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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Pure Gym Basingstoke Road

Address

350 Basingstoke Road, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0NT

Telephone
+44 3450133463

info.readingbasingstoke@puregym.com

READING

Whether you prefer to strength training, cardio, fitness classes, or a little bit of everything, we have all the kit and classes you need at PureGym. All of our gyms in Reading are open 24/7 and have over 50 classes each week included in your…
The Bag Shop

Address

41 Market Place, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2DG

Telephone
0118 959 9959

Reading

Looking for a stunning and durable bag for work or leisure? For a wide choice of bags in Reading pop into The Bag Shop!
Metro Bank

Address

201 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 7QA

Telephone
0345 08 08 500

daniel.wilkie@metrobank.plc.uk

Reading

Metro Bank has opened a different kind of High Street bank. A bank with stores that are open when it suits you, 7 days a week. A bank where you can walk in without an appointment and walk out with a working account, debit card and more. A bank that…
Fluffy Fluffy Dessert Cafe

Address

Unit 10, Kings Walk, 19-23 King Street, Reading, RG1 2HG

Reading

Fuwa Fuwa, meaning “fluffy fluffy” North America’s largest soufflé pancake and dessert cafe. From breakfast to dinner, and everything in between. We aim to deliver happiness, one pancake at a time.
Vegivores

Address

41 Church Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8BA

Reading

Founded in Reading in 2017 as a street food and catering business, after successfully building a following at local markets and events we went on to launch our first restaurant in Caversham in October 2019 which is still Reading's only fully plant…
Create Escape - Banksy

Address

Reading Gaol, Forbury Road, Reading, RG1 3HY

Reading

Banksy’s artwork in Reading, Create Escape, appeared in 2021 on the walls of the former Reading Prison building. From Reading Station, it is just a five-minute walk.
Banksy’s Create Escape was inspired by Oscar Wilde’s imprisonment in Reading Gaol…
Subway - Reading Station

Address

Brunei Arcade, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LT

Telephone
0118 956 8106

Reading

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

Address

80 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AP

Telephone
0118 963 5147

Reading

At Chopstix all food is made with natural ingredients delivering you a fresh and delicious meal.
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,…
Premier Inn Reading Gateway

Address

Proctor End, Reading Gateway, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0GG

Telephone
0330 135 9038

READING

Close to Reading town centre and right on top of the nearest motorway, our Premier Inn Reading Gateway, M4/J11 hotel is ideal for short breaks in Berkshire. The Oracle shopping centre is a must-visit for bargain-hunters, while the Dinton Pastures…
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…
Blacks

Address

3 Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HX

Telephone
0118 402 8736

Reading

Shop in-store with the UK's leading outdoor retailer. With over 70 stores nationwide, unrivalled expertise and a price match guarantee on everything.
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…
Shed

Address

8 Merchant's Place, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DT

Telephone
0118 956 1482

Reading

Gourmet sandwiches and soups, plus coffee and cakes, in a cafe with exposed brick in an old forge.
Wagamama

Address

Unit R12 Oracle Riverside, The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 951 1599

Reading

Wagamamas combines fresh and nutritious food in an elegant yet simple setting with helpful, friendly service and value for money. Serving Asian food...
Decathlon

Address

Forbury Retail Park, Reading, RG1 3HS

Telephone
0118 9569151

Reading

Decathlon is a family-owned company, founded in 1976, and inspired by the belief that the best sports products should be accessible to everyone. Ever-evolving and high performance design, the best quality at the lowest possible price, and expert…
Card Factory

Address

46 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AA

Telephone
0118 958 5123

Reading

Pop into the Card Factory and find greetings cards, gifts, wrap & party supplies all at great value prices.
Pret A Manger - Thames Tower

Address

40 Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LX

Telephone
0118 958 8020

Reading

Pret creates handmade natural food avoiding all the obscure extras common to so much of the 'prepared' and 'fast' food on the market today.
Thai Corner

Address

47 West Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TZ

Telephone
0118 959 5050

info@thaicornerreading.co.uk

Reading

You don't have to go all the way to Thailand to enjoy this exotic and delicious cuisine. They are a family owned business serving food prepared by authentic Thai chefs.
Crunch Comics

Address

10/11 Harris Arcade, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DN

Telephone
0118 950 7769

lucy@crunchcomics.com

Reading

Located in the Harris Arcade, Reading, Crunch Comics have a selection of new release and back-issue comic books, together with graphic novels, collectibles and t-shirts. Go and visit for all your comic book needs.

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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