A Reading Miscellany
A short ramble and general introduction to Reading's history and points of interest that shows some of the 'Ding's qualities.
Date and time
Location
Banksy Mural
Old Reading Gaol Forbury Road Reading RG1 United KingdomRefund Policy
About this event
Key facts
- Part of Reading Walks Festival 2024
- Learn something new on a guided tour - less walking/more talking
- Easy difficulty / 1.5km /1 hour
- Start: Banksy Mural, Old Reading Gaol
- Toilets available en route at Reading Museum, Oracle Shopping Centre and Reading Station
- Family friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- This walk is repeated on 15 May
About the walk
Come and join us and discover the general history of the town; when was it founded? who by? where was the original town centre? what are the origins of Reading street names such as Valpy Street, Blagrave Street, Gun Street, St Mary's Butts and Friar Street? where was the site of the world's largest biscuit factory? why did a famous Victorian gothic architect abandon his usual style for a Reading church? which Reading buildings were the subject of some of the earliest known photographs? what used to stand on the site of the Oracle Shopping Centre? what was the site of a Spitfire factory in World War 2? where were Reading's botanical gardens?
About the walk leader
David West is the walk leader.
"I run local tour company Walk Reading, have lived in Reading for over 20 years and am an enthusiastic advocate for the town. I have been leading tours in Reading since 2018 and am passionate about local history."
Getting there
Meeting point: Banksy Mural, Old Reading Gaol, Forbury Road https://what3words.com/windy.lift.gloves
Walk starts and finishes close to Reading station and multiple city centre bus stops
Frequently asked questions
Sorry! Dogs are not permitted to join any of our walk unless a guide dog or assistance dog
Some of the walks are suitable for younger children. Please see each walk description. All children MUST be accompanied by a paying adult.
All our walk leaders have assessed their walk for accessibility, by which we mean the walk features smooth(ish!) pathways with ramps (if steps) and wide entrances for individuals with mobility challenges. Accessible walks will be identified in the walk description. Get in touch if in doubt.
We live in a country with changeable weather. There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes! The walks will take place in all but the worst weather. You will be notified by the walks leader if it is to be cancelled. If you aren’t able to attend, please alert the walks leader so your
We are unable to provide refunds if you can no longer attend. In the very unlikely situation that the Festival has to cancel the walk, you will be offered a full refund.
Your walk leader will have a list of everyone who has booked a ticket so you don’t need to bring a print out of your ticket. However, if you haven't booked in advance, your walk leader will not be able to accept you on the walk.
Please dress for the UK in May! It could be lovely, hot or rainy! Many of the walks are in urban areas so no special walking kit is required. Please do bring water though and a coat! For longer/countryside walks, please ensure you have suitable footwear/walking boots, rain protection etc.
Our walks are designed to link into the bus and train system so please try and use public transport. Details of how to reach the start/end point of the walk by public transport is given in each walk description. If parking is available, it will be included in the walk description.
Please do not come if you are feeling unwell. If you have any medical conditions, please either alert the walk leader and advise them of any medication you are carrying. Your health remains your responsibility at all times.
Once you have booked a walk, you will get an automatic confirmation of your place. Nearer the time, the walks leader will then contact you with his/her contact details and any special instructions for the day. The Festival organiser, REDA, can be reached at alex.brannen@reading.gov.uk