Reading in the time of Jane Austen
Jane Austen spent 18 months at school in Reading’s Abbey Gateway in the 18th century. Join a walk to see the town as she might have seen it.
Date and time
Location
In front of St Laurence Church
Town Hall Square Reading RG1 3EJ United KingdomRefund Policy
About this event
Key facts
- Part of the Reading Walks Festival 2024
- Learn something new on a guided tour - less walking/more talking
- Easy difficulty / 2.6 kms / 1.5 hours max
- Start and finish point: Finish: St Laurence's Church
- Toilets are available in the Museum, coffee shops and shops.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Not family friendly
- This walk is also repeated on 19 May
About the walk
Starting at St Laurence's Church we will view the area around Jane Austen's school, before walking along the streets that she might have known, reflecting on the infrastructure, industries and entertainments and contemporary accounts of Reading in the long 18th century. The route is circular, mainly on the flat and the roads to be crossed have crossing points or traffic lights. Please note: we will not be going into the Abbey Gateway as part of this walk.
About the walk leader
Joy Pibworth is the walk leader.
"I am an active member of the Jane Austen Society and of several local history societies and enjoy discovering new walks in town."
Getting there
St Laurence's Church, Town Square, Reading, RG1 3EJ https://what3words.com/audio.tulip.rate
The start point is about 5 minutes’ walk from the station and close to main bus routes.
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