Thames Valley Producers Tour

This tour travels outside Reading by coach to working farms and artisan producers in the Thames Valley. You'll visit a farm shop and 2-3 specialist producers (cheese maker, cider producer, or baker depending on season), speak with farmers and makers, and taste their products. Transport in a small coach is included. Best for those interested in local produce and farm-to-table dining. This is a easy activity lasting 4 hours. Group size: 4-20. You meet at Reading Town Hall. Key highlights: Visit 2-3 working producers outside Reading, Coach transport included in price, Direct conversations with farmers and makers.

Price: £55

Duration: 4 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 4-20

Best for: those interested in local produce and farm-to-table dining

Best time: Late spring through early autumn when producers are most active and farms are operational; avoid winter when some producers halt visits or reduce hours.

Meeting point: Reading Town Hall

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

9:30am Meet at Reading Town Hall - Introduce the itinerary and load onto the coach with refreshments provided.

9:45am - 10:45am First producer stop: Farm shop or primary venue - 30-minute coach drive to main farm shop; walkthrough of produce selection and tasting of seasonal items with producer chat.

11:00am - 11:40am Second producer stop: Specialist maker - 15-minute drive to second location (cheese, cider, or bread producer); production facility tour and tasting.

11:50am - 12:30pm Third producer stop (seasonal) - Another specialist producer or market garden; tasting and opportunity to purchase directly from maker.

12:40pm - 1:10pm Return journey on coach - Return drive to Reading Town Hall with light refreshments onboard.

1:15pm Arrival back at Reading Town Hall - Tour concludes; guide provides list of producers for future independent visits.

The whole experience takes 4 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Reading Town Hall.

• Visit 2-3 working producers outside Reading
• Coach transport included in price
• Direct conversations with farmers and makers
• Farm shop tour with tasting selections
• Opportunity to purchase directly from producers
• Seasonal-specific producer lineup
• Accessibility: Coach has basic wheelchair access; some producer venues have uneven ground or gravel paths. Confirm specific mobility needs with operator in advance. Tour involves standing and walking 30-45 minutes total.

What is included: Professional guide, Return coach transport, Farm shop and producer visits, Tastings at each location, Light refreshments on coach.

Not included: Lunch (though food tasting provided), Retail purchases (additional to tour price), Accommodation or overnight stays. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Cash for direct purchases from producers, Comfortable walking shoes (farm environments can be muddy), Camera for farm photos if desired. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Late spring through early autumn when producers are most active and farms are operational; avoid winter when some producers halt visits or reduce hours..

Tip: Includes return transport in tour price

Tip: Seasonal availability affects producer visits

Accessibility: Coach has basic wheelchair access; some producer venues have uneven ground or gravel paths. Confirm specific mobility needs with operator in advance. Tour involves standing and walking 30-45 minutes total..

Operator: Local Harvest Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Thames Path and Caversham Bridge (8 min walk)
• Forbury Gardens (5 min walk)

This activity is run by Local Harvest Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 72 hours before departure; within 72 hours, 50% refund; less than 24 hours, non-refundable.

Accessibility: Coach has basic wheelchair access; some producer venues have uneven ground or gravel paths. Confirm specific mobility needs with operator in advance. Tour involves standing and walking 30-45 minutes total..

Best time to go: Late spring through early autumn when producers are most active and farms are operational; avoid winter when some producers halt visits or reduce hours..

Which producers does the Thames Valley tour visit?

The tour visits 2-3 producers depending on season. Typically includes a farm shop, plus a cheese maker, cider producer, or artisan baker. Exact venues rotate by season so you can re-book and experience different producers.

Is the coach transport wheelchair accessible?

The coach has basic wheelchair access and can accommodate one wheelchair user. Confirm your needs when booking. Some producer venues have variable accessibility, so discuss your requirements with the operator.

Can I purchase directly from the producers on the tour?

Yes, all producers welcome retail purchases. The tour price covers tastings; anything you buy is in addition to the tour cost. Many producers offer tour discounts or special packs unavailable elsewhere.