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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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Osaka

Address

The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AG

Reading
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.
Grape Tree

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
01183 273600

online@grapetree.co.uk

READING

Grape Tree, the home of “feel good foods”, now have 100 retail stores selling a variety of health food, nuts, seeds, dried and crystallised fruit, snacks, confectionery, cooking and baking ingredients as well as coconut oil.. Real value for money…
Spill

Address

29 Church Street, St Martins Precinct, Caversham, Reading, RG4 8BA

Telephone
07876 504341

Hello@spillbar.co.uk

Caversham, Reading

Welcome to Spill, Caversham's hottest destination for specialty coffee, craft cocktails, and fine wines in Reading. Their modern industrial space in the heart of Caversham transitions from daytime café to cosy evening wine bar.
Enjoy expertly…
Lush

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 957 6766

Reading

Inventors of the bath bomb and home of bath art. Vegetarian, vegan and cruelty free cosmetics, handmade by real people fresh from our kitchens straight to your bathroom.
South Street Arts Centre

Address

South Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4QU

Telephone
0118 937 3456

SouthStreetBookings@reading.gov.uk

READING

South Street has two venues, our Main Theatre & the MacDevitts Studio - both of which are perfect for small performances, workshops, rehearsals, parties, conferences and staff training. The flexible, intimate spaces at South Street can meet the…
Caversham Artisan & Farmers Market

Address

Waitrose Car Park, Church Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8AY

Reading

Caversham Artisan & Farmers Market has been and always will be here to serve the community. We believe in providing our shoppers with quality products as well as outstanding service. Since day one, a genuine love and passion for our own market…
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…
Basildon Park

Address

Lower Basildon, READING, Berkshire, RG8 9NR

Telephone
01491 672382

READING

Basildon Park is a country house situated to the west of Reading, between the villages of Upper Basildon and Lower Basildon. It is owned by the National Trust and is a Grade I listed building. The house was built between 1776 and 1783 for Sir…
Shree Krishna Vada Pav

Address

97 Kings Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 3DD

READING

Vegetarian delicacies from Mumbai from a young start up company with 7 restaurants in west London and the Thames Valley.
Pitcher and Piano

Address

18 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1DB

Telephone
0118 958 8964

reading@pitcherandpiano.com

Reading

Pitcher & Piano Reading is an oasis in the bustle of central Reading. Located just a short walk from the train station, this is the ideal place for a quiet drink after work...
Reading Town Hall

Address

Blagrave Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1QH

READING

Welcome to Reading's historic Town Hall. Right in the heart of Reading, this beautiful Grade II* listed building boasts a stunning Victorian Gothic facade by celebrated architect Alfred Waterhouse, and state-of-the-art facilities within to…
Blacks

Address

3 Chain Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2HX

Telephone
0118 402 8736

Reading

Shop in-store with the UK's leading outdoor retailer. With over 70 stores nationwide, unrivalled expertise and a price match guarantee on everything.
Wok to walk

Address

The Oracle, Reading, RG1 2AG

Reading
Funda London

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 957 5266

info@fundalondon.com

READING

Funda is an independent, forward thinking stockist of women’s fashion, jewellery and accessories. In store you will discover a large selection of individual, quirky and unique women’s wear that you will find captivating and irresistible.
Dune

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

Telephone
0118 958 0568

Reading

On-trend shoe chain catering for men and women.
Red Kite Camping

Address

Crazies Hill, Upper Culham, READING, Berkshire, RG10 8NP

Telephone
07708 522493

READING

Camping how it used to be! The campsite is set in a small field with panoramic views and has limited pitches to give you as much space as possible and few facilities so that you can experience a wild camping experience. Tent campers and small…
Wellington Country Park camping

Address

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

READING

urn your adventure into a mini break and stay on our campsite. Offering you access to the Park both during the day and ‘after hours’ and being the ideal base for exploring other areas of the Wellington Estate, the local area and beyond. Book your…
Bakery House

Address

82 London Street, Reading, RG1 4SJ

Telephone
0118 327 4040

info@bakeryhouse.co

Reading

Opened in June 2015, Bakery House focuses on the best of Lebanese food in a relaxed, informal dining environment. Mezze, grills, pastries are the specialty...
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…

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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