Reading town centre is best explored on foot. It is a 2-minute walk from the railway station to the town centre to the south or the River Thames to the north. And there are lots of historic sites and nature to enjoy in and around the town.
Reading is also excellently located (and connected) and is a great base to explore the region. It is on a number of national and international trail routes such as the Thames Path, the Great West Way and St James Way.
The town centre and its Abbey Ruins are a compact area and easily explored on foot. To explore under your own steam, pick up a town centre map or Reading Abbey Ruins self guided walk map from Reading Museum.
You could also join a regular walking tour with Terry's Reading Walkabouts or book Graham Horn, a Blue Badge Guide to take you round Reading (and the wider area if you wish). Graham has filmed a 2 minute introduction Reading history here>>>
Reading Museum volunteers also provide group tours of Reading Abbey Ruins, booked in advance.
William Henry Fox Talbot and Nicholas Henneman came to Reading to establish the world's first commercial photographic studio here! Operating between 1844 and 1847, “The Reading Establishment” as Henneman and Talbots joint venture became known, produced “Calotypes” (often called “Talbot-types” as the process was Talbot’s invention). Find out more and follow the trail>>>
Interested in hidden nature in and around Reading, take a look at our videos produced for Heritage Open Days 2020 or download one of Reading Tree Warden's walks>>>
Reading
Thames River Cruise offer a range of circular river cruises and themed cruises from their Caversham pier in central Reading.
Choose from a 45, 60 or 90 minute circular cruise or afternoon or Sunday lunch on the river, jazz evenings or sundowner cruises.
The Canal and River Trust have a Reading town walk linked to the Kennet & Avon Canal.