Exploring Reading on foot offers a unique perspective into its rich history and vibrant culture. If you are visiting our great town or a local, walking tours provide an intimate glimpse into the town’s heritage. For those seeking comfortable accommodation during their stay, PREMIER SUITES Reading offers a convenient base to start your journey.
Guided Walking Tours
One of the best ways to explore Reading is by joining a guided walking tour. These tours, led by knowledgeable locals, bring the town’s stories to life.
- Terry’s Reading Walkabouts: Established by Terry Dixon, a lifelong resident passionate about Reading’s history, these tours cover various themes, from local myths to architectural highlights. Over the past five years, Terry has guided over 2,200 participants, raising more than £11,600 for local charities. With 16 themed walks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Walk Reading: This initiative offers a range of guided walks, including explorations of the Reading Abbey Ruins, insights into the town’s wartime history, and tales of the lost railway. They also provide bespoke walks tailored to specific interests. Be sure to enquire!
- History Treks: For those who prefer self-guided experiences, History Treks offers smartphone-based tours. Their Reading Medieval Tour, lasting 1–2 hours, allows participants to explore at their own pace, uncovering the town’s medieval heritage.
- Walk Works: Specialising in corporate and team-building packages, Walk Works provides unique walking experiences tailored for businesses and organisations. These walks encourage team bonding while exploring Reading’s history and culture in an engaging way.
Self-Guided Walking Routes
If you prefer to explore independently, Reading boasts numerous self-guided walking routes that highlight its natural beauty and historical landmarks.
- Reading Town Centre: The Abbey Quarter is perfect for self-guided tours. Notable sites include the historic Abbey Ruins, the final resting place of King Henry I, and the “Create Escape” mural by Banksy on the wall of Reading Prison.
- Coley Meadows: A scenic route through meadows and along waterways, offering a peaceful escape within the town.
- Blundells Copse: A 5.55-hectare ancient woodland in Tilehurst, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
- McIlroy Park: A 12-hectare local nature reserve featuring species-rich grassland, ancient sunken paths, and old chalk pits.
- Thameside Promenade: A picturesque stretch along the River Thames, forming part of the Thames Path long-distance footpath. The Thames Path provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the riverside setting, whether for a short walk or a full-day adventure.
- Christchurch Meadows: A riverside park with expansive grassy areas, specimen trees, and a children’s play area, connected to the south bank by Christchurch Bridge.
- Hills Meadow: A park with tree-lined walkways along the Thames, a BMX track, and a skateboarding ramp, also a venue for fairs and circuses.
- St James’s Way: Reading serves as the starting point for modern pilgrims and walkers retracing the medieval steps along St James’s Way. This historic route leads to Southampton before continuing to Galicia in north-west Spain, where it joins the famous Camino de Santiago. This makes Reading a key departure point for those embarking on the English Way, a recognised route of the world-renowned pilgrimage.
Planning Your Visit
When embarking on a walking tour of Reading, consider the following tips:
- Accommodation: Choosing the right accommodation can significantly impact your stay. PREMIER SUITES Reading offers the comfort of home with the convenience of hotel services, providing an ideal base for your explorations.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as some routes cover uneven terrain or longer distances.
- Weather Preparedness: England’s weather can be unpredictable. Carry an umbrella or raincoat to stay dry during sudden showers.
- Hydration and Snacks: Bring water and light snacks, especially for longer walks or self-guided tours.
- Local Maps and Guides: While guided tours provide structured narratives, self-guided explorers should obtain maps or download apps to navigate effectively.
Staying at PREMIER SUITES Reading
If you’re visiting Reading, choosing the right place to stay is key to a comfortable trip. PREMIER SUITES Reading offers serviced apartments that provide more space, flexibility, and convenience than a traditional hotel. Located in the heart of the town, it is the perfect base for exploring on foot. With fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, and modern amenities, these apartments allow you to relax after a day of walking.
The Great West Way is a well-established touring route stretching from London to Bristol, offering a mix of historic sites, scenic countryside, and vibrant towns along the way. Reading is a key stop along this route, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the area’s cultural and historical landmarks. Whether you’re planning a short stay or a longer trip incorporating multiple stops, Reading provides a central base to experience the best of the Great West Way.
Reading Walks Festival & Family Fun
The annual Reading Walks Festival is another brilliant reason to plan a visit. With a full programme of events announced, it’s a great way to join others and discover more about Reading’s stories and landscapes. Families staying with us might also enjoy Treasure Trails – a self-guided adventure exploring the town through puzzles and clues, ideal for keeping children entertained.
And when the walking’s done, replenish your energy by cooking in your fully equipped apartment kitchen, ordering a takeaway, or dining at one of our recommended restaurant partners nearby.
Where to Explore Next?
Reading’s central location makes it easy to continue your travels. Why not explore more of the Great West Way? PREMIER SUITES Bristol is perfectly placed to help you continue your trip west. If you’re heading north, our sister property The Leopold Hotel in Sheffield is ready to welcome you.
Walking tours in Reading offer a rich tapestry of experiences, from historical insights to natural beauty. Whether you opt for a guided tour with passionate locals like Terry Dixon or choose to wander independently through parks and historic sites, there’s a wealth of discovery awaiting you. Pair your explorations with comfortable accommodation in PREMIER SUITES to make the most of your visit to this vibrant town.
