479

Info.Reading@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…
ProCook

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 370 2088

Reading

We’re ProCook, UK’s leading specialist kitchenware retailer. For over 29 years, we’ve been helping cooks like you bring more to the table – more flavour, easier prep and more meals to remember. From premium cookware to award-winning electricals and…
The Mill at Sonning Theatre

Address

Sonning Eye, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6TY

Telephone
0118 969 8000

boxoffice@millatsonning.com

READING

Award-winning theatre set majestically on the banks of the River Thames. The Mill at Sonning Theatre now celebrates more than 40 years of entertainment and hospitality. Uniquely, with a two course meal enjoyed before the show, The Mill has gained…
Co-space

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
020 80661761

hello@co-space.co.uk

READING

Our Reading meeting rooms are easily accessible and can hold up to 36 people. All our meeting rooms are available for hire by members and non-members alike and provide a confidential space which are equipped with plug and play TV and video…
Vue Cinema

Address

Riverside, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0345 308 4620

Reading

All the latest mainstream movies are shown at this state-of-the-art chain cinema with family deals.
Voco Reading

Address

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

Telephone
0118 925 3500

vocoReadingReservations@ihg.com

READING

Thre flexible and modern meeting rooms for up to 66 guest - 1 private dining room for 60 guests banqueting style - 32 additional event spaces at onsite Conference Centre for up to 500 people
Adjacent to Reading Stadium, perfectly located just…
Paddington Bear Statue

Address

Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AP

Reading

Reading has an extra special connection with the beloved Paddington Bear as his creator, Michael Bond, grew up, went to school, and started his working life in the town. His experiences in Reading shaped his books that have inspired generations and…

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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