Reading is blessed with two key rivers running through it: the River Thames and the River Kennet. Despite not being used as well as similar waterways in other towns and cities, they do offer a surprising variety of activities, places to eat and drink, and some hidden gems. Whether you're after a lazy riverside stroll, watersports, or a quiet pint, here’s your comprehensive guide.

Walking the Rivers

Taking a walk along Reading's rivers is a pleasure, when the Council isn’t closing the paths for the latest “essential works,” which locals will tell you happens frustratingly often. When open, both rivers offer scenic routes full of wildlife, history, and pit-stops for refreshments.

Thames Path National Trail: A long-distance path following the River Thames from its source to the sea. The section through Reading is well-maintained and offers lovely views, particularly around Caversham and Thames Valley Park, once the site of a power station. A walk to Sonning for lunch and back is highly recommended.

Kennet & Avon Canal Towpath: Running alongside the Kennet, this path links Reading to Newbury and beyond. In Reading town centre, it merges into the Oracle Riverside area, blending urban and natural scenery.

View Island is a lovely, secluded spot for a picnic when the weather is fine, over the clinker bridge at Caversham Lock.

Caversham Court Gardens is the site of the former home of the SImonds brewing family - you can still see the footprint of their former mansion on the site. It is another peaceful place for a stroll by the river. 


Fishing

Both the Thames and the Kennet are popular fishing spots. However, you’ll need a valid Rod Fishing Licence, and certain stretches require permits from local angling clubs. The River Thames is free to fish from public banks outside of the closed season (March 15 to June 15). You’ll find bream, perch, pike, and roach.
The River Kennet is known for barbel and chub, but sections are often controlled by clubs like Reading & District Angling Association. Check access rights before casting off.


On The Kennet

The River Kennet cuts through the town centre and is perfect for a leisurely urban stroll.

Pubs, Bars & Eateries on the Kennet

Fisherman’s Cottage
A proper riverside pub located on Kennetside, a short walk from Reading town centre. It has a good canalside seating area and cozy cabanas at the back, with a menu of popular puby foods from pizzas to burgers.

Back Of Beyond
Part of the Wetherspoons empire, this pub on King's Road has outside seating right on the Kennet. Budget-friendly and very popular in these fiscally challenging times.

The Outback
A Greene King pub adjacent to the river on Ridleys Bridge. There is pool and shuffleboard downstairs and a nice balcony seating area overlooking the canal loop.

LSB (London Street Brasserie)
One of Reading's best indie eateries with an extensive and interesting menu, great food and extensive wine list overlooking the canal.

The Oracle Riverside
This commercial strip along the Kennet inside the Oracle shopping centre offers a selection of chain restaurants and bars with outside terraces overlooking the river, including Las Iguanas, Wagamama, Marugame Udon, Osaka, Comptoir Libanis, Côte, Nandos, Miller & Carter, Creperie Doux Sourire and a McDonald's.


On The Thames

Leaving the Kennet behind, the Thames has a grander, more tranquil character as it winds between Reading’s northern shore and Caversham.

The Mill at Sonning
A short walk or cycle upstream along the Thames takes you to the lovely at The Mill at Sonning, where you can have dinner and watch top theatrical performancesor just pop in for a drink.

Thames Lido
Although not directly on the river, this beautifully restored Edwardian lido is located by the Thames Path. It has a heated outdoor pool, spa facilities, and an excellent tapas and Moorish influenced restaurant. Perfect for a relaxing dip followed by a glass of wine or meal on the terrace.

Whittingtons Tea Barge
A floating tea room moored on the Thames near the Thames Path close to Caversham Bridge. Offers freshly made sandwiches, cream teas, and homemade cakes. A cosy spot to watch the river drift by.

River Spice
A riverside Indian restaurant located near Caversham Bridge. Known for its quality curries and great riverside views from its outdoor terrace.

Persian Palace
Further along the Thames at Caversham, Persian Palace serves authentic Persian cuisine. The patio area overlooks the water, making it a peaceful dining experience, especially at sunset with a hooka or a drink.



On The River

Caversham Boat Services
Hire a small motorboat, canoe, or rowboat and take to the Thames yourself. A great way to explore the river at your own pace. Call them beforehand and they will send a ferry over to pick you up.

Cruise Boats
Companies such as Thames Rivercruise offer boat trips from Reading to Henley or Goring. Some cruises include lunch, afternoon tea, or evening events.

Matilda
A much-loved, quirky floating venue, Matilda is a converted barge moored along the Kennet near Chestnut Walk. It’s used for pop-up events, workshops, and sometimes as a creative space for artists and musicians and in summer acts as a water taxi so that you can see Reading from the rivers.

Wokingham Waterside Centre
Located upstream on the Thames at Thames Valley Park, this is a hub for watersports. You can hire kayaks, paddleboards, or take part in rowing and dragon boating. Try stand-up paddleboarding or book a group session in a dragon boat.


Seasonal Events

Reading Festival
On of the world's most famous rock festival takes over the fields by the Thames every August Bank Holiday.

Reading-on-Thames Festival
A celebration of arts, culture, and community, often incorporating riverside performances and installations.

 



Waterfest
A celebration of Reading's rivers held every June between the Abbey ruins and Huntley Wharf.