Thames Promenade, Richfield Avenue, Caversham, Reading, RG1 8BD Map
Directions
Once in Reading, follow signs to Caversham. Richfield Avenue is accessed from the roundabout immediately south of Caversham Bridge, adjacent to the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The race site is accessed via the public car park next to the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Richfield Avenue.
Car Parking
Car parking is available within the marked areas on the Thames Promenade.
The car park will be open at the following times:
Friday 12th July – 19:00 to 22:00
Saturday 13th July – 07:00 to 22:00
Sunday 14th July – 07:00 to 17:30
The parking fee is £5 per day, payable on entry. Card payments only, please.
If you require disabled parking please contact the organiser in advance to ensure that suitable space can be made available.
There will be no parking on The Warren near Reading Canoe Club other than for Team Leader check in on Friday evening.
Facilities
Toilets and stand-pipe water will be available on site. Disabled toilets will also be available on site.
Dogs are allowed on site but please keep them under control, especially around the portage areas. Please ensure any fouling is cleared up.
No open fires or disposable BBQs are allowed anywhere on site. This is a requirement from Reading Borough Council and also for safety reasons due to the heat and dry ground.
Refreshments
Hot and cold refreshments will be available to purchase on the Thames Promenade site throughout the day.
Paddler refreshments will be issued to all competitors as part of the race entry fee.
Waitrose Supermarket and Tesco Express in Caversham are less than 10 minutes’ walk away from the site.
Spectator access
The courses are lap-based. Race starts, finishes and one portage can be viewed from the Thames Promenade site.
For parents/guardians and coaches who wish to follow their paddlers, the majority of the course can be followed by bicycle. Cycling directions can be found here.
Camping
Camping is available on Friday and Saturday night (£5 per head, per night) within the marked area at the race site on Thames Promenade. Payment will be taken on entry, card payment only please. It is officially open from 19:00 Friday, early access might be possible by prior arrangement only.
Please note, vehicle access to the campsite will only be possible when the carpark gate is open:
Friday 12th July – 19:00 to 22:00
Saturday 13th July – 07:00 to 22:00
Sunday 14th July – 07:00 to 17:30
Breakfast baps and drinks will be available for purchase at the catering tent on Saturday and Sunday morning from 08:00.
Local accommodation
There is plenty of accommodation available in the Reading area, some very close to the site.
A few options:
Crowne Plaza
Premier Inn Caversham
Premier Inn Central Reading
Ibis Hotel
Crown Lodge
The New Inn Kidmore End
EasyHotel Reading