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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House of Fisher - Kings Road

Address

100 Kings Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3BY

Telephone
0118 951 4151

reservations@houseoffisher.com

READING

100 Kings Road is House of Fisher’s exclusive flagship Aparthotel in Reading offering a range of studio, one, two and three bedroom serviced apartments perfectly located in central Reading. Just a 5 minute walk away is the Oracle shopping mall and a…
Pierre's

Address

58 St Mary's Butts, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LG

Telephone
0118 951 0500

Reading

Independent baguette shop offering freshly made baguettes, sandwiches, panini's and more.
Premier Inn Reading Caversham Bridge

Address

Richfield Avenue, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ

Telephone
0333 321 8344

readingcavershambridgepi@premierinn.com

READING

Everything's Premier but the price. The Premier Inn at Caversham Bridge is ideally situated near the River Thames, and an easy walk to the town centre.
Beale Wildlife Park

Address

Lower Basildon, READING, Berkshire, RG8 9NW

Telephone
0118 976 7480

admin@bealepark.org.uk

READING

Beale Park is an outdoor wildlife park within 40 acres set against the River Thames in Berkshire. A home to an exciting mix of animals and attractions.
John Lewis

Address

Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BB

Telephone
0118 957 5955

Reading

Iconic department store in the centre of Reading selling everything from home goods and appliances, electronics, clothing, sports goods and more.
F Hinds

Address

63 Broad Street Mall, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 958 5464

onlinesales@fhinds.co.uk

Reading

F.Hinds always guarantees the quality of their products. As Britain’s leading independent jeweller, they use their considerable buying power to source great products and pass the savings on to all of their customers. On offer is an extensive…
Flamingo's Vintage

Address

21 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SY

Reading

Flamingos Vintage UK is a Vintage clothing retailer, currently supplying hand-picked, one-off pieces in the UK’s south-west. At Flamingo’s, we operate a Kilo Sale identified by a traffic light color system, as well as priced-per-piece Exclusive items
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…
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.…
Perrys Caribbean Cuisine

Address

7 High Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2EA

Telephone
0118 959 4001

muranje@aol.com

Reading

Perry’s is a fantastic Caribbean restaurant in the centre of Reading! It has a varied menu and the option to take away....
Terry's Reading Walkabouts

Address

READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DP

Telephone
07505 351517

terry.dixon89@virginmedia.com

READING

The original Guided walks going over 8 years around my home town in fun way. 18 themes, inc.Town Centre, Architecture, Crime/Punishment, Photographic Heritage, Ghosts. All donated go to local charities, raising over £24,000 & taken out 4500 people!
Bill's

Address

St Mary's Church House, Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HX

Telephone
020 4512 6642

Reading

Bill's Restaurant and Bar first opened in Lewes, East Sussex in 2001. A very pretty location, Bill’s Reading restaurant occupies St Mary’s Church House. This elegant Georgian building makes a fabulous restaurant and has become a very popular…
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.
Spill

Address

29 Church Street, St Martins Precinct, Caversham, Reading, RG4 8BA

Telephone
07876 504341

Hello@spillbar.co.uk

Caversham, Reading

Welcome to Spill, Caversham's hottest destination for specialty coffee, craft cocktails, and fine wines in Reading. Their modern industrial space in the heart of Caversham transitions from daytime café to cosy evening wine bar.
Enjoy expertly…
Five Guys

Address

The Oracle Shopping Centre Unit U1, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 957 3931

Reading

American diner style burger joint serving hamburgers grilled to perfection alongside chips fried in peanut oil.
IRO Sushi

Address

155 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HE

Telephone
0118 2301923

Reading

Our sushi chefs bring priceless passion and professionalism to the IRO Sushi family, resulting in inspiring sushi dishes and Japanese classics for convenient collection in London.
Superdry

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 951 0064

Reading

Fashion chain for men & women blending vintage Americana with Japanese & British inspirations.
The Hexagon

Address

Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

Telephone
0118 960 6060

READING

The Hexagon is a multi-purpose entertainment venue in the heart of Reading, hosting an eclectic mix of entertainers from big name Comedians, Spectacular Musicals, Children's Shows, Classical Concerts, Opera, Pantomime, Theatre, Dance and everything…
Reading Rep Theatre

Address

Kings Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4LY

READING

Reading’s resident professional theatre combines high-class productions with ground-breaking education and community engagement to help transform Reading and the surrounding area’s cultural landscape. With tickets from as little as £5 Reading Rep is…
FootAsylum

Address

84 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AP

Telephone
0118 971 9300

Reading

Fashion-chain specialising in branded footwear, accessories and sportswear for men, women and children.

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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