Rivers

The Thames

The Thames is popular at Caversham Bridge where it forms part of the Thames Path, and it is pleasant for a Sunday afternoon stroll or a more adventurous walk. Caversham is also popular, as the views are idyllic with all the swans floating gracefully in the calm waters. The Thames Prom area also has pubs and restaurants where one can relax and watch the world go by. For those who enjoy walking a little further following the river will lead to some very pretty villages such as Pangboume and Streatley, where traditional tea shops can be found for a well- earned rest.

Throughout the year many activities take place upon the water - most especially in the summer. Rowing and canoeing are popular activities, and you can hire motor boats and rowing boats from several operators on the Thames at Thames Prom, If you prefer to let someone else do the hard work there are a selection of River Cruises available ranging from short round rips to trips to Mapledurham, Henley or Beale park in Pangbourne.

One of the most exciting river events of the season is Reading Amateur Regatta - a major national event for rowing clubs held over two days The Reading Regatta is second only to Henley in size.

Another very traditional event of the summer is the Swan Upping. It is not generally known that the Queen does not own all the swans on the Thames - in fact Swan Upping used to be a race between local crafts guilds and the King's men to "tip" and tag all the young swans in the river mainly because swans were in demand for the dining table. Nowadays the "upping" is a bit more civilized, and welfare groups weigh and tag the swans to ensure they are healthy and happy!

Spectators are welcome along the river banks - or you may be able to join the armada of boats that follows the Uppers to celebrate the occasion.

The Kennet

Follow the old tow paths along the Kennet and enjoy the variety of wild life you can see gliding on the water or darting across its surface. Waterloo Meadows, which is upstream from the town centre on the edge of the Kennet, is a natural beauty spot - and Southcote Meadows is all worth exploring.

The Kennet helped Reading achieve its industrial greatness in the 19th century and reflects the industrial heritage of the town as both Simonds Brewery and Huntley and Palmer's biscuit factory straddled the Kennet in Reading town centre - using the Kennet and Avon Canal network to access Bristol and the sea. The town's Heritage Walk leads you past many of these famous old sites of Reading, past the river Kennet and the canal it feeds.