Wonder of Waterhouse
An early evening stroll taking in all of Reading's incredible Waterhouse Buildings, including a guided tour around some of the buildings.
Date and time
Location
University of Reading Whiteknights campus
Whiteknights House Shinfield Road Reading RG6 6UR 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
- Medium difficulty / 5.5 km / 2.5 hours
- Start point: Whiteknights House, University Whiteknights campus
- Bring water. We will hopefully be able to grab a drink at the Rising Sun Arts Centre
- Toilets at Reading School, Rising Sun and multiple places on route if necessary
- Wheelchair accessible
- Not family friendly
Abou the walk
We will start in the grounds of the University of Reading and walk around its award-winning green campus and lakeside path to our first Waterhouse building - Foxhill House. From there, we will begin our walk towards the town centre. Next stop is Reading School, which is not normally open to the pubic but as your walk leader is an ex-pupil, we are allowed to have a look around this imposing place. Next stop is St Andrew's Hall on Redlands Road, which is now home to the Museum of Rural Life. Before we head to our final stop, the magnificent Reading Town Hall, we will drop in at The Rising Sun Arts Centre on Silver Street, originally a Waterhouse-designed Temperance House. There is only an hour or so walking to do, but with all the places to visit and look at, we expect to be at The Town Hall about two and half hours after we set off.
About the walk leader
Mark Lyford is the walk leader.
"I am Sustrans Active Travel Officer for Reading with extensive experience in leading walks and bike rides, both in the UK and in Europe. Always looking up and around when I walk - it is amazing what you notice if you look!"
Getting there
Meeting point: Whiteknights House https://what3words.com/lungs.economies.onions
Start and finish accessible by public transport. The University is served by regular bus service Claret 21 from Reading Station stop EK.
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