Walking the Thames Path

You are here: Ideas & Inspiration > Top 10 Highlights > Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

Searching for something...

Accommodation
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Accommodation Search

Things to Do Search

Food & Drink Search

Shopping Search

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.

Number of results: 537

, currently showing 341 to 360.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

YayLo

Address

26 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

Telephone
01189 597 809

joy@yaylo.co

Reading

Reading's exclusively gluten-free coffee shop offering gorgeous cakes, sandwiches, quiches and more alongside local award winning coffee...
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.
Simon Dowling Bespoke

Address

8 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJ

Telephone
0118 950 8133

Reading

Made-to-measure men's clothing.
Playlist Live

Address

108 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1EP

Telephone
0118 212 0720

Bookings@playlistlive.co.uk

Reading

Located in the heart of Reading, based on Friar Street - Playlist Live is a non-stop live music venue where musicians play YOUR requests, all night long! Sing and dance the night away to live music of your choosing. Just write down your favourite…
Veeno

Address

20 Valpy street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1AR

Telephone
0118 950 5493

reading@veenobars.com

Reading

We are authentic Italian wine bars boasting quality wines and tempting Italian food. Veeno was born in 2013 with two friends who shared a love for Italian Aperitivo, the ritual of drinking, nibbling and relaxing after work. A daily occasion to share…
McDonalds - Friar Street

Address

128-129 Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1EP

Telephone
0118 959 1144

Reading
Pitcher and Piano

Address

18 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DB

Telephone
0118 958 8964

reading@pitcherandpiano.com

Reading

Pitcher & Piano Reading is an oasis in the bustle of central Reading. Located just a short walk from the train station, this is the ideal place for a quiet drink after work...
Thaigrr

Address

1D Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

Telephone
07379 636771

contact@thaigrr.co.uk

READING

ThaiGrr! serves enticing, ready-to-go Thai food, cooked to perfection by our experienced Thai chefs with a menu that brings you Thailand’s favourite dishes. Our tempting choice of tasty Thai hot meals are available to take out or to deliver.
To…
Adrienne Henry Millinery

Address

26 Harris Arcade, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DN

Telephone
0118 950 4421

adriennehenrymillinery@gmail.com

Reading

Adrienne Henry Millinery specialise in hand-made hats for all occasions.
Walk Reading

Address

Town Hall Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

info@walk-reading.co.uk

Reading

Looking for ideas on what Reading owuld be like for your staff or customers if you relocate here. Walk Reading can give you and your staff an introduction to Reading walk. Discover the hidden gems of Reading on an unforgettable walking tour. Immerse…
Wendy's

Address

Station Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1LG

READING

Fast-food burger chain serving sides such as chili & baked potatoes.
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…
David Lloyd Health Club

Address

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

READING

Set in an easy-to-reach spot on Thames Valley Business Park, David Lloyd Reading is a first-class fitness destination for you and your family. With a state-of-the-art gym, wide range of exercise classes, sports facilities, a swimming pool and…
Foodies

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

READING

Discover the flavours of India's culinary heritage with fabulous samosa's and refreshing Chai Teas. For dessert, soft ice cream and cool slushy's.
Subway - Gun Street

Address

7 Gun Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JR

Telephone
0118 939 3424

Reading

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

Address

Harris Arcade, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DN

READING

Specialist tobaconist now owned by Havana House. The business dates back to the late 1800s.
Monks Retreat

Address

163-163A Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HE

Telephone
0118 950 7592

Reading

The name of this Stonegate pub, and the street it is in, recalls the Franciscan monks who came to Reading in the 13th century.
Monks Retreat

Address

163-163A Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1HE

Telephone
0118 950 7592

Reading

The name of this Stonegate pub, and the street it is in, recalls the Franciscan monks who came to Reading in the 13th century.
Nespresso

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Reading

Your new, permanent Nespresso Boutique is now open in Reading. Visit the new Boutique located on The Upper Mall and discover the full range of Grand Cru coffees - all with distinctly individual characters and aromatic profiles - talk to our Coffee…
The 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…

My Planner

Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss