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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Starbucks Butter Market

Address

6 Butter Market, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BH

Telephone
0118 959 8771

ukinfo@starbucks.com

Reading

The layout and atmosphere of Starbucks stores are specifically designed to be cosy and intimate, while at the same time providing people with their own personal...
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.
Foot Locker

Address

83 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 958 5379

Reading

Retail chain with brand-name athletic shoes, clothing & related accessories for men, women & kids.
Dune

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

Telephone
0118 958 0568

Reading

On-trend shoe chain catering for men and women.
Malmaison Reading

Address

18-20 Station Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1JX

Telephone
0118 334 1331

reading@malmaison.com

READING

This former train-house turned hotel has an abundance of style and decadence. Moody lighting, roll-top baths and gigantic soft beds are just a few of the incredible features that gives the Malmaison such character. Located less than a minutes walk…
The Edit

Address

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

Telephone
0118 327 1910

hello@theeditshop.co.uk

Reading

Welcome to The Edit Caversham, a local independent store rooted in the heart of Caversham. We offer a carefully curated selection of unique, high-quality gifts, often from independent UK-based brands and other makers who share our philosophy of…
Hollywood Bowl

Address

Lower Mall, The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AS

Telephone
0844 406 0614

Reading

Enjoy 24 bowling lanes, an American diner, a live sports bar and exciting amusements! What more could you ask for?
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…
Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL)

Address

6 Redlands Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 5EX

Telephone
0118 378 8660

merlevents@reading.ac.uk

READING

The Museum of English Rural Life is owned and managed by the University of Reading. We use our diverse and surprising collection to explore how the skills and experiences of farmers and craftspeople, past and present, can help shape our lives now…
Walk Reading

Address

Town Hall Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

info@walk-reading.co.uk

Reading

Looking for things to do in Reading? Discover the hidden gems of Reading on an unforgettable walking tour. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this charming town as our knowledgeable guides lead you through its streets.…
Mal Brasserie

Address

Malmaison Hotel, 18-20 Station Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1JX

Telephone
0118 334 1331

reading@malmaison.com

READING

This former train-house turned hotel has an abundance of style and decadence. Chez Mal Brasserie is the hotel's fantastic restaurant. Located less than a minutes walk from Reading station this hotel is the perfect place to meet friends for food.
571 Oxford Road Gallery

Address

571 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 1HW

Reading

571 Oxford Road is new contemporary art gallery based in Reading, England. The gallery is part of Open Hand Open Space (OHOS). OHOS is an artist-led centre that fosters excellence in contemporary art and provides affordable studio and exhibition…
The Hope Tap

Address

99-103 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1EP

Telephone
0118 958 2266

Reading

The site of this Wetherspoon pub was once occupied by the Hope Brewery, which had its own pub, The Hope Tap.
Cocoon Hair & Beauty

Address

18 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

Telephone
0118 951 1114

Reading

Beauty salon offering hair cuts, treatments, skin care and more.
Test Event Product

Address

Test Descrition
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…
LolaLo

Address

126 Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EP

READING

Bringing you a little piece of Polynesian paradise and a true taste of the tropics, Lola Lo’s unique party and night club experience will instantly seduce your senses and sweep you off to the South Pacific – the perfect place to kick back, relax and…
Notes

Address

1 Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1PT

bookings@notescoffee.com

Reading

London-based coffee roaster and wine bar, minutes from Reading Station.
The Face Bar

Address

Ambrose Place, Chatham Street, READING, Berkshire, RG2 8SL

Telephone
0118 9568188

sharon.facebar@gmail.com

READING

Modern bar and rock club with regular DJ sessions and a reputation for staging wild gigs.
Thames Lido Pool & Spa

Address

Napier Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8FR

Telephone
0118 207 0640

events@thameslido.com

Reading

Relax, indulge, unwind at Thames Lido. Here you will find a heated pool, hot tub and saunas, as well as massage rooms and an award-winning restaurant which is featured in the Michelin Guide.

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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