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Reading in the Time of Jane Austen

Reading Walks Festival 2025

11 May, 10:00 and 14 May 10:00

Jane Austen spent 18 months at school in Reading in the 18th century.  During the 250th anniversary year of her birth,  join a walk to see the town as she might have seen it. 

Type of walk
Learn something new on a guided tour -  less walking/more talking

More detail
Starting at St Laurence's Church we will view the area around Jane Austen's school, before walking along the streets that she might have known, reflecting on the infrastructure, industries and entertainments and contemporary accounts of Reading in the long 18th century . The route is circular, mainly on the flat (London Street is a gentle hill) and the roads to be crossed have crossing points or traffic lights. Please note, this walk does not include an interior visit to the Abbey Gateway. 
Toilets are available in the Museum, coffee shops and shops.

Walk length / difficulty / accessibility
2.6km, approx. 2 hours / Medium  / wheelchair accessible / not family friendly

Ticket price
£3

About the walk leader
Joy Pibworth is an active member of the Jane Austen Society and of several local history societies and enjoys discovering new walks in town