The Reading section of the Kennet & Avon Canal offers a delightful waterway running from Newbury to the town center. Boat tours and trips are among the many popular activities on and around the water. Stroll along the banks of the canal, as it winds through the picturesque and serene Berkshire countryside.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll between the chestnut trees at the nearby Reading Abbey Ruins. Meet some of the locals and chat with fishermen to get a glimpse into the local culture and traditions. Take photos of the eclectic array of colorful boats harboring in the narrow channel of water. Swans, ducks and geese are among the wildlife that frequent this aquatic stretch.
Relax on a bench with a view of the scenic canal and enjoy the absolute serenity. The final stretch of the canal, which starts from the arched High Bridge, has been navigable since the 1200s.
The Thames and Kennet Marina stands at the confluence of the canal and the River Thames, which later runs through London. Visit the marina and imagine owning one of the upscale boats moored there. Follow the canal through the heart of the Oracle shopping center in the town center and watch a movie at the multiplex cinema.
The modern-day canal dates back to the early 1700s and was popular for several centuries, before falling into decline and disuse, due in part to the founding of the Great Western Railway. See the canal as it was restored in the late 20th century, eventually reopening in the 1990s.
In total, the Kennet & Avon Canal covers a path of 87 miles (140 kilometers) across southern England. It runs from Bristol to Reading, where it meets the River Thames in the northeastern part of the town. Visit some of the sights between this confluence and the town center, including Christchurch Meadows, King’s Meadow and Forbury Gardens.
