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 501 to 520.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Midrib Plants

Address

Harris Arcade, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DN

READING

Berkshire's independent, award-winning plant business selling house plants, pots and planters, gifts and workshops. Based in the town centre in Harris Arcade.
Apple Store

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 925 4500

Reading

Apple retail store selling iPhones, iPads & more in sleekly designed spaces.
Reading Synagogue

Address

7 Goldsmid Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7YB

READING

Welcome to a warm friendly community and the only community to offer, to all Jewish people in the area, regular weekly services and many other activities for adults and children, both inside our wonderful Synagogue & adjoining community hall and at…
Fidget and Bob

Address

The Piazza, Kennet Island, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0GX

Telephone
0118 931 0271

hello@fidgetandbob.co.uk

Reading

Fidget & Bob is the new all-day café bar in Kennet Island, Reading.
Perfect Chicken & Ribs

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 950 9696

READING

Perfect Fried Chicken is known for its generous portions, reasonable prices, friendly service, and richly varied halal menu of fried chicken, burgers and ribs. Every dish is meticulously prepared in- house using only the best spices and ingredients.…
Matilda Too boat trips

Address

Star Lane Wharf, Behind Queen's Road car park, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4AR

Reading

A trip boat on the Kennet and Avon Canal in Reading from Kennet & Avon Trust. 45-minute trips on Fridays (during school holidays), Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays at noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm from Easter weekend onwards.
Select Car Leasing Stadium (Reading FC)

Address

Junction 11, M4, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0FL

Telephone
0118 968 1100

READING

Home to Reading Football Club, the stadium (formerly known as the Madejski Stadium) holds 24,000 people. Reading FC play in the EFL Championship currently and celebrated their 150th anniversary in 2021/22.
Bride to Be

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 9575115

info@bridetobe.co.uk

READING

Bride To Be Bridal Boutique boasts over 30 years of award winning service. In relaxed and friendly surroundings they cater to the needs of every individual bride with sophistication and expertise. Appointments required everday, please call the store…
Prospect Park

Address

Liebenrood Road, READING, Berkshire, RG30 2ND

READING

Prospect Park is Reading’s largest open space and gets its name from the fine views across the Kennet Valley and beyond, which can be enjoyed best from the Mansion House.
Soju

Address

9-11 Kings Walk, King Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG12HG

Telephone
0118 334 8162

Reading

Soju offers authentic and freshly grilled South Korean BBQ in the heart of Reading.
Timpsons

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 9503421

READING

Timpson specialize in all types of shoe and boot repairs – both mens and ladies. We can carry out almost any job you can think of from the smallest piece of stitching right up to a full long sole and re-welt. Any job – any time! Most repairs are…
Yo Sushi

Address

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

Telephone
0118 914 4630

Reading

Yo! Sushi serve over 90 Japanese inspired dishes on their menu including hot classics, sashimi, tempura, salads, hand rolls and desserts...
Forbury Gardens

Address

The Forbury, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3BB

READING

Forbury Gardens is a delightful Victorian town garden, created at the height of the urban parks movement. The gardens have recently undergone major restoration. They are located between the town centre and the ruins of the 11th century abbey, not…
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.
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...
Mapledurham House

Address

Mapledurham Village, READING, Berkshire, RG4 7TR

READING

A 12th Century family house and farming estate tucked in beside the Thames in the heart of a unique English village away from the distractions of town, business or busy hotels, Mapledurham is an oasis of peace. The estate is a haven of tradition…
Black Sheep Coffee - Broad Street

Address

60 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AF

Reading

Founded by Eirik and Gabe, university flatmates who quit their job to leave the herd behind and embark on an exciting coffee journey. Striving not only to rid the world of boring coffee but to do this sustainability and ethically. Our coffee is…
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,…
Sure Hotel Best Western

Address

39 Christchurch Road, READING, Berkshire, RG2 7AN

Telephone
0118 931 1311

READING

Whether you're sightseeing, working or visiting Reading University, you can expect clean, comfortable and affordable accommodation for the budget conscious traveller at Sure Hotel by Best Western Reading. This eye-catching red and grey brick…
Oliver Bonas

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Reading

Oliver Bonas has evolved from curating others’ designs to creating our own. Our team of designers now take Olly’s exploratory spirit and channel it into our fashion and homeware collections. We are inspired by the alchemy of great design and fresh…

My Planner

Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss