In and Around Reading

Two rivers run though Reading and its environs: the River Thames on its northern edge and the River Kennet through its very centre, and also the Kennet and Avon Canal. Reading is at the heart of the Thames Valley. To the north is the Chiltern Hills and to the south are the Hampshire Downs.

There are several municipal parks, the closest one to us being Palmer Park which includes a sports centre and running track. Directly opposite our Trust are the University tennis courts and playing fields, squash court and athletics pavilion and sports centre and not far away the woods and lake.

Fortunately all around Reading are large country estates of either nobility or gentleman farmers. This has prevented the piecemeal urban development, which would have led to the merging of the towns of Newbury, Basingstoke and Reading and Maidenhead and Wokingham.

To the south is the estate of the Duke of Wellington, to the west that of the Benyons (Englefield) and to the north those of Lord Illife, of the Wylde Court, and Yattendon Estates estates.

Walks:

There are several public places for long walks- including the woods at Sulham, and the River Thames. Not far away is the Roman city (Silchester) and the Kennet and Avon canal. Numerous picturesque villages are scattered all around Reading. The farmland is prosperous and well managed. The Canals are also nice to walk and also the University campus park.

Waterways

The Rivers Thames is not far away and this makes for a very pleasant walk or cycle ride along the banks from Reading to Sonning village. It is also pleasant to walk along the Kennet & Avon canal as it meanders through Reading town centre in two branches (several foot bridges over it). To the east just at the edge of Reading it flows into the Thames. Another pleasant walk is to take the Canal path westwards, with picturesque locks and beautifully painted barges and other watercraft. There are several marinas around Reading, and also water sports centres.

Places Nearby to Visit

1.) The Roman city at Silchester has already been mentioned. But nearby you will also be able to visit many places of interest including:

2) The nature reserve and woods at Sulham on the hills to the west overlooking Reading .

3) Englefield House and Village is an 8,000 hectare private farming estate of Saxon origin. The form of the present mansion dates from the 1580's. It is the site of the battle in 871 between the Vikings and Saxons that decided the fate of England

4) The Kennet and Avon canal.

5) Windsor Castle. Probably the greatest castle in Europe, and the longest royal residence in constant use. It came into being just after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is the home of one of the oldest and most unusual orders of chivalry: the Order of the Garter.

6) Henley- famous for the international rowing regatta.

7) Stratfield Saye- the stately home of the Duke of Wellington.

8) The Beale Bird Park- wonderful collection of exotic birds.

9) Basildon House- a stately palace house (with park and woods) of the Classical design of 18th. architecture.

10) The Vyne: a Tudor (16th..century) mansion from the time of Henry VIII, with additions in the 17th. and 18th.. centuries. Lakes, and woods for walking also.

11) Mapledurham: 16th.century mansion beside the river. In Goldsworthy's "The Forsythe Saga" Soames lived here. The village was the setting for the film "The Eagle Has Landed" starring Donald Sutherland, Michael Caine & Robert Duvall.

12) Stratfield Saye: the home of the Dukes of Wellington;

13) Old Basing House (scene of a bloody Civil War siege);

14) Greys Court: castle remains, with stately house;  and a labyrinth, terrifc gardens.

15) Cliveden House: 18th. century stately mansion; gardens formerly the home of Lord & Lady Astor.

16) Highclere Castle (home of the Earl of Carnarvon whose recent ancestor discovered Tutankhamum's tomb)

17) West Wycombe Park (Italianate mansion and also renowned for the famous 'Hell Fire Club') .

Other places to visit are: The Shire Horse Centre; The Orchid Farm; Museum of English Rural Life (on University Campus) and for racing enthusiasts the Formula 1 factory at Didcot.