Campus history walking tours to celebrate 100 years

A series of free guided walks hosted by the University of Reading will invite members of the local community to discover the stories behind the University's rich history and beautiful campuses throughout 2026, to mark the institution’s 100 year anniversary.

Running from February to December, the Centenary Heritage Tours offer a unique opportunity to learn about fascinating moments from the University’s past. They will highlight historic campus buildings, beautiful green spaces, wartime history and generations of voices of the people that have studied, worked, and lived at the University, helping to inspire the institution to this day.

The walks have been curated in partnership with The Friends of the University and Terry's Reading Walkabouts, combining historical expertise with local knowledge. Tours will be led by these organisations and a selection of current University students, who have been trained as Centenary Tour Guides.

Milestone moment

Tuesday 17 March 2026 will mark exactly 100 years since the University received its Royal Charter as a university. One of the walking tours will take place on this historic date, taking a journey through the heart of the Whiteknights campus, tracing its story from past to present. 

The full Centenary Heritage Tours programme features eight distinct walks catering to various interests and abilities, covering the Whiteknights and London Road campuses and some surrounding areas with historic connections to the University. 

One route will also retrace the steps of former RAG (Raising and Giving) parades that saw students take to the streets of Reading town centre with costumes, stunts and festivities to raise money for charity.

Molli Cleaver, Community Engagement Manager at the University of Reading, said: "Our Centenary is such a special occasion to connect with our local community. We really want everyone to be part of our celebrations.

“We know there is so much interest in the history of the University, our people and our campuses and buildings. The Centenary Heritage Tours are a unique opportunity to step into our rich history and learn more about the university on your doorstep.”

The tours span the entire centenary year, with multiple dates available for each walk. Several tours will also take place during the Reading Walks Festival in May.

Book your place

The tours are free of charge, but booking is required.

For more information about the individual walks and to book your place, visit the University’s EventBrite page.

Each walk is family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible.

For Terry's Reading Walkabouts tours, participants are invited to make a donation (£5-£10 for adults, £1-£3 for children) to support local charities, including Dingley's Promise, Green Health Thames Valley and SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity.

More information about the University’s celebrations for 2026 can be found on the centenary website.