NEW Medieval Reading Walkabout – Features – Medieval & Gothic Revival Architecture, The Greatest Knight, Vikings, Abbey, Reading 3C’s, Medieval food details & more!
Reading Minister Church, St Mary's Butts, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LG
Journey through the heart of Reading's medieval past and explore what life was like in the town between 476 AD and the 1500s. This co-produced Walkabout (with Jennifer) brings to life a time when Reading was a bustling medieval hub. From Viking invasions to trials by combat, this walk reveals the Architecture (and how it inspired later Gothic Revival buildings in the town), captivating stories, landmarks, and events that shaped the town’s history.
Discover how this historic town evolved through centuries of change, from the first Anglo-Saxon settlement to the English Reformation, and uncover the fascinating details of daily life in the Middle Ages.
Highlights include iconic landmarks like Reading Minster, the Abbey, the Forbury, and Caversham Park. Hear tales of English kings and queens, and learn about William Marshal, "The Greatest Knight". Learn about the trades that propelled Reading to become the 10th wealthiest town in England by the reign of Henry VIII!
Come ready to explore, learn, and imagine a time when Reading was a burgeoning medieval town, filled with merchants, travellers, and monks. With engaging stories and the chance to stand where history unfolded, this walk offers a fresh perspective on Reading’s rich heritage.
Timings & Tours
- Thursday 18 September:
- 10.30
- Saturday 20 September:
- 10
Location & directions
Reading Minister Church, St Mary's Butts, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2LG
- Directions:
- This walk takes place in the centre of Reading, next to the Butts, serviced by several buses, main railway station 10-15 mins away - Meet outside Reading Minister (Church of St Mary the Virgin) Church main entrance, St Mary's Butts, Reading RG1 2LG https://what3words.com/frosted.wanted.mount
- Contact on day:
- Terry Dixon
- Telephone number:
- +447505351517
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Book through Eventbrite. Arrive early for Safety Brief. You can make an optional cash donation on the day - £5 to £10 per adult. Proceeds will be donated equally to – ‘The Ways & Means Trust’ - Great local Charity, helping adults with learning. physical disabilities, or mental health disabilities. And ‘Camp Mohawk (The Woodland Centre Trust charity no. 1202580) . A 5-acre site gives children & young people the opportunity to experience safe, stimulating experiences, who have special needs.
- Booking contact name:
- Terry Dixon
- Booking telephone number:
- +447505351517
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/medieval-reading-walkabout-architecture-knight-vikings-abbey-3cs-tickets-1274238614999?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Alternative booking website:
- https://readingwalkingtours.co.uk/
- Booking opens:
- 04 Jun 2025 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 14 Sep 2025 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
We will be walking along roads with pavements and pedestrian paths, some narrow. There are moderate slopes and a section of narrow path on gravel followed by a set of stairs (alternative wheelchair friendly route is available for that section). Easy to Medium difficulty / 3.8km / 2.5 hours long, may overrun wrt time,
Additional information
The intention is at the end of this Terry's Reading Walkabout to go to a close by Town Centre Cafe for a refreshments & a good chat afterwards
- Max no of people per tour:
- 25
- Est. tour duration:
- 2 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
