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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Monty's Bar & Lounge

Address

Crowne Plaza Reading East, Wharfedale Road, Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5TS

Telephone
0118 944 0444

Winnersh, Wokingham

Relax in the inviting ambiance of Monty's Lounge Bar, surrounded by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Indulge in a specialty Lavazza Coffee or Savor your preferred cocktail while enjoying quality bar meals, including a delightful Indian menu.…
The Roseate Reading

Address

26 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJ

Telephone
0118 952 7770

reception.TFLR@roseatehotels.com

Reading

The Roseate Reading hotel is designed for both business and pleasure, boasting the latest technology, stylish yet functional surroundings and dedicated conference rooms providing the ideal location for meetings and events. All our meeting rooms are…
Blue Collar Street Food

Address

Market Place, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2EG

READING

Our oldest market and your twice a week fix of Blue Collar in Reading town centre. 8+ food traders including jerk chicken wraps, Peruvian street food, dry aged, pasture fed burgers and inventive vegan options. Check our social media pages for…
London 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…
Wok to walk

Address

The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AG

Reading
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…
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…
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…
The Fragrance Shop

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 958 5342

Reading

The Fragrance Shop is the UK’s leading independent fragrance retailer with over 400 fragrance brands available in more than 200 stores throughout the UK.
Reading Serviced Apartments by Charles Hope

Address

300 King's Road, Reading, RG1 4HP

Telephone
020 3983 6300

reservations@charleshope.co.uk

Reading

Our Reading serviced accommodations is located in the heart of the University Quarter, just a stone's throw away from the charming River Kennet. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, our prime location is perfect for exploring all…
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...
L'Occitane

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Reading

Bath and beauty expert L'Occitane brings the Provencal experience to you through its beautiful boutique store here at The Oracle. Natural ingredients go into an unrivalled range of refreshing, relaxing and invigorating soaps, handwashes, body…
The Henley Distillery

Address

Hampstead Farm, Binfield Heath, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxfordshire, RG9 4LG

Telephone
07511 208490

shop@thehenleydistillery.co.uk

HENLEY-ON-THAMES

Located in an 18th century threshing barn just three miles outside out of Reading, The Henley Distillery, voted New Distillery of The Year 2022 by The Gin Guide, offers tours, gin tastings and fully-immersive gin-making experiences inviting people…
Reiss

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 959 4845

Reading

Fashion brand known for its modern takes on classic, casual & formal designs for men & women.
Paddy Power

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0800 056 5275

READING

Paddy Power is Ireland’s biggest, most successful; security conscious, friendly and innovative licensed betting shop. You can get all the latest betting offers, bonuses, free bets and promotions from a friendly customer service team.
Premier Inn Reading South (Grazeley Green)

Address

Goring Lane, Grazeley Green, READING, Berkshire, RG7 1LS

Telephone
0333 321 8346

readingsouth.pi@premierinn.com

READING

Premier Inn Reading South (Grazeley Green) ticks all the boxes. Close to the M4 and M3, just down the road from Reading and Basingstoke, and set in a quiet, rural location. Check, check and check. You're well placed for many local wedding venues.…
The Ale House

Address

2 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BH

Telephone
0118 950 8119

Reading

Tucked on the corner of Broad Street amid the coffee shops, The Ale House is a back-street locals pub right in the centre of town. There is said to have been a pub on...
The Mill at Sonning Theatre

Address

Sonning Eye, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6TY

Telephone
0118 969 8000

boxoffice@millatsonning.com

READING

Award-winning theatre set majestically on the banks of the River Thames. The Mill at Sonning Theatre now celebrates more than 40 years of entertainment and hospitality. Uniquely, with a two course meal enjoyed before the show, The Mill has gained…
Crowne Plaza Reading, M4 Jct 10

Address

Wharfedale Road, Winnersh Traingle, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG41 5TS

Telephone
0118 944 0444

reservations@cpreading.co.uk

WOKINGHAM

Exceptional new, fully refurbished 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza Reading, M4 Jct 10 offering 174 spacious luxurious bedrooms with King-size beds and 50” TV . New 2 AA Rosette Restaurant & Terrace and Bar/Lounge serving modern British and authentic…
California Chalet and Touring Park

Address

Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, WOKINGHAM, Berkshire, RG40 4HU

Telephone
0118 973 3928

WOKINGHAM

Situated in beautiful Berkshire countryside we are open all year round – 12 months, 4 seasons where each one brings its own highlights to the surrounding area. We provide the perfect setting to relax and to spend quality time in an impressive and…

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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