The best autumn walks in and around Reading take you from riverside paths and historic gardens to woodland trails and open countryside. As the leaves begin to change and temperatures cool, autumn is a good time to explore Reading on foot. With the River Thames, River Kennet, local parks and Berkshire countryside all within reach, you can choose anything from a short morning stroll to a full day outdoors.
PREMIER SUITES Reading gives you a central base for your autumn break. Located on Minster Street, the apartments are close to the town centre and around a five minute walk from Reading Station. You can explore many local routes on foot, while rail and bus connections make it simple to venture further into Berkshire.
Walk Along the Thames Path
The Thames Path is one of the first places to consider when planning an autumn walk in Reading.
Reading sits directly on the Thames Path National Trail, giving you plenty of choice when it comes to distance. You can keep things simple with a relaxed riverside stroll or follow the trail further out of town for a longer day of walking.
One local route follows the Thames from Rivermead before continuing towards the River Kennet, Forbury Gardens and Reading Town Hall. The route covers around 5 km and takes approximately one to one and a half hours. Along the way, you can see the Thames, Caversham Bridge, View Island, Caversham Lock and several riverside green spaces.
Autumn brings changing leaves to the riverbanks, while cooler temperatures can make longer walks more comfortable. Stop for a coffee in Caversham or head back towards central Reading when you are ready for lunch.
Explore Caversham and Caversham Court Gardens
Cross the Thames and you will reach Caversham, a good option for a slower autumn afternoon.
Caversham Court Gardens sits beside the river and combines landscaped gardens with views across the Thames. It is a peaceful spot for a walk, particularly as the leaves begin to change throughout the season.
You can combine the gardens with a wider walk through Caversham and Caversham Heights. There are several circular routes in the area, including longer walks that begin near Reading Station and return to the town centre.
If you do not want to cover a full route, simply walk from the town centre towards Christchurch Bridge, cross the Thames and explore the surrounding riverside paths at your own pace.
See the Autumn Colours at Forbury Gardens
For something closer to PREMIER SUITES Reading, make your way towards Forbury Gardens and the Reading Abbey Quarter.
Forbury Gardens is a Victorian town garden beside the Abbey Ruins and is one of Reading’s main central green spaces. The gardens include mature trees, landscaped paths, a bandstand and the Maiwand Lion statue.
Autumn adds colour to the trees throughout the gardens, making this a good choice when you want a shorter walk without leaving central Reading.
Continue into the Abbey Quarter to see the Abbey Ruins before following the River Kennet. You can easily combine the gardens, ruins and riverside into a relaxed town centre walk.
It is a simple way to enjoy some fresh air while also seeing more of Reading’s history.
Join Terry’s Reading Walkabout
If you would like to discover more of Reading on foot while supporting a good cause, Terry’s Reading Walkabout is another option to consider.
Terry regularly takes on walks around Reading and beyond, raising money for charity along the way. His walks offer a different way to explore the local area, with routes taking in Reading’s streets, riverside paths and surrounding countryside.
For anyone who enjoys walking with a purpose, following Terry’s Reading Walkabout is a great way to discover new routes while supporting the charities he raises money for.
For corporate visitors, Walkworks runs a one-hour walk from Reading town centre every Wednesday. The walks are designed for corporates and offer an opportunity to get outside, explore the town and take a break from the working day.
Spend an Afternoon at Prospect Park
If you want more room to walk, head towards Prospect Park.
Prospect Park is Reading’s largest green space, with open fields, woodland and walking trails. It gives you a mix of open areas and tree lined paths, which makes it worth visiting as autumn colours begin to appear.
You can wander without following a set route or include the park as part of a longer walk through west Reading.
Several longer walking routes connect the park with the Kennet and Avon Canal, Southcote Meadows and other green spaces around the town.
Afterwards, return to the town centre for dinner or spend the evening relaxing back at your apartment.
Follow the Kennet and Avon Canal
For a longer option, follow the River Kennet and the Kennet and Avon Canal away from central Reading.
You can begin close to The Oracle and follow the River Kennet towards Fobney Lock, Fobney Island Nature Reserve and Southcote Meadows. A longer circular walk through this area covers around 9 km and can take two to three hours.
Fobney Island is particularly worth adding to an autumn walk if you enjoy wildlife. The wetland reserve sits between the River Kennet and the canal and includes meadows, reed beds and habitats for local birds and other wildlife.
Some canal paths can become muddy after wet weather, so walking shoes are a good idea later in the season.
Head to Basildon Park
If you want to get out of town for a few hours, Basildon Park offers one of the best autumn walks in and around Reading.
The National Trust estate covers 162 hectares of historic parkland and includes several marked walking routes through woodland and open countryside. Its trees bring plenty of seasonal colour during autumn.
You can choose a shorter woodland walk or take on one of the longer routes around the estate. It is a good choice for an autumn morning or afternoon before returning to Reading for the evening.
The mix of woodland, parkland and open views also makes it a strong option if you want to spend more time outside during your break.
Walk Towards Pangbourne
For keen walkers, Reading can also act as the starting point for a longer Thames Path walk.
Head west from Reading along the river towards Pangbourne for a longer day outdoors. The route gives you the chance to see more of the Thames Valley countryside and enjoy a quieter side of the area.
You can continue further towards Goring and Streatley if you want a longer challenge. Rail connections make it possible to walk one direction and return to Reading by train.
Pack comfortable footwear, check the weather before setting out and leave enough daylight for your chosen route.
Return to Your Own Space at PREMIER SUITES Reading
After exploring the best autumn walks in and around Reading, having somewhere comfortable to return to makes a difference.
PREMIER SUITES Reading offers one and two bedroom serviced apartments with separate living and dining areas and fully equipped kitchens. You can come back after a long walk, prepare dinner, put your feet up and enjoy an evening in your own space.
The central location also means you have restaurants, cafés, shops and local attractions close by when you would rather head back out. Reading Station is around a five minute walk away, making routes outside the town easy to add to your stay.
A serviced apartment also gives you more flexibility during a longer autumn break. You can prepare breakfast before heading out, keep snacks and drinks in your kitchen and relax in a separate living area at the end of the day.
Plan Your Autumn Break in Reading
From a relaxed stroll through Forbury Gardens to a longer route beside the Thames, there are plenty of ways to experience Reading during autumn.
Explore Caversham, follow the River Kennet, spend an afternoon at Prospect Park or venture into the Berkshire countryside at Basildon Park. With a mix of short routes and longer walks available, you can build your plans around the weather, your schedule and how far you feel like going.
Book your stay at PREMIER SUITES Reading and use your serviced apartment as a comfortable base for discovering Reading and the surrounding countryside this autumn.
