Reading - Abbey Quarter & Gardens

Before you set off on your awesome adventure to explore Reading, there are a few things you need to know... 

Please note that both the abbey and gardens are usually open between dawn and dusk. They close for occasional ticketed events and private hires, so do check their website in advance. 

This Trail is educational, relatively short, includes many picture clues, and is very safe, making it ideal for families and children.

The route is friendly for pushchairs, but wheelchair users would need assistance due to gravel paths and some mounds that need negotiating.

Bring your four-legged friends along! This is a dog-friendly Trail.

The closest pay and display car park to the Trail start point is at Kings Meadow (RG1 8BN) (include link), just an eight-minute walk away.

There are some fantastic events in Reading Abbey Quarter’s calendar, all of which are great times to visit this beautiful area. However, you may find that some of the Clues on this Trail may become obstructed or difficult to access on these occasions, and you may be denied entry during ticketed and private events. If you would like further information about event dates, please contact the Reading Abbey Quarter team.

There are public toilets available in the gardens and railway station, and the route passes a small café and plenty of picnic spots. You’re only a short walk from Reading town centre if you need more refreshment stops or snack shops. 

Looking for more things to do near Reading Abbey Quarter? Make a day of it and visit Reading Museum or the Museum of English Rural Life to learn more twisting tales about Reading and its history. You could even challenge yourself to our other Reading Trail and let out your inner daring detective!