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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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The Bap Reading

Address

Market Place, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2DE

Reading

The Bap is an independent Korean restaurant founded by people passionate about Korean Food. Leading our business with a passion for food and the belief that good food heals the body and mind; we have curated a menu that introduces you to the most…
Intoku

Address

30a Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HX

Reading

It all started with our founders Mia and Greg, their love of anime and Japanese culture, and a small market stall in the hustle and bustle of Manchester. An unusual place for our sushi story to start, but this humble stall was the perfect spot to…
Mama's Way

Address

10-14 Duke Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4RU

READING

Reading town centre's neighbourood Italian deli.
Market House

Address

1-2 Market Place, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2EG

Telephone
0118 304 3400

info@markethousereading.com

READING

The Market House, historically Lloyds bank which has been restored and transformed into a unique, urban and unforgettable space. At The Market House you’ll find fantastic food, a great crowd, brilliant bars and music festival vibes. The Market House…
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.
Purple Turtle

Address

Gun Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2JR

READING

Purple Turtle has been a staple of Reading nightlife for over 30 years, first opening in 1990 and going strong ever since. The bar first opened on Duke Street before moving over to Gun Street when the Oracle was being built in 1997. It is one of the…
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....
Whittard of Chelsea

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AT

Telephone
0118 958 5626

Reading

Enduring specialist supplier of tea, coffee beans and hot chocolate, plus brewing accessories.
Loddon Brewery

Address

Church Lane, Dunsden, READING, Berkshire, RG4 9QD

Telephone
0118 948 1111

READING

Our beers have been hailed for their quality and consistency since 2003 – winning awards all over the UK. Built on traditional foundations, we’ve continued to evolve and take our beers to the next level. From firkins of classic bitter to cans of New…
Gail's Bakery

Address

Broad Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2BD

reading@gailsbread.co.uk

READING

Newly opened in October 2022, Gail's bake fresh, handmade bread, pastries and cakes every day, served with our carefully-sourced house blend specialty coffee. We take great pleasure in using the best ingredients we can find for food and drink,…
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.
Broom Wagon Cycle Tours

Address

12 Dunbar Drive, Woodley, READING, Berkshire, RG54HA

READING

E bike vineyard tour - English wine is enjoying a boom right now. Join Broomwagon Cycle Tours for a ride through the beautiful Chilterns with a stop at one of the country’s most exclusive vineyards. Nestled in the foothills of the Chilterns, South…
Miller and Carter

Address

The Oracle Riverside, Reading, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 950 9961

Reading

Miller & Carter know a thing or two about steak. In fact, you could say that they are one of the best steakhouses in West Berkshire. But they'd rather leave...
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…
Double-Barrelled Brewery

Address

Unit 20 Stadium Way, Tilehurst, READING, Berkshire, RG30 6BX

Telephone
0118 942 8390

READING

You can visit us on Fridays and Saturdays at our on-site taproom, where we serve a wide variety of beers direct from our warehouse cold store, where our beer is continuously stored between 4-5 degrees, keeping it in the best condition possible for…
Wokingham Waterside Centre

Address

Thames Valley Park Drive, READING, Berkshire, RG6 1PQ

Telephone
0118 926 8280

READING

Wokingham Waterside Centre is a unique riverside, water sports and conference venue set on a picturesque stretch of the river Thames in Berkshire. Water sports include canoeing, kayaking, katakanuing, bellboating, dragon boating, stand up…
Vue Cinema

Address

Riverside, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0345 308 4620

Reading

All the latest mainstream movies are shown at this state-of-the-art chain cinema with family deals.
Urban Fun

Address

Units 49, 50/52 Broad Street Mall, Reading, -RG1 7QE

info@urban-fun.co.uk

Reading

Urban Fun is where excitement meets adventure! Dive into a vibrant world of games, from classic favourites to the latest high-tech experiences. Whether you’re challenging friends in competitive games or enjoying a solo quest, Urban Fun has something…
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…
Jacobs the Jewellers

Address

25 King Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2HE

Telephone
0118 959 0790

connect@jacobsthejewellers.com

READING

Family owned trusted independent jewellery shop selling expertly made new jewellery, antique pieces with on site jewellery repairs, valuations and design.

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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