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 Coconut Tree

Address

64 Kings Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3BJ

READING

Take a group of Sri Lankan friends and family brought together by a vision of bringing Sri Lankan eats to communities across the world. With hard work and dedication, the vision became a reality, and The Coconut Tree was born.   We’re passionate…
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…
Harris Gardens

Address

University of Reading, Whiteknights campus, READING, Berkshire, RG6 6UR

READING

The Harris Garden provides an important amenity for all, giving pleasure to an increasing number of visitors, staff and students. It provides facilities for teaching, conservation and recreation.
Thames Valley Wine School

Address

Corn Stores, Forbury Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1SB

READING

Thames Valley Wine School in Reading offers a host of in-person wine tastings from introductory evening sessions to eight-week courses and WSET training aimed at both beginners and more experienced wine drinkers. Food pairing and themed and events…
Nisbets

Address

61-62 Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1DX

Reading

Nisbets was established in 1983 with the aim to provide high quality catering equipment at affordable prices. We understand the pressures of a commercial kitchen and making your life easier is at the heart of what we do.
Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology

Address

University of Reading, Edith Morley Building, Whiteknights campus, READING, Berkshire, RG6 6UR

Telephone
0118 378 6990

Whiteknights campus, READING

The Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology contains one of the most important collections of Greek antiquities in the United Kingdom
Greyfriars Church

Address

Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EH

READING

The building of Greyfriars Church was completed in 1311 by Franciscans, followers of St Francis of Assisi who were monks, then called friars, who wore grey, hence the name Greyfriars. It is now a Grade 1 listed building, being the oldest Franciscan…
Treatz

Address

29 Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DP

Telephone
0118 951 1533

info@treatz.co.uk

READING

Treatz Dessert Parlour is sleek, modern and comfortable, ready to bring you some seriously amazing desserts! The menu includes utterly delicious...
Reading Buses Travel Centre

Address

Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 959 4000

customerservices@reading-buses.co.uk

Reading

Walk in centre for all things regarding Reading's Bus network and it's services.
Manzano's

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 3343338

info@manzanosperiperi.co.uk

READING

Manzano's is the home of delicious, healthy, flame grilled cuisine. Expect a fantastic range of healthy grilled food including: juicy steaks, flame grilled peri- peri chicken and the best wings in town; all at great value. Expect to experience great…
Card Factory

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
01189 585123

READING

Card Factory is the UK’s leading specialist retailer of greeting cards, gift dressings and party products. You can be sure to find a wide selection of cards, gifts, bags, wrap and everything else you may need to help you cater for that special…
De Vere Wokefield Estate

Address

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

Telephone
0118 933 4000

wokefield.reservations@devere.com

Mortimer, Reading

There has been an estate at Wokefield since the first house was built in the 1560s for the wealthy Plowden family. Set in 250 acres of Berkshire countryside, it’s history is etched in the different architectural features that greet you throughout.
…
Thai Corner

Address

47 West Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TZ

Telephone
0118 959 5050

info@thaicornerreading.co.uk

Reading

You don't have to go all the way to Thailand to enjoy this exotic and delicious cuisine. They are a family owned business serving food prepared by authentic Thai chefs.
Caversham Boat Services

Address

Thames Side, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8DG

Telephone
0118 957 4323

READING

Holiday hire cruisers - two to six berth, short breaks and weekly hire available March - November. Caversham Boat Services are offering a range of comfortably furnished and fitted cruisers and makes an excellent starting point for your holiday. The…
Hobbycraft

Address

Forbury Retail Park, Reading, RG1 3HS

Reading

Founded in 1995, Hobbycraft has since grown to a nationwide business with over 100 stores across the UK, ready to support and inspire an ever-expanding variety of crafts. The largest arts and crafts retailer in the UK, we've got everything you need…
Double-Barrelled Brewery and Tap Room

Address

Unit 20 Stadium Way, Tilehurst, READING, Berkshire, RG30 6BX

Telephone
0118 942 8390

READING

You can visit us on Fridays and Saturdays at our on-site taproom, where we serve a wide variety of beers direct from our warehouse cold store, where our beer is continuously stored between 4-5 degrees, keeping it in the best condition possible for…
Escapade Reading

Address

Chestnut Walk, Reading, RG1 3HY

info@escapadegames.co.uk

Reading

You've just broken out of Reading prison. Now you’re a fugitive on the run in Escapade's latest outdoor escape room! In the next two hours you’ll need to decipher cryptic clues and complete escape room style challenges that will take you all around…
Hobson & Quinn

Address

8 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

Telephone
0118 950 5144

nick@hobson-quinn.co.uk

Reading

Hobson & Quinn offer a full grooming experience for everyone. Express versions of more conventional high end spa treatments let our customers experience a side of men’s grooming without the premium price.\n\nLocated in the centre of Reading just off…
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…
Urban Fun

Address

Units 49, 50/52 Broad Street Mall, Reading, -RG1 7QE

info@urban-fun.co.uk

Reading

Urban Fun is where excitement meets adventure! Dive into a vibrant world of games, from classic favourites to the latest high-tech experiences. Whether you’re challenging friends in competitive games or enjoying a solo quest, Urban Fun has something…

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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