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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Hilton Reading

Address

Drake Way, READING, Berkshire, RG2 0GQ

Telephone
0118 916 9000

reservations.reading@hilton.com

READING

Hilton Reading is located off the M4 and A33 and offers on-site car parking. The hotel is conveniently positioned less than two miles from indoor shopping centre The Oracle; Select Car Leasing Stadium, the home to Reading FC; and University of…
Be At One

Address

1 Gun Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JR

Telephone
0118 956 0666

reading@beatone.co.uk

Reading

Looking for cocktails in Reading? We have the tunes, drinks (a menu of 100+ cocktails!) and vibe to get you in the mood!
Popworld

Address

110 - 117 Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EP

READING

Popworld is a late-night bar with a difference – we are cheese with style! You'll be greeted by our friendly bar staff and party the night away with like-minded people.
Wendy's

Address

Station Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1LG

READING

Fast-food burger chain serving sides such as chili & baked potatoes.
Hop Leaf

Address

163-165 Southampton Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2QZ

Telephone
0118 931 4700

Reading

Hop Back Brewery is the home of the multi-award winning Summer Lightning. While not quite as good as tasting the real thing, here you'll get...
The Retreat

Address

8 St Johns Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4EH

Telephone
0118 957 1593

info@retreatpub.co.uk

Reading

Reading's favourite back-street pub, The Retreat is an unspoilt terraced Victorian former beer-house. They are cask-ale specialists and host regular live music nights with jazz, blues and more.
Royal Berkshire Medical Museum

Address

London Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 5AN

READING

Founded in 1997, The Berkshire Medical Heritage Centre is based in the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading (built 1881-1882). Located in the old hospital laundry (built 1881-1882), the Museum is the hub of the Centre's activities.

Our…
Cafe Yolk

Address

44 Erleigh Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG15NA

Telephone
01183271055

info@cafeyolk.com

Reading

Cafe Yolk is an award-winning brunch restaurant with 2 locations in Reading, serving delicious breakfast and brunch since 2013.
Subway - Friar Street

Address

34 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DX

Telephone
0118 939 3939

Reading

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

Address

Queens Walk, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QF

Telephone
0118 960 6060

READING

The Hexagon is a multi-purpose entertainment venue in the heart of Reading, hosting an eclectic mix of entertainers from big name Comedians, Spectacular Musicals, Children's Shows, Classical Concerts, Opera, Pantomime, Theatre, Dance and everything…
Hugo Boss

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 956 5620

Reading

BOSS epitomises authentic, understated luxury. The men’s collection offers modern, refined business wear and premium leisurewear; fusing timeless design and precision craftsmanship.
Cote Brasserie

Address

9 The Riverside, Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 959 1180

reading@cote-restaurants.co.uk

Reading

Located on the Riverside, Côte Brasserie is open daily for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Inspired by new trends in Paris, it offers a consistently good menu and prompt service.
Lakeland

Address

97 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AX

Telephone
0118 939 1708

Reading

Kitchenware chain with innovative gadgets and cooking utensils, plus homewares and garden products.
Stop & Taste

Address

3 Cavendish Road, Emmer Green, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8XU

Telephone
01183044981

info@stopandtaste.co.uk

Reading

Located in Emmer Green, Stop & Taste delivers a bold, eclectic menu that blends street-food favourites with playful gourmet touches.
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.
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…
TGI Fridays Riverside

Address

Unit 8, The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0344 264 6052

Reading

TGI Friday's Reading Oracle is an award-winning restaurant, home to legendary food and drink. Fresh ingredients are used to craft a huge burger range...
Novotel

Address

25b Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DP

Telephone
0118 952 2600

H5432@accor.com

READING

Perfectly situated in the heart of the town. The guests can choose from executive and superior rooms, all boasting airy, contemporary designs and warmth.
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.

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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