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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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Blue Collar Corner

Address

Hosier Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2LN

READING

In March 2022, we turned this derelict and abandoned yard into Blue Collar Corner - Reading’s newest independent venue and our first permanent site. Featuring 1 bar, 2 floors & 4 kitchens, a huge beer garden in the Summer and with cover in the…
RISC World Shop and Global Refills

Address

35-39 London Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4PS

READING

Founded in 1987, we are one of the UK's largest fair trade shops. Our selection of gifts, books, cards and food is wide ranging and we pride ourselves on having something for everyone; little ones love our wooden toys and puzzles; our natural body…
TK Maxx

Address

Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 951 1117

Reading

TK Maxx delivers great value on ever-changing selections of brand names and designer products. Prices are up to 60% less than the RRP and at a significant discount on the prices in a department store or on the high street. TK Maxx offer brands from…
The Cocktail Club

Address

5-6 Gun Street, Reading, RG1 2JR

Reading

Reading, are you ready for the biggest cocktail party to arrive in town? Arriving Soon, The Cocktail Club will land on Gun Street and we cannot wait to get the party started with you. Want to be part of the launch weekend madness? Bookings are now…
McDonalds - Friar Street

Address

128-129 Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1EP

Telephone
0118 959 1144

Reading
Rafina Coffee Lounge

Address

45 West Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TZ

Telephone
0118 958 1941

Reading

Great location in the Town Centre. Traditional Cafe with a menu that has remained the same for over 20 years. Excellent value for money, with an....
Hotel Chocolat

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

Telephone
0118 959 1588

Reading

Hotel Chocolat is a British chocolatier and cocoa grower, with over seventy shops in the United Kingdom. Hotel Chocolat is the only company in the United Kingdom to grow cocoa on its own plantation.
Kiko Milano

Address

The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

READING

KIKO MILANO was established and founded in 1997 by the Percassi Group. It is an Italian professional cosmetics brand that features a range of cutting-edge makeup, face and body treatments. Safe and effective products of the highest quality, created…
YayLo

Address

26 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

Telephone
01189 597 809

joy@yaylo.co

Reading

YayLo is situated in the heart of Reading city centre and is an easy walk from Reading Station. We are local, independent artisanal coffee brewers and specialist bakers. While we are completely gluten free one of the most common compliments we…
Thaigrr

Address

1D Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

Telephone
07379 636771

contact@thaigrr.co.uk

READING

ThaiGrr! serves enticing, ready-to-go Thai food, cooked to perfection by our experienced Thai chefs with a menu that brings you Thailand’s favourite dishes. Our tempting choice of tasty Thai hot meals are available to take out or to deliver.
To…
Serdio Ibericos Spanish Delicatessen

Address

8 Prospect Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8JG

Reading

Spanish delicatessen serving fresh Spanish food and tapas, along with a special dessert selection including the sought-after ‘Blue Cheesecake’. All made fresh, to order and takeaway.
Fidget and Bob

Address

The Piazza, Kennet Island, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0GX

Telephone
0118 931 0271

hello@fidgetandbob.co.uk

Reading

Fidget & Bob is the new all-day café bar in Kennet Island, Reading.
Panino Cafe

Address

11 Duke Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4SA

Telephone
0118 958 8085

Reading

Independent cafe with sandwiches, baguettes, panini's and hot and cold drinks.
Victoria's Secret Pink

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 956 1951

Reading

Victoria’s Secret PINK is a spirited lifestyle brand dedicated to the independent collegiate girl. Sometimes cheeky, always fun and absolutely comfy, the range includes hoodies, tees, tanks, sweats, bras, panties, yoga, accessories, beauty and more.
Vino.Vita

Address

20 Valpy street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1AR

Telephone
0118 950 5493

guest@vinovita.bar

Reading

We are authentic Italian wine bars boasting quality wines and tempting Italian food. Vino.Vita was born in 2013 with two friends who shared a love for Italian Aperitivo, the ritual of drinking, nibbling and relaxing after work. A daily occasion to…
Subway - Friar Street

Address

34 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DX

Telephone
0118 939 3939

Reading

Subway is a privately held American fast food restaurant franchise that primarily purveys submarine sandwiches and salads.
Eclectic Games

Address

5 Union Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1EU

Telephone
0118 959 8250

shop@eclecticgames.co.uk

Reading

Reading's dedicated specialist games shop. Board games, card games, miniatures games, puzzles and more.
The Gym

Address

St. Marys Butts, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2LN

READING

The Gym Group believe that fitness should be fun, flexible and affordable. That is why they are open 24 hours a day, so you can eat, sleep, train and repeat regardless of your schedule. They are proud to be the cheapest contract-free gym in town…
Caffè Nero

Address

The Oracle Riverside, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 950 0588

enquiries@cafenero.com

Reading

Providing a European style coffee house experience offering premium espresso-based gourmet coffee, authentic Italian food products and a relaxing atmosphere in every store...
Walk Reading

Address

Town Hall Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

info@walk-reading.co.uk

Reading

Looking for ideas on what Reading owuld be like for your staff or customers if you relocate here. Walk Reading can give you and your staff an introduction to Reading walk. Discover the hidden gems of Reading on an unforgettable walking tour. Immerse…

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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