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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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.
Reading Football Club Conference and Events

Address

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

Telephone
0118 968 1333

READING

Located inside the spectacular Select Car Leasing Stadium (previously The Madejski Stadium), our events and conference centre combines first-class facilities with the heritage of the iconic Reading Football Club. Whatever your plans, our event…
Flexistay Reading West ApartHotel

Address

Bath Road, Padworth, READING, Berkshire, RG7 5HT

Telephone
0118 971 3282

info@flexistay.com

READING

Located less than 5 minutes’ drive from Junction 12 of the M4, Flexistay Reading West Aparthotel is ideally situated for corporates, contractors and leisure guests. Reading town centre is just a 20-minute drive away and the towns of Newbury,…
Green Park Conference Centre

Address

Longwater Avenue, READING, Berkshire, RG2 6GP

READING

The Conference Centre at Green Park is a great meeting place for business. Located at 100 Longwater Avenue it is an ideal venue for a variety of events. If you’re planning a one-to-one meeting, a small-group seminar or even a large annual…
Holiday Inn Reading South - M4 Jcn 11

Address

500 Basingstoke Road, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0SL

Telephone
0871 942 9067

reservations@hireadingsouth.com

READING

Situated near Reading city centre, Holiday Inn Reading South M4 Jct 11 is in easy reach of the M4. Our hotel has a range of comfortable bedrooms, delicious dining, and on-site car parking for cars and coaches. We’ve got 202 bedrooms and a choice of…
Sapana Home

Address

8 Queen Victoria St, Reading, RG1 1TG

Telephone
0118 950 9898

Reading

Newly opened Nepalese restaurant situated along Queen Victoria St. Serves delicious Nepali food for very reasonable prices. Almost like a café, it’s somewhere...
De Vere Wokefield Estate golf course

Address

Wokefield Park, Mortimer, READING, Berkshire, RG7 3AE

READING

De Vere Wokefield Estate is home to Wokefield Estate Golf Club: a 6,996-yard, par 72 championship course that is designed to US PGA standards and one of the leading golf clubs in Reading.
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...
IRO Sushi

Address

155 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HE

Telephone
0118 2301923

Reading

Our sushi chefs bring priceless passion and professionalism to the IRO Sushi family, resulting in inspiring sushi dishes and Japanese classics for convenient collection in London.
Reading Serviced Rooms

Address

164-166 Caversham Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8AZ

Telephone
0118 958 9900

hello@readingservicedrooms.co.uk

READING

A brand new self-service hotel offering. If you have stayed with us before then you will be familiar with our highstandards of service and we welcome you back ike old friends. However, if it is your first visit to Reading then there really is no…
Cosy Club

Address

The Oracle, Lower Ground Level, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

reading@cosyclub.co.uk

Reading

Cosy Club Reading serves up delicious all-day dining in stylish, retro-inspired surroundings. From indulgent brunches and elegant mains like King Prawn and Cod Linguine to standout cocktails and treats like their signature Monkey Bread, the menu…
The Rising Sun

Address

16 Castle Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7RD

Telephone
0118 304 9936

reading@heartwoodinns.com

Reading

Dating back to the 17th century, this historic Grade II listed coaching inn stands as Reading’s oldest pub, steeped in tales and legacies. Surrounded by history with the Abbey only a few minutes walk, the building itself is famous for being the pub…
Sweeney and Todd

Address

10 Castle Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7RD

Telephone
0118 958 6466

Reading

Restaurant with acclaimed pies and deli selling pasties, sausage rolls and free range scotch eggs.
Back Of Beyond

Address

104-108 Kings Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3BY

Telephone
0118 959 5906

Reading

This Wetherspoon pub stands on the site of a ginger-beer factory, later used as a Salvation Army barracks, and takes its name from its location on the edge of town...
Broad Street Mall

Address

Broad Street, Reading, RG1 7QE

Reading

Broad Street Mall is a shopping centre based in the heart of Reading. The mall has a unique mix of big brand and independent retail and lifestyle brands, as well as diverse food brands.
Caversham Court Gardens

Address

Church Road, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 7AD

READING

Come and enjoy the beauty and long history of Caversham's hidden gem, Caversham Court Gardens on the bank of the River Thames. Owned and cared for by Reading Borough Council with support from The Friends. Open and accessible to all every day except…
Warren James

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 959 5779

READING

Warren James first opened in 1979 offering something new to customers: great jewellery design – just like the brands – but half the price .To date Warren James has become one of the largest jewellers in the UK. The original passion and dedication is…
WHSmith

Address

39 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AA

Telephone
0118 959 4252

Reading

WHSmith is a high-street retailer that offers a range of products including books, stationary, magazines, newspapers and entertainment products.
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…
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,…

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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