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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The Jazz Café

Address

Select Car Leasing Stadium, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0FL

Telephone
0118 968 1442

READING

Located at the Madejski Stadium, The Jazz Café is a modern, spacious venue ideal for any type of event from corporate lunches to birthday parties to wedding receptions. We pride ourselves in hosting an unforgettable party with delicious food, all…
Heavy Pop

Address

South Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4QU

READING

Reading-based independent promoters with over ten years of experience in promoting gigs in Reading/ Oxford. We also run the award-winning multi-venue charity fundraiser festival Are You Listening?, Down at the Abbey Festival in Reading Abbey Ruins…
Skipton Building Society

Address

30 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TG

Telephone
0118 959 0409

Reading

Savings, mortgages, pensions and investments - plan for your life ahead with Skipton Building Society.
Iceland

Address

2 Queens Walk, Reading, RG1 7QE

Telephone
01189 503016

Reading

Iceland prides itself on being a convenient and friendly place to do the family’s weekly shop, as well as to meet everyone’s daily top-up shopping needs for fresh, chilled and frozen food. The store offers a free home delivery service for shoppers…
Nationwide

Address

51 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AA

Telephone
0800 554 0353

Reading

The world's largest building society, run for the benefit of its members. Helping you with your current account, mortgage, savings and other personal finance needs. From April 2021, Nationwide is open to the public on Saturdays, 9:30 till 1 and …
Palmer Park Sports Stadium

Address

Wokingham Road, Reading, Berskhire, RG6 1LF

Telephone
0118 304 4787

PalmerPark@gll.org

Reading

Set in acres of beautiful parkland, Palmer Park Sports Stadium is one of the finest outdoor sports centres in the region. The stadium offers a combination of outstanding outdoor and indoor facilities including; Athletics stadium, 460m Velodrome,…
Culture Mix Arts

Address

Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

READING

CultureMix Arts is an international music and carnival arts company based in Berkshire, UK. We encourage participation and development offering employment opportunities in the music industry and the carnival sector. An Arts Council England National…
Tesco Express - Oxford Road

Address

28 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7LA

Telephone
0345 610 2847

Reading

UK's largest supermarket chain, with express stores to serve as a quick stop for your everyday grocery needs, or to grab dinner on the way home from work.
MADEbyTamalia @ Creativ.Spaces

Address

Creativ.Spaces Art Studio & Event Spaces, 2b Southview Business Park, Marsack Street, Caversham, Reading, RG4 5AF

sue@creativspaces.co.uk

Marsack Street, Caversham, Reading

Bespoke Art & Craft Parties & Themed Immersive Events. Looking for something a little different for your party or event? From urban industrial unit to clandestine party pad - our quirky artist designed venue hides the ultimate escape for…
Hen…
Therapists on the High Street

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 951 0637

info@therapistsonthehighstreet.co.uk

READING

Therapists on the High Street is a Sports Therapy and Wellness Walk in Clinic, offering accessible, convenient and affordable Sports Therapy. Sports Therapy is an essential healthcare for everyone, from sporting and non-sporting backgrounds.
Choose…
Shinfield Players

Address

Shinfield Park, Shinfield, READING, Berkshire, RG2 9DF

READING

In 1956 a group of Shinfield residents felt there was a need for live theatre in Shinfield and the surrounding area. On the 12 January 1956, a small group of potential thespians met at St Mary's church hall in Shinfield, and so the Shinfield Players…
Reading Farmers Market

Address

Great Knollys Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7HD

READING

Reading's friendly farmers' market showcases locally-produced food and drink, direct from the producers. You'll find it at the old cattle market on Great Knollys Street on the first and third Saturday of every month, between 8.15am and 12pm.
It's…
Charles Tyrwhitt

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Reading

At Charles Tyrwhitt (pronounced “Tirrit”) they endeavour to produce the finest menswear, with timeless style and no compromise on quality. From beautifully tailored men’s shirts and suits to smart and comfortable casualwear, the whole kit and…
Delikatesy Polskie Smaczek

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 9500886

info@delikatesysmaczek.com

READING

Delikatesy Polskie Smaczek is an authentic grocery store offering a wide variety of imported Polish products. Their range includes: fresh meats, cakes, pastries, fruits and vegetables.
Specsavers

Address

45 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AA

Reading
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…
58 Barbershop

Address

58 Kings Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3AA

Reading

Independent and fashionable barbershop specialising in all styles and lengths of mens hair including beard trimming and styling and more.
NOW TV

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

READING

Introducing NOW TV - Amazing entertainment on your terms. No contract. Dip in and out at any time. Love TV but hate contracts?
We do as well, so no matter how you join NOW TV you can get the best of pay TV without a contract. That means unmissable…
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,…
Greggs, 10 Queen Victoria St

Address

10 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, RG1 1TG

Reading

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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