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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Yours

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
01189 574095

READING

Your best loved plus size clothing brand, shop sizes 16 – 36. Yours Clothing believe that all women should look and feel great, regardless of their dress size. Fabulous ladies curve fashion does not end at a size 14, and we’re the proof! The UK’s…
Toys R Us

Address

39 Broad Street (1st Floor WH Smith), Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AD

Telephone
0118 959 4252

Reading

The well-known toy shop brand has opened a new shop inside WH Smith on Broad Street in Reading. Whether you’re just starting out on your parenting journey with a new arrival, your little ones are growing up fast, or you’re buying for a loved one,…
Tasty Greek Souvlaki

Address

20 Market Place, Reading, RG1 2EG

Reading

Relaxed restaurant featuring souvlaki, gyros & other Greek classics, plus grilled options & drinks.
The Reading Room

Address

26 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJ

Telephone
0118 952 7770

reception.TFLR@roseatehotels.com

Reading

The Reading Room will offer delicious modern cuisine revolving around the freshest, seasonal ingredients and best of British produce from Executive Chef Rajesh Maharjan. Guests can opt to try the delectable Tasting Menu, which also has a specialised…
Nando's Friar Street

Address

30-31 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DX

Telephone
0118 951 1460

Reading

Home to the legendary flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken. Afro-Portuguese inspired. South African born. Whether you are eating in the restaurants or getting...
Post Office Broad Street Mall

Address

1st floor, Broad Street Mall, Reading, RG1 7QA

Reading

Our Post Office offers customers everything they need and expect from a trusted provider of essential services. More than 170 products and services including; foreign currency exchange at 0% commission, passport checks and travel insurance are all…
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…
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…
Claire's Accessories - The Oracle

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

Telephone
0118 971 9052

Reading

Jewellery and accessory specialist offering ear piercing services.
Q Club

Address

Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DB

READING

A 920 capacity club in the centre of Reading split over two floors and two rooms, the venue has been home to some of the biggest events the town has seen over the past 10 years. With a state of the art lighting and sound system and the town's…
Cole Museum of Zoology

Address

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

READING

The Cole Museum of Zoology is owned and managed by the University of Reading. It was established by Professor Francis Cole in 1906 when the University was known as University College Reading. The Cole Museum of Zoology represents a snapshot of…
Slug & Lettuce - Friar Street

Address

7-10 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DB

Telephone
0118 959 7090

Reading

Slug & Lettuce Friar Street is a cool and contemporary bar, which has just undergone a huge refurbishment with the most instagrammable decor you can imagine! Serving all of your S&L faves from Afternoon Tea to Boozy brunches! Start planning your…
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.
Zero Degrees

Address

9 Bridge Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LR

Telephone
0118 959 7959

reading@zerodegrees.co.uk

Reading

Bar, restaurant and microbrewery, Zero Degrees is situated within 1 minute walking distance of the Oracle Shopping Centre and offers a wide range of settings that are perfect for any occasion. The Tank Lounge on the mezzanine level, complete with…
Greyfriars Church and Centre

Address

Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EH

Telephone
0118 304 53 68

bookings@greyfriars.org.uk

READING

Greyfriars Church and Centre are located in the very heart of Reading, on Friar Street, just a five-minute walk from Reading Station, which can be easily reached from most areas of the country.
A Grade I Listed Building, Greyfriars Church offers a…
Premier Inn Winnersh

Address

Reading Road, Winnersh, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG41 5HQ

Telephone
0118 338 3730

WOKINGHAM

With so many handy transport links nearby, our Premier Inn Winnersh hotel is in a great location. You'll only be a five-minute walk away from the Winnersh Triangle train station, making it easy for you to explore Reading. Discover local parks like…
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…
Lagoona Park

Address

Pingewood, READING, Berkshire, RG30 3UH

Telephone
0118 988 5959

enquiries@lagoonapark.com

READING

Elevate your corporate summer event with thrilling team-building activities on the water! Whether it’s navigating our exhilarating aqua park or enjoying the serene experience of paddleboarding, we offer options for both small and large groups.…
Hilton Skin & Body Clinic

Address

7 Church Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 7AA

Telephone
01189 464 333

info@hiltonskinclinics.co.uk

Reading

Skin experts and advanced medical aesthetics in Caversham, Berkshire. As experts in skin and medical aesthetics, we are dedicated to providing non-invasive luxury aesthetic skin and body treatments to help our clients achieve healthy and radiant…
Paul

Address

70 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AF

Telephone
0118 229 0126

Reading

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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