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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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Skechers

Address

The Oracle Centre, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

READING

Skechers is the comfort technology company, where you’ll find the best selection of lifestyle and performance footwear for men, women and kids. Choose from countless options including the latest athletic, casual and fashion sneakers as well as…
Burger King

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

READING

The original home of the Whopper and known for serving high-quality, great-tasting, affordable food. Founded in 1954, Burger King is one of the largest fast food chains in the world. The commitment to premium ingredients, signature recipes, and…
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.
The Caversham (Reading Golf Club)

Address

Mapledurham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 7UT

Telephone
0118 9478600

READING

The Eyston Course is a fantastic championship course measuring between 5,536 to 7,319 yards. Located just outside Reading, built to USGA standards and is in great condition year-round due to excellent drainage.
Central Jamme Mosque

Address

Waylen Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7UR

READING

The Central Jamme Masjid, also sometimes referred to as the Central Jamme Mosque, Reading Masjid, or Reading Mosque, is the nearest Masjid to the heart of Reading town centre, in Berkshire, UK. We are located on Waylen Street, off Oxford Road.
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...
Castle Fine Art

Address

5 Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HX

Telephone
0118 959 0300

reading@castlegalleries.com

Reading

Specialising in fine art, the gallery is known far and wide for having 'the best complimentary coffee' for miles.
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.
Vue Cinema

Address

Riverside, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0345 308 4620

Reading

All the latest mainstream movies are shown at this state-of-the-art chain cinema with family deals.
Monty's Bar & Lounge

Address

Crowne Plaza Reading East, Wharfedale Road, Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5TS

Telephone
0118 944 0444

Winnersh, Wokingham

Relax in the inviting ambiance of Monty's Lounge Bar, surrounded by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Indulge in a specialty Lavazza Coffee or Savor your preferred cocktail while enjoying quality bar meals, including a delightful Indian menu.…
Costa Coffee The Oracle

Address

The Oracle, Town Mall Walk, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AH

Telephone
0118 957 5876

Reading

Hand-making a cup of coffee is an art. It takes time and skill to perfect. That's why every single barista, in every single Costa store is professionally trained in...
Caversham Court Gardens

Address

Church Road, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 7AD

READING

Come and enjoy the beauty and long history of Caversham's hidden gem, Caversham Court Gardens on the bank of the River Thames. Owned and cared for by Reading Borough Council with support from The Friends. Open and accessible to all every day except…
Vino.Vita

Address

20 Valpy street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1AR

Telephone
0118 950 5493

guest@vinovita.bar

Reading

We are authentic Italian wine bars boasting quality wines and tempting Italian food. Vino.Vita 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…
Palmer Park Leisure Centre

Address

Wokingham Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 1LF

Telephone
0118 937 5080

Reading

Palmer Park Leisure Centre and Stadium is a brand new development providing first class leisure facilities. The centre is located in the heart of Palmer Park. Operated by Better in partnership with Reading Borough Council, the new facilities include…
John Lewis

Address

Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BB

Telephone
0118 957 5955

Reading

Iconic department store in the centre of Reading selling everything from home goods and appliances, electronics, clothing, sports goods and more.
Reading Rugby Club

Address

Sonning Lane, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6ST

Telephone
0118 969 6592

READING

In 1898, three senior officials from the Rugby Football Union met in Pangbourne to set up a rugby club in Reading. In 1938, The land at Holme Park, Sonning, was purchased and the pitches laid. The Club is still based there. The Men's First Team play…
Voco Reading

Address

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

Telephone
0118 925 3500

vocoReadingReservations@ihg.com

READING

Thre flexible and modern meeting rooms for up to 66 guest - 1 private dining room for 60 guests banqueting style - 32 additional event spaces at onsite Conference Centre for up to 500 people
Adjacent to Reading Stadium, perfectly located just…
Hobson & Quinn

Address

8 Cross Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SN

Telephone
0118 950 5144

nick@hobson-quinn.co.uk

Reading

Hobson & Quinn offer a full grooming experience for everyone. Express versions of more conventional high end spa treatments let our customers experience a side of men’s grooming without the premium price.\n\nLocated in the centre of Reading just off…
Genting Casino Reading

Address

18 Richfield Avenue, READING, Berkshire, RG1 8PA

Telephone
0118 939 1811

READING

Welcome to Genting Casino Reading where you'll find an extensive range of the best and most-popular casino games in both live-dealer and electronic formats.
Gun Street Garden

Address

5-6 Gun Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2JR

READING

Looking for a nightclub in Reading? Gun Street Garden! With many VIP packages available making it an exclusive venue in Reading to party like a celeb!

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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