Walking Tours of Reading

Here you will find a selection of walking tours for groups and individuals either guided or self- led and ideas for refreshment stops.

Outdoor Walking Tours with Reading Museum

A programme of outdoor walking tours focusing on the history of Reading Abbey and its surrounding precinct, known as the Abbey Reading Abbey Quarter. All tours start in the Story of Reading gallery at Reading Museum and are led by our knowledgeable, friendly volunteer tours guides.

· Reading Abbey Quarter tour (90 minutes) - Explores the heart of medieval Reading, highlighting the Abbey Quarter, including the Hospitium where medieval pilgrims stayed, Reading's involvement in the English Civil War and ends in the newly-conserved Reading Abbey Ruins, re-opened in June 2018. Cost £150 for 10-20 people.

· Reading Abbey Gateway tour (45 minutes) - the newly restored medieval Grade I listed Abbey Gateway and its fascinating history. Hear about the Abbey monks, visiting royalty, links to novelist Jane Austen and the vital conservation work done, to bring it back to life. Please note that the Gateway has no step free access and there are uneven steps and floors. Cost £75 for 10-20 people

Self-led Reading’s Museums and Riverside Trail

These walking maps link the Riverside Museum at Blake’s Lock, Reading Museum and the River Thames.

From Riverside Museum at Blake’s Lock to Reading Museum
From Riverside Museum at Blake’s Lock to the River Thames

Walk & Relax Experience (pre-booked groups only)

Combine a walk with a Thames Rivercruise boat trip. Walk from Reading to Shiplake (7 miles). Meet your boat at Shiplake Lock and enjoy lunch or afternoon tea on board during your guided cruise on the return to Reading. Download the leaflet here.

Terry's Reading Walkabouts

Guided walks (non-profit). These are fun and interactive ways to find out about Reading with seven different Walkabout Terry Dixon 2 Routes/Themes :

Main Town Centre
Reading to Caversham return
Famous/Not so Famous Women of Reading Part 1
Famous/Not so Famous Women of Reading Part 2
Baker Street Conservation Area
New Reading's Architecture
New Reading's Proud Photographic Heritage

Tuesday and Thursdays 10am; occasional Saturdays and Sundays at 10am 2 hours, starting outside the train station.

GROUPS: 20 maximum group size, 20% reduction of cost for groups.Customisation provided. Choice of multiple topics about Reading, which can be tailored to the interests of the group. Group bookings Email: terry.dixon89@virginmedia.com, 07505351517, www.facebook.com/terrysreadingwalkabouts

Tours 2 order

Bespoke tours by coach, public transport or on foot for groups or individuals around Reading and throughout the Great West Way area. Blue Badge Tourist Guide. 24 hours, 7 days a week . Specialised rates for groups, maximum size is: 53 coach tour, 27 walking tour; rates are negotiable, depending on customer requirements.

Email: graham@tours2order.com, 01189342231/07827 715353, www.tours2order.com

REFRESHMENT STOPS

Bel & The Dragon – Bel & The Dragon, adjacent to Riverside Museum, is a former biscuit factory and is located on the waterfront of the Kennet & Avon Canal. The boardwalk and dining riverboat, The Majestic Bel, also provide an ideal waterside setting for alfresco & private dining. (Private dining up to 120).

Blakes Lock, Gas Works Road, Reading RG1 3EQ

www.belandthedragon-reading.co.uk/

The Pantry Café and Kitchen at Reading Museum – Opened in 2019 and forming part of the beautiful 18^th Century Town Hall and Museum building, the café is open 8am-6pm.