Walks in central Reading

Walking in Reading’s Town Centre reveals rich history and architecture. The map shows places to walk and visit in the town centre.

1. Reading Town Hall and Reading Museum – Blagrave Street – the town hall is a historic landmark and home to Reading Museum.
2. Forbury Gardens– The Forbury – this Victorian public park sits at the heart of Reading and features the Maiwand Lion, a well-known war memorial.
3. Abbey Gateway – Abbott’s Walk – originally the inner gateway of Reading Abbey.
4. Reading Gaol – Forbury Road – the former prison opened in1844 and closed in 2014. It is famous for holding Oscar Wild who wrote The Ballad of Reading Gaol while imprisoned there.
5. Reading Abbey Ruins – Abbey Street – these ruins are part of a 900 years old royal abbey, founded by Henry I, who is buried on the site.
6. The Blade – Abbey Street – Reading’s most iconic modern building.
7. Mill Arch – Abbey Street – walls of the former Abbey mill (1100).
8. Simeon Monument – Market Place – built in 1804, this monument was gifted to the town by Edward Simeon.
9. The George Hotel – King Street – hotel and former coaching inn since 1500.
10.  Reading Minster – Chain Street – Church from late 11th Century and is the town’s oldest place of worship.
11. Greyfriars Church – the oldest Franciscan church still in use as a place of worship in the UK.
12. Station Hill – modern, dynamic murals in a mixed-use development.

More information on  Abbey Quarter and Reading Town Hall.