Reading Self-Guided Trail - Extravacantza.com

Duration1h - 3h

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

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.

What's included

A brief timeline of Reading's history
Questions to encourage a closer look at each stop
A concise introduction to the landmark’s, designed to spark your curiosity.
Full route instructions with clear directions
A page of Fun Facts about Reading
Photographs to help you find each location
Answers with photographs
A final challenge using the answers you've collected
Spot the detail - fun for children and adults alike

What to expect

Pass by

Begin your Reading adventure at this impressive Victorian railway station, where your first discoveries await.
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.
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.
Queen Victoria's Statue
Pass by

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

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

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

Explore the atmospheric remains of one of Reading's most significant historic sites.
Reading Abbey Gateway
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Admire this striking medieval gateway, once an important entrance to Reading Abbey, and discover the stories woven into its long history.
Forbury Gardens
Pass by

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

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

Discover one of Reading's oldest surviving inns, with centuries of history tucked behind its distinctive frontage.
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Explore one of Reading's oldest areas, where the town's medieval past is still reflected in the streets and buildings around you.
Pass by

Discover this often overlooked Victorian landmark and the little details that reveal why it has a place in Reading's history.
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Spot this fascinating historic chapel tucked amongst the busy shops of Reading's High Street, where its distinctive façade is easy to miss.
Pass by

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

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

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Start the self-guided trail outside the main entrance to Reading Station, near The Three Guineas.

End point

Start the self-guided trail outside the main entrance to Reading Station, near The Three Guineas.

Additional information

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

Cancellation policy

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