Abbey Quarter Walking Tours

Enjoy a relaxed walking tour exploring the heart of medieval Reading led by Reading Museum’s experienced volunteer guides. This tour takes you to the highlights of the Abbey Quarter, starting from Reading Town Hall. We will look at St Laurence and the Hospitium where medieval pilgrims stayed, the beautiful Forbury Gardens, the impressive, conserved Reading Abbey ruins and the Abbey Gateway, the grand entrance to the Abbot’s lodgings which became Queen Elizabeth I’s royal residence.

Key facts

• Part of Reading Walks Festival 2024
• Learn something new on a guided tour - less walking/more talking
• Easy / 1 km /1 hour and 30 minutes
• Start - Reading Town Hall Finish – Abbey Gateway
• Wheelchair accessible - The tour is accessible to most wheelchair users but some areas of the Abbey Ruins could be challenging: please contact us in advance to discuss any concerns you may have.
• Not family friendly
• Toilets are available in The Museum and Town Hall building

About the walk leader

The tours will be led by Reading Museum’s experienced Volunteer Tour Guides. This group of knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers bring a wealth of lifelong love for this town and at least four years of training and experience leading Reading Museum’s official public tours.

Getting there

We are only a two minute walk from Reading train station and main bus stops. We recommend using public transport or park and ride to reach central Reading. For local bus services including park and ride go to the Reading Buses website.

Meet location: https://what3words.com/leaned.drove.allow