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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Premier Inn Reading South (Grazeley Green)

Address

Goring Lane, Grazeley Green, READING, Berkshire, RG7 1LS

Telephone
0333 321 8346

readingsouth.pi@premierinn.com

READING

Premier Inn Reading South (Grazeley Green) ticks all the boxes. Close to the M4 and M3, just down the road from Reading and Basingstoke, and set in a quiet, rural location. Check, check and check. You're well placed for many local wedding venues.…
Jelly - making space for art

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 9571869

enquiries@jelly.org.uk

READING

Jelly is an energetic charity championing the creative arts. We have played a strategic role in Reading’s cultural life since 1993 – enabling art to appear in unexpected places and creating opportunities for people to look on and join in. We believe…
Dinton Pastures Country Park

Address

Sandford Lane, Hurst, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG10 0SU

Telephone
0118 934 4424

dintonactivitycentre@wokingham.gov.uk

Wokingham

Dinton Pastures is an oasis of woodland, meadow and lakes in the midst of the most urbanised part of the Thames Valley. Easily accessible for both visitors and local residents with nearby public transport and motorway links.
Slik Beauty

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
01183 271870

READING

Slik Beauty Salon is the perfect place to pamper, refresh and revitalise yourself. We carry the finest beauty products and offer the largest selection of beauty services in the area. When you want to look your very best, trust us to take care of all…
Phantom Brewing Company

Address

Unit 2-3 Meadow Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8LB

READING

Phantom Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in Reading, Berkshire. With the main goal of producing the freshest beer, made with the highest quality ingredients, we have worked hard to provide a welcoming community hub in our taproom in Reading…
Muffin Break

Address

Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Reading

Making deliciously good food, baked fresh every day, Muffin Break use the best Arabica beans to make the perfect coffee for the local community in Reading. Sink your teeth into mouth-watering muffins, cakes and slices including a selection of…
London Street Brasserie

Address

Riverside Oracle, 2-4 London Street, Reading, RG1 4PN

Reading

The London Street Brasserie is the second award winning restaurant by owner and proprietor Paul Clerehugh. Opened in 2000, next to the river Kennet in the heart of Reading, the London Street Brasserie won both critical acclaim and Michelin…
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...
Wellington Country Park

Address

Odiham Road, Riseley, READING, Berkshire, RG7 1SP

READING

Wellington Country Park is a country park in Riseley, near Reading. The park consists of 350 acres of coniferous and deciduous woodlands with attractions, several nature trails, and a lake
Oakford Social Club

Address

53 Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1PZ

Telephone
0118 959 4267

oakfordsocialclub@hotmail.co.uk

Reading

At the Oakford Social Club, music is everything. Which is why they put the best bands from across the country on their neon lit stage every week...
Skechers

Address

The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

READING

Skechers is the comfort technology company, where you’ll find the best selection of lifestyle and performance footwear for men, women and kids. Choose from countless options including the latest athletic, casual and fashion sneakers as well as…
Blagrave Rooms

Address

7 Blagrave Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1PJ

Telephone
07966 263 843

bookings@blagraverooms.co.uk

Reading
Parthian Climbing Reading

Address

Britten Road, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0AU

Telephone
0118 975 6298

READING

We have over 175 dedicated top rope and lead routes, with a variety of grades, styles from some of the UK’s best setters! Our routes are reset on a quarterly basis to also keep things this fresh and interesting for our climbers.
Progress Theatre

Address

The Mount, READING, Berkshire, RG1 5HL

READING

Progress Theatre is a self-governing, self-funding theatre group, run by volunteers, and founded in 1946. We are members of the Little Theatre Guild and the National Operatic and Dramatic Association, and are a registered charity. Our intimate 96…
Essential

Address

15, The Oracle Centre, Reading, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 958 1009

Reading

We stock a fabulous range of Sterling silver jewellery, fashion jewellery, accessories and branded watches - including Ice-Watch, Storm and Swatch. We are an independent retailer and are passionate about providing our customers with fashion forward,…
Black Sheep Coffee - Broad Street

Address

60 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AF

Reading

Founded by Eirik and Gabe, university flatmates who quit their job to leave the herd behind and embark on an exciting coffee journey. Striving not only to rid the world of boring coffee but to do this sustainability and ethically. Our coffee is…
Christchurch Meadows

Address

Wolsey Road, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8BY

Telephone
0118 937 3787

READING

A large, close-cut grass meadow on the north bank of the Thames, stretching from Caversham Bridge to Reading Bridge. Specimen trees and shrubs feature along the bank, providing shade and interest around the play area. The fenced children’s play area…
The Hexagon

Address

Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

Telephone
0118 960 6060

READING

The Hexagon is a multi-purpose entertainment venue in the heart of Reading, hosting an eclectic mix of entertainers from big name Comedians, Spectacular Musicals, Children's Shows, Classical Concerts, Opera, Pantomime, Theatre, Dance and everything…
Ann Summers

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 996 0282

Reading

Playful lingerie chain selling women's underwear, fancy dress outfits and bedroom toys.
Next

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AP

Telephone
0333 005 5140

Reading

Next, styled as next, is a British multinational clothing, footwear and home products retailer.

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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