Reading Self-Guided Trail

Wander. Discover. Explore Reading at your own pace on a 1.8-mile (3 km) circular self-guided trail through the town's historic streets, fascinating landmarks and unexpected details. With 21 stops to explore, questions and things to spot encourage you to see Reading differently and notice details you might otherwise miss. Allow around 2 hours, but there's no fixed timetable. Take your time and customize your experience — stop to explore, pause for a coffee or drink, skip a stop if you're short on time, or return to the trail later. At the end, use the answers you've collected to tackle one final challenge. Accessible with caution: please note there are curbs, uneven paths and cobbles due to the historic nature of some areas. Users follow the route at their own risk. Perfect for curious travelers, couples, families and friends looking for a different way to experience Reading, without a guide or fixed timetable.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   Pass by

   Begin your Reading adventure at this impressive Victorian railway station, where your first discoveries await.

2. 2

   Reading Museum

   Pass by

   The Reading Museum Frieze - Look up and discover a striking decorative feature on Reading Museum, packed with fascinating details and stories from the past.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   Pass by

   Take a closer look at this impressive landmark in the heart of Reading, and discover some of the details that are easy to walk straight past.

4. 4

   Queen Victoria's Statue

   Pass by

   Meet Queen Victoria in the heart of Reading and discover the local tale behind her rather unusual position.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   Pass by

   Pause at a quiet corner of Reading town centre where an easily overlooked location holds a poignant story from the Second World War.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   Pass by

   Discover a little-known memorial tucked away in this Reading churchyard, marking a remarkable story from the town's past.

7. 7

   Forbury Gardens

   Pass by

   Admire one of Reading's best-loved landmarks in the middle of this park, and discover the fascinating story behind this impressive monument.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   Pass by

   Pass the imposing walls of Reading Gaol and discover the fascinating stories hidden within its past.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   Pass by

   Discover a striking piece of street art on the walls of Reading Gaol, and uncover the story behind this unexpected addition to the historic prison.

10. 10

    Reading Abbey Ruins

    Pass by

    Explore the atmospheric remains of one of Reading's most significant historic sites.

11. 11

    Reading Abbey Gateway

    Pass by

    Admire this striking medieval gateway, once an important entrance to Reading Abbey, and discover the stories woven into its long history.

12. 12

    Forbury Gardens

    Pass by

    Pause at this peaceful corner of Forbury Gardens and discover the stories of courage and sacrifice remembered here.

13. 13

    St Laurence's Church

    Pass by

    Discover one of Reading’s oldest churches and look a little closer at a curious detail hidden beside it.

14. 14

    Stop 14

    Pass by

    Wander through the historic heart of Reading and discover the traces of the town's bustling past still visible around the square.

15. 15

    Stop 15

    Pass by

    Discover one of Reading's oldest surviving inns, with centuries of history tucked behind its distinctive frontage.

16. 16

    Stop 16

    Pass by

    Explore one of Reading's oldest areas, where the town's medieval past is still reflected in the streets and buildings around you.

17. 17

    Stop 17

    Pass by

    Discover this often overlooked Victorian landmark and the little details that reveal why it has a place in Reading's history.

18. 18

    Stop 18

    Pass by

    Spot this fascinating historic chapel tucked amongst the busy shops of Reading's High Street, where its distinctive façade is easy to miss.

19. 19

    Stop 19

    Pass by

    Smelly Alley - Wander down one of Reading's most characterful little lanes and discover how this unusual name came to be.

20. 20

    Harris Arcade

    Pass by

    Step into this charming covered arcade and discover a little piece of Reading's character, filled with independent shops.

21. 21

    Stop 21

    Pass by

    Finish your trail with a look at this striking royal statue and discover the fascinating details that commemorate a very different era of Reading's history.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.