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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LolaLo

Address

126 Friar Street, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1EP

READING

Bringing you a little piece of Polynesian paradise and a true taste of the tropics, Lola Lo’s unique party and night club experience will instantly seduce your senses and sweep you off to the South Pacific – the perfect place to kick back, relax and…
Timpsons

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QE

Telephone
0118 9503421

READING

Timpson specialize in all types of shoe and boot repairs – both mens and ladies. We can carry out almost any job you can think of from the smallest piece of stitching right up to a full long sole and re-welt. Any job – any time! Most repairs are…
Thames Valley Wine School

Address

Corn Stores, Forbury Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 1SB

READING

Thames Valley Wine School is launching in Reading this autumn with a host of in-person wine tastings from introductory evening sessions to eight-week courses and WSET training aimed at both beginners and more experienced wine drinkers. Food…
London Cocktail Club

Address

5-6 Gun Street, Reading, RG1 2JR

Reading

Reading, are you ready for the biggest cocktail party to arrive in town? Arriving Soon, The Cocktail Club will land on Gun Street and we cannot wait to get the party started with you. Want to be part of the launch weekend madness? Bookings are now…
Dune

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AQ

Telephone
0118 958 0568

Reading

On-trend shoe chain catering for men and women.
Reading Rep Theatre

Address

Kings Road, READING, Berkshire, RG1 4LY

READING

Reading’s resident professional theatre combines high-class productions with ground-breaking education and community engagement to help transform Reading and the surrounding area’s cultural landscape. With tickets from as little as £5 Reading Rep is…
Warhammer

Address

Broad Street Mall, READING, Berkshire, RG1 7QA

READING

Building, painting and playing with the best fantasy miniatures in the world. A Warhammer store is the gateway to a range of exciting hobby activities that can provide hours of fun, whether enjoying Warhammer alone, with friends and family, or…
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…
Angel Bar

Address

18 Prospect Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 8JG

Reading

We’re a table-serviced cocktail bar serving a delicious range of drinks pizza & charcuterie boards. We are based in the heart of Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, we can help you plan private or corporate socials and help you with the smaller details…
The Ale House

Address

2 Broad Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2BH

Telephone
0118 950 8119

Reading

Tucked on the corner of Broad Street amid the coffee shops, The Ale House is a back-street locals pub right in the centre of town. There is said to have been a pub on...
Black Sheep Coffee

Address

1-3 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1SY

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…
Christchurch Meadows

Address

Wolsey Road, Caversham, READING, Berkshire, RG4 8BY

Telephone
0118 937 3787

READING

A large, close-cut grass meadow on the north bank of the Thames, stretching from Caversham Bridge to Reading Bridge. Specimen trees and shrubs feature along the bank, providing shade and interest around the play area. The fenced children’s play area…
Hotel 1843

Address

33 London Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4PS

Telephone
0118 950 3925

info@1843reading.com

Reading

This historic building was said to have been opened in 1843 by the British literacy icon, Charles Dickens. Conveniently situated in the centre of Reading, Hotel 1843 is directly opposite The Oracle shopping centre, and is a 10-minute walk from…
The Great House at Sonning

Address

Thames Street, Sonning, READING, Berkshire, RG4 6UT

Telephone
0118 969 2277

reception@thegreathouseatsonning.co.uk

READING

Situated in the beautiful conservation village of Sonning. All of our rooms are restful spaces where every detail has been considered, from the comfy beds to the rousing showers. Rooms are located in the Main House, Palace Yard, Coach House & Clock…
Super Star Nails and Beauty

Address

6 Queen Victoria Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1TG

Telephone
0118 958 8875

Reading

Nail salon in Reading town centre.
Pappadams

Address

74 Kings Road, Reading, RG1 3BJ

info@pappadamsreading.co.uk

Reading

Pappadams is an aunthentic indian curry gourment, with an experience of over twenty years in the indian curry industry.
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…
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...
Back Of Beyond

Address

104-108 Kings Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3BY

Telephone
0118 959 5906

Reading

This Wetherspoon pub stands on the site of a ginger-beer factory, later used as a Salvation Army barracks, and takes its name from its location on the edge of town...
Superdry

Address

The Oracle, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2AG

Telephone
0118 951 0064

Reading

Fashion chain for men & women blending vintage Americana with Japanese & British inspirations.

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Top 10 Places To Walk In And Around Reading

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