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: 552

, currently showing 201 to 220.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

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…
Premier Suites Reading

Address

Minster Court, Minster Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2JF

Telephone
01183249700

sales@premiersuitesreading.com

Reading

Premier Suites are the perfect choice of accommodation when visiting the bustling and energetic town of Reading, with an enviable location beside the Oracle Shopping Centre and close to Broad street. All of our one and two bedroom apartments are…
Carluccio's

Address

Davidson House, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EY

Telephone
0118 958 3095

reading@carluccios.com

Reading

Carluccio's food is freshly prepared on the premises everyday using the best, freshest and natural ingredients, where possible from Italy...
Tours 2 Order

Address

READING, Berkshire, RG1 1DP

Telephone
07827 715353

info@tours2order.com

READING

I’m Graham Horn, a specialist and fully qualified Blue Badge tourist guide for the South West, South and South East of England. That area stretches from Cornwall to Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire to Kent, and everywhere else in between. Our…
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...
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

Address

107 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AX

Reading

Founded in 1972 Louisiana by Al Copeland who dreamed of serving the best fried chicken. 50 years ago in New Orleans, Louisiana. A taste sensation was born. What started as one small restaurant with a dream of creating the world’s best fried chicken…
Lagoona Park

Address

Pingewood, READING, Berkshire, RG30 3UH

Telephone
0118 988 5959

enquiries@lagoonapark.com

READING

We are an established activity centre with nearly twenty years experience in water sports and continually ensure that our site is a fun safe location and a fabulous way to exercise and promote an active lifestyle for families, friends, schools and…
Home Fragrance Store

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

READING

The Home Fragrance Store has become the most recognised name in the candle business and offers a large and compelling selection of scented candles, bath bombs and home fragrances. They have a range of Yankee Candle's on offer, which capture every…
The Bap Reading

Address

Market Place, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2DE

Reading

The Bap is an independent Korean restaurant founded by people passionate about Korean Food. Leading our business with a passion for food and the belief that good food heals the body and mind; we have curated a menu that introduces you to the most…
Purple Turtle

Address

Gun Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 2JR

READING

Purple Turtle has been a staple of Reading nightlife for over 30 years, first opening in 1990 and going strong ever since. The bar first opened on Duke Street before moving over to Gun Street when the Oracle was being built in 1997. It is one of the…
Wellington Country Park

Address

Odiham Road, Riseley, READING, Berkshire, RG7 1SP

READING

Wellington Country Park is a country park in Riseley, near Reading. The park consists of 350 acres of coniferous and deciduous woodlands with attractions, several nature trails, and a lake
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…
Thirsty Bear

Address

110 King's Rd, Reading, RG1 3BY

Telephone
0118 950 4439

Reading

Pizzeria and bar located along King's Road. Freshly made Pizza using a secret pizza dough recipe.
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.
De Vere Wokefield Estate

Address

De Vere Wokefield Estate, Goodboys Lane, Mortimer, READING, Berkshire, RG7 3AE

Telephone
0118 933 4000

wokefield.salesteam@devere.com

Mortimer, READING

Set in 250 acres of Berkshire countryside, De Vere Wokefield Estate has been completely transformed following a £20 million refurbishment throughout whether you choose to stay in Wokefield Place, Wellington Lodge or the estate’s historic, grand…
Zero Degrees

Address

9 Bridge Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LR

Telephone
0118 959 7959

reading@zerodegrees.co.uk

Reading

Bar, restaurant and microbrewery, Zero Degrees is situated within 1 minute walking distance of the Oracle Shopping Centre and offers a wide range of settings that are perfect for any occasion. The Tank Lounge on the mezzanine level, complete with…
Nando's The Oracle

Address

4 The Riverside, The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 950 2199

Reading

Home to the legendary flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken. Afro-Portuguese inspired. South African born. Whether you are eating in the restaurants or getting...
The Mill at Sonning Theatre

Address

Sonning Eye, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6TY

Telephone
0118 969 8000

boxoffice@millatsonning.com

READING

Award-winning theatre set majestically on the banks of the River Thames. The Mill at Sonning Theatre now celebrates more than 40 years of entertainment and hospitality. Uniquely, with a two course meal enjoyed before the show, The Mill has gained…
Zizzi Oracle

Address

Oracle, Riverside, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 996 2111

Reading

Popular chain specialising in Italian dishes including pizza, calzone, pasta and salads. Second branch in Reading town centre, situated on the Oracle Riverside.
Simon Dowling Bespoke

Address

8 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3EJ

Telephone
0118 950 8133

Reading

Made-to-measure men's clothing.

My Planner

Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Address

Address

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss