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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Caffè Nero

Address

The Oracle Riverside, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 950 0588

enquiries@cafenero.com

Reading

Providing a European style coffee house experience offering premium espresso-based gourmet coffee, authentic Italian food products and a relaxing atmosphere in every store...
Stanlake Park Wine Estate

Address

Stanlake Park, Twyford, READING, Berkshire, RG10 0BN

Telephone
0118 934 0176

tours@stanlakepark.com

READING

Stanlake Park in Twyford, Berkshire is one of the oldest vineyards and wine producers in England. Our Italian winemaker’s modern and international approach is reflected in award-winning wines that are enjoyable, very drinkable and the perfect…
Phantom Brewing Company

Address

Unit 2-3 Meadow Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8LB

READING

Phantom Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in Reading, Berkshire. With the main goal of producing the freshest beer, made with the highest quality ingredients, we have worked hard to provide a welcoming community hub in our taproom in Reading…
Reading Football Club

Address

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

Telephone
0118 9681313

READING

The Select Car Leasing Stadium (formerly known as the Madejski Stadium) is the home of Reading FC. One of the oldest football clubs in the UK, Reading FC recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. The men's team currently play in the EFL…
Manzano's

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 3343338

info@manzanosperiperi.co.uk

READING

Manzano's is the home of delicious, healthy, flame grilled cuisine. Expect a fantastic range of healthy grilled food including: juicy steaks, flame grilled peri- peri chicken and the best wings in town; all at great value. Expect to experience great…
New Look - The Oracle

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

Telephone
0118 950 5741

Reading

Fashionable womenswear chain; some stores also include menswear, plus-sizes and maternity clothing.
Walk Reading

Address

Town Hall Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

info@walk-reading.co.uk

Reading

Looking for things to do in Reading? Discover the hidden gems of Reading on an unforgettable walking tour. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this charming town as our knowledgeable guides lead you through its streets.…
Crowne Plaza Reading, M4 Jct 10

Address

Wharfedale Road, Winnersh Triangle, Reading, Berkshire, RG41 5TS

Telephone
0118 944 0444

reservations@cpreading.co.uk

Reading

The fully refurbished 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza Reading, M4 Jct 10 provides a stylish contemporary look and feel, catering to business travellers, leisure guests, and spa visitors. The hotel boasts 174 spacious new bedrooms and an award-winning 2…
Boots - The Oracle

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 958 7529

Reading

Shop our extensive range of health and beauty products from leading brands, fragrances for her and him, gift sets and much more.
Jewells

Address

The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

ukoracle@jewells.com

Reading

Experience jewellery differently.
Discover everything from trend-led, ultra-affordable jewellery to Solid Gold and Lab-Grown Diamond investment pieces, all in the same room. Step inside the Jewells Universe at our The Oracle store, including…
Harris Gardens

Address

University of Reading, Whiteknights campus, READING, Berkshire, RG6 6UR

READING

The Harris Garden provides an important amenity for all, giving pleasure to an increasing number of visitors, staff and students. It provides facilities for teaching, conservation and recreation.
Rams Rugby Club

Address

Old Bath Road, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6TQ

Telephone
0118 969 5259

READING

The club was founded as Old Redingensians in 1924 by former pupils of Reading School. The Club changed its name in 2018. Rams 1st XV made club history and achieved promotion to National League 1 (Level 3 rugby) during 2018-19.
Subway - Oxford Road

Address

21 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 950 4550

Reading

Subway is a privately held American fast food restaurant franchise that primarily purveys submarine sandwiches and salads.
Bella Italia

Address

Unit 11A, Riverside Level, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 956 6963

Reading

With a menu combining delicious Pizza and Pasta with a superb range of grill and speciality dishes there's something for everybody...
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…
Cosmo

Address

35-28 Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1DX

Telephone
0118 9595588

reading@cosmo-restaurants.co.uk

Reading

Pan Asian and world dining experience. We believe your taste buds should be intrepid explorers seeking out the best flavours the world has to offer...
Caversham Tiles

Address

55 Donkin Hill, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 5DG

Telephone
0118 947 8853

mandy@cavtiles.co.uk

Reading

We are an independent family business based in Caversham, with almost 45 years’ experience in the tile industry. Our reputation is based on service and advice you can trust. Client satisfaction is everything - we will not let you down.
Our showroom…
House of Fisher - Kings Road

Address

100 Kings Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3BY

Telephone
0118 951 4151

reservations@houseoffisher.com

READING

100 Kings Road is House of Fisher’s exclusive flagship Aparthotel in Reading offering a range of studio, one, two and three bedroom serviced apartments perfectly located in central Reading. Just a 5 minute walk away is the Oracle shopping mall and a…
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…
Jelly - making space for art

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 9571869

enquiries@jelly.org.uk

READING

Jelly is an energetic charity championing the creative arts. We have played a strategic role in Reading’s cultural life since 1993 – enabling art to appear in unexpected places and creating opportunities for people to look on and join in. We believe…

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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