Parks, Play Areas & Open Spaces
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Revision as of 00:56, 22 March 2019 by Jeremy (Talk | contribs) (→Southcote: Added link to Prospect Park Play Area in OpenStreetMap.)
Reading has many open-air recreational spaces ranging from children’s play areas through parks and recreation grounds to nature reserves and areas of woodland. They are generally managed by one of Reading’s local authorities.
Play areas, parks and recreation grounds are fairly uniformly distributed across Reading. Gardens, nature reserves, skate parks and BMX tracks are not so evenly distributed. If you want to find spaces by type (e.g. nature reserves), please search within this page.
Contents
- 1 Parks, Play Areas & Open Spaces in Reading
- 1.1 Central Reading
- 1.2 Caversham
- 1.3 New Town
- 1.4 Earley
- 1.5 Whitley
- 1.6 Spring Gardens
- 1.7 Coley Park
- 1.8 Coley
- 1.9 Battle
- 1.10 Caversham Heights
- 1.11 Emmer Green
- 1.12 Caversham Park
- 1.13 Woodley
- 1.14 Lower Earley
- 1.15 Whitley Wood
- 1.16 Southcote
- 1.17 Fords Farm
- 1.18 Churchend
- 1.19 Norcot
- 1.20 Tilehurst
- 1.21 Kentwood
- 1.22 Calcot
- 1.23 Little Heath
- 1.24 Purley on Thames
- 2 External Links
Parks, Play Areas & Open Spaces in Reading
Open-air recreational spaces are grouped by area. If you want to find spaces by type (e.g. nature reserves) or a specific facility (e.g. Sol Joel Park), please search within this page.
Central Reading
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
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Great Knollys Street | Children's Play Area | Great Knollys Street, Reading RG1 7HP |
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A small recreation ground with a play area. | Reading Borough Council | |
Katesgrove Playground | Children's Play Area | Reading RG1 2NA | Reading Borough Council | |||
Lorenzo Quelch | Children's Play Area | Reading Borough Council | ||||
Patriot Place Play Centre | Children's Play Area | Patriot Place, Reading RG1 3JQ |
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A small, enclosed playground. | Reading Borough Council | |
Randolph Mews Play Area | Children's Play Area | Denbeigh Place, Reading RG1 8QE |
Small children's play area. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Rivermead Play Area | Children's Play Area | Reading Borough Council | ||||
St Giles Close | Children's Play Area | St Giles Close, Reading RG1 2SA |
|
Reading Borough Council | ||
Kings Meadow | Park & Children's Play Area | Napier Road, Reading RG1 8DF |
Kings Meadow is a large open space with a pleasant walk along the towpath between Reading Bridge and Kennet Mouth. A popular picnic site, the area features groups of mature trees and willow beds. However, the park is susceptible to flooding during the winter. In the northwest corner of the Kings Meadow is an old Victorian river-fed bathing station. Opposite this is an island and river lock, which is owned by the Environment Agency. The playing fields are used by football clubs throughout the season, although fixtures may be disrupted by flooding. In summer there is Gaelic football, and various events are staged throughout the year including Reading's annual beer festival. Car parking is available in the south-west corner on Napier Road. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Palmer Park | Park & Children's Play Area | Wokingham Road, Reading RG6 1LE |
This large 50-acre parkland is home to Palmer Park Sport Stadium. It also offers a lovely children's play area and a variety of sports facilities. A formal garden area offers shady perimeter walks under avenues of parkland lime trees. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Cintra Park | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Cintra Avenue, Reading RG2 7AU |
A flat, open parkland with a variety of recreational facilities and situated in a quiet area of Christchurch Road. Good panoramic views to the south that can be best appreciated during the winter months. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Eldon Square | Park | Eldon Square, Reading RG1 4DP |
A small, picturesque Georgian-style Square. Features an attractive garden with footpaths and a statue of Rufus Daniel Isaacs. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Thameside Promenade | Park | Caversham RG1 8DP | A wide mown grass area by the River Thames with specimen trees. A tarmac surfaced public right of way, which part of the Thames Long Distance path run the length of the park. Attractive panoramic views across the river allow visitors to take in Caversham Court Gardens and St Peters Church. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Forbury Gardens | Garden | Reading RG1 3BB | Forbury Gardens is a delightful Victorian town garden, created at the height of the urban parks movement. The Gardens have recently undergone major restoration. They are located between the town centre and the ruins of the 11th century abbey, not far from Reading Station. The ornamental Gardens have a wall around which provides a peaceful and tranquil retreat. There is a bandstand, and bands play every weekend in the summer. The Forbury Gardens is home to the famous Maiwand Lion statue. Although there are no formal children's facilities, the Gardens are wonderful for play, and the kiosk serves coffee, ice-creams and light lunches. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Kings Road Gardens | Garden | Kings Road, Reading RG1 3ES |
A small garden of ornamental shrubs and trees, just off Kings Road (opposite the Prudential building) at a busy junction of the Inner Distribution Road (IDR). Iron railings and a low brick wall enclose the Gardens with impressive iron gates embossed with H&P, short for Huntley & Palmer. | Reading Borough Council | ||
RISC Roof Garden | Garden | 35-39 London Street, Reading RG1 4PS |
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Abbey Ruins | Historic Site | Abbey Street, Reading RG1 3BA |
The remains of the magnificent Reading Abbey are at the heart of Reading's Abbey Quarter, once one of Europe's largest royal monasteries. The Abbey Ruins are a national important Grade I listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument, located between the Forbury Gardens and the banks of the Kennet and Avon Canal. The Holy Brook, which provided freshwater and power for the Abbey Mill, joins the canal at this point. Much of the waterside here is accessible. The history of the site is presented in the Story of Reading Gallery at nearby Reading Museum. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Chestnut Walk | Walk | Abbey Street, Reading RG1 3BA |
A shady walk situated between the River Kennet and Reading Gaol's high wall. Planted with chestnuts and enlivened with memorial gates and a love seat dedicated to Oscar Wilde. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Coal Woodland | Copse | Napier Road, Reading RG1 8DF |
The Coal woodland is at the eastern end of the Reading section of the Thames corridor, it is a wooded area raised out of the flood plain, and it starts immediately adjacent to the foot of Horseshoe Bridge at Kennet mouth. There is a towpath between the woodland and the river bank, and a small area of open space adjacent to the river which extends beyond the towpath and into the river. The woodland separates a Tesco superstore and car park from the river. | Reading Borough Council |
Caversham
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
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Caleta Close Play Area | Children's Play Area | Caleta Close, Lower Caversham RG4 7AD |
A small children's play area. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Rufus Isaacs Play Area | Children's Play Area | Rufus Isaacs Road, Caversham RG4 6DD |
Small local play area. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Amersham Road Recreation Ground | Park & Children's Play Area | Amersham Road, Lower Caversham RG4 5BQ |
A mid-sized grass area suitable for ball games. It also features a children's playground. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Christchurch Meadows | Park & Children's Play Area | George Street, Caversham RG4 8BY |
A large, close-cut grass meadow on the north bank of the Thames, stretching from Caversham Bridge to Reading Bridge. Specimen trees and shrubs feature along the bank, providing shade and interest around the play area. The fenced children's play area includes a paddling/ boating pool and picnic tables. A distinctive line of Lombardy poplars edges the George Street boundary. The metalled cycleway running along the bank has streetlights to aid visibility in the evening. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Westfield Road Recreation Ground | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Gosbrook Road, Caversham RG4 8HL |
A neighbourhood recreation area along the triangle of Gosbrook Road, Westfield Road and Falklands Road in Caversham. A pleasant site of mainly flat, short-mown grass with a small children's play area. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Deans Farm and Picnic Area | Recreation Ground | The Causeway, Deans Farm, Reading RG4 8EY |
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A close mown grass area a large meadow area. | Reading Borough Council | |
Hills Meadow | Recreation Ground, Skate Park & BMX Track | George Street, Lower Caversham RG4 8DH |
A major area of open space to the east of Christchurch Meadow. A pleasant stretch of mown grass and walkways alongside a tree-lined stream, which eventually meets the River Thames. There is also a grassy BMX track, a skateboarding ramp and car parking. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Caversham Court | Garden | Church Road, Caversham RG4 7AD |
A charming walled garden with terraced lawns leading down to the river Thames. There are many mature specimen trees to be seen including ancient yew, with flower borders and a lavender bank. The site is a great place for a picnic, and many public events are held in the Gardens throughout the year, including open air theatre and cinema. The park is also a Green Flag and Green Heritage award winner. | Reading Borough Council | ||
The Warren | Walk | Caversham RG4 7TH | The Warren is a narrow strip of woodland on a steep chalk escarpment north of the River Thames. A limited view of the Thames is available from the footpath. Unfortunately not suitable for disabled access. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Balmore Walk | Copse | Peppard Road, Caversham RG4 8BY |
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Walking, wildlife, woodland, historical Interest. | Reading Borough Council | |
View Island | Copse | Off Napier Road, Reading RG1 8DF |
A pretty, quiet and relaxing island with a natural, open space with grassy paths and seating near to the weir at Caversham Lock. It now contains several wooden, chainsaw-carved sculptures, an education area and a canoe pontoon. Please Note: Keep a close eye on children, as the island has steep banks and dangerous river currents. | Reading Borough Council |
New Town
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
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Avon Place Play Area | Children's Play Area | Avon Place, Kennet Side, Reading RG1 3LA |
A small children's play area. | Reading Borough Council | ||
St John's School Play Area | Children's Play Area | Orts Road, New Town RG1 3JS |
|
Jointly managed with Reading Borough Council, St John's School Play Area is a shared open space with St John's Primary School and is for school use only between the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm. | Reading Borough Council |
Earley
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Skelmerdale West Play Area | Children's Play Area | Skelmerdale Way, Earley RG6 7YB |
Includes swings, slide, seesaw and spring rockers. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Meadow Park | Park & Children's Play Area | Meadow Park is some four acres plus in extent, is situated between Roman Way and Meadow Road, with pathways leading in from both roads. There are extensive cultivated beds, mainly with shrubs, a wildflower meadow section, a central grassed area, an aromatic garden and two areas of childrens’ play equipment plus a swing area. There is also a recent addition of an urban gym for the benefit olf adults and older teenagers. | Earley Town Council | |||
Sol Joel Park | Recreation Ground, Children's Play Area & Skate Park | 8 Church Rd, Earley RG6 7DG |
The Park is 18 Acres in size, and comprises of 3 Full size Football Pitches, Mini Soccer Pitches, a Cricket Pitch, Hard Court Basketball Court and small Garden area. There are superb skate park facilities and a Street Running (Parkour) facility to one side of the Park, with formal Children’s play areas on the other side of the Park. A new All Inclusive Play Area has recently been opened within the Children’s Play Area Site. | Earley Town Council | ||
Whiteknights Park | Park | |||||
Harris Garden | Garden | Earley RG6 6UR | ||||
Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve | Nature Reserve | The Park is some twelve hectares in extent and is classified as a Local Nature Reserve. it is managed on the Town Council’s behalf by its Park Ranger Service with the help of volunteer groups. The Head Bailiff and seasonally appointed Water Bailiffs also assist in the care of the Reserve and police the fishing areas. | Earley Town Council | |||
The Wilderness | Copse | |
Whitley
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
125 Basingstoke Road | Children's Play Area | 125 Basingstoke Road, Reading RG2 0HE |
Housing play facility | Reading Borough Council | ||
Hexham Road Play Area | Children's Play Area | Hexham Road, Whitley RG2 7UG |
A small enclosed playground complete with basketball/five-a-side court. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Waterloo Meadows | Park & Children's Play Area | Elgar Road/Rose Kiln Lane, Reading RG2 0BN |
Waterloo Meadows is a fantastic urban park, situated alongside the River Kennet and within half a mile of Reading town centre. The park contains a wide variety of facilities and landscapes featuring long grass, thickets, brambles and copses of trees. The river is lined with willows and alder trees. From the entrance in Elgar Road there is a small car park, children's centre and play facilities. The park stretches to the south incorporating river banks, meadows and woodland, all reached via a well surfaced path. | Reading Borough Council | ||
John Rabson Recreation Ground | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | John Rabson Recreation Ground, Reading RG2 |
John Rabson Recreation Ground | Reading Borough Council | ||
Longbarn Lane Recreation Ground | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Longbarn Lane, Reading RG2 7SZ |
A neighbourhood recreation area with mown grass, surrounded by housing on all sides. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Shinfield Road Recreation Ground | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Linden Road, Reading RG2 7EH |
A small, mown-grass area bounded with high hedges behind Gardens of the adjoining housing estate. | Reading Borough Council | ||
The Cowsey | Copse | Hartland Road, Whitley RG2 8DL |
A major area of open space adjoining the John Rabson Recreation Ground off Northumberland Avenue. The Cowsey is an extensive (about 20 hectares), 'part wild' area of woodland and natural grassland, crossed with informal grassy paths. It is surrounded by roads and houses except where it adjoins John Rabson Ground. Some areas can be damp owing to the many seasonal springs. From the top of the hill are extensive views west over the Kennet Valley towards the North Downs and Tilehurst. | Reading Borough Council |
Spring Gardens
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
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Aveley Walk Play Area | Children's Play Area | Aveley Walk, Reading RG2 0AP |
A fenced children's play area with linear grass area. Set amongst flats and houses. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Spring Gardens Play Area | Children's Play Area | Spring Gardens, Reading RG2 0AP |
Spring Gardens Play Area consists of sunken tarmac with some additional grassy areas. There is a fenced children's play area, and is surrounded by housing on all sides. | Reading Borough Council |
Coley Park
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
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Wensley Road Play Area | Children's Play Area | Coley Park RG1 6DU | Small grassed open space set between flats and a housing estate. The site consists of small formal shrub areas, and semi-mature perimeter trees. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Coley Recreation Ground | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Holy Brook Road, Coley Park RG1 6EJ |
A medium-sized formal open parkland area set within a housing estate. Some perimeter trees, and a slightly undulating banked section on the western end. Pedestrian and vehicle access is via Holy Brook Road and St. Saviours road, with limited roadside parking available. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Courage Park | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Edenham Crescent, Coley RG1 6HU |
Open mown flat amenity grassland, reached through a modern housing estate. Also features a brick-built pavilion with changing rooms and storage space. There is a small wooded area on far eastern corner, and the western edge is bordered by fenced off railway cutting. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Coley Holybrook Walk | Walk | The Brookmill, Heron Way, Reading RG1 6DD |
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A linear pathway on the northern side of the Holy Brook. A very pretty spot that has a wild and open feel to it. To the south across the brook is a large open water meadow with shrub areas, hedgerows, mature and semi-mature trees. | Reading Borough Council |
Coley
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
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Dover Street Play Area | Children's Play Area | Dover Street, Coley RG1 6AX |
A small, open-mown grass space and children's play area, which is surrounded by sycamore trees and housing. Two hours free parking is allowed. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Robert Hewitt Recreation Ground | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Tilehurst Road, Reading RG1 7TG |
A sunken play area surrounded on three sides by private Gardens. The area contains some mature trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. | Reading Borough Council |
Battle
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
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Ivydene Road Play Area | Children's Play Area | Ivydene Road, Reading RG30 1HT |
Mid-sized children's play area. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Moriston Close Play Area | Children's Play Area | Moriston Close, Reading RG30 2PW |
Small children's play area. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Portman Road Playground | Children's Play Area | Portman Road, Reading RG30 1JT |
A small but attractive children's play area surrounded and sheltered from the busy Portman Road by formal shrub beds | Reading Borough Council | ||
Beresford Road Recreation Ground | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Beresford Road, near Barnwood Close, Reading RG30 1BU |
A steep-sided grassland area with a children's play area and hard-surfaced pitch suitable for football and basketball. There is an area of small trees on the northeast perimeter. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Kensington Recreation Park | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Kensington Road, Reading RG30 2TG |
A medium-sized neighbourhood recreation ground situated near housing. A venue of mature London plane trees which provide a shaded walk on the eastern section. | Reading Borough Council |
Caversham Heights
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Winterberry Way Play Area | Children's Play Area | Winterberry Way, Caversham Heights RG4 7XD |
A small, fenced children's playground. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Albert Road Recreation Ground | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Albert Road, Caversham Heights RG4 7PR |
A small park featuring good sports facilities, including a bowling green and four tennis courts. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Mapledurham Playing Fields and Pavilion | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Woodcote Road, Caversham RG4 7EZ |
Reading Borough Council |
Emmer Green
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Emmer Green Recreation Ground | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Kidmore End Road, Emmer Green RG4 8LJ |
A pleasant, medium sized recreation ground situated between housing. The perimeter is hedges, with short mown grassland, a children's play area and a hard-surfaced basketball court. There is a single and small group of trees providing a shady area. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Bug's Bottom | Park | Gravel Hill, Emmer Green RG4 7XE |
Bug's Bottom is managed as meadow grassland with a small mature woodland. A bridleway allows for cyclists and horses to pass through, and still has parts of old hedgerow. Some planting has also been carried out, screening the housing. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Chiltern Road Recreation Area | Recreation Ground | Valentine Crescent, Caversham Park RG4 5JJ |
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An open field and recreation ground, suitable for ball games and dog walking. | Reading Borough Council | |
Beechwood | Copse | Morlais, Caversham RG4 7QA |
Beechwood is a mature Beech woodland with a mix of other trees including large oaks and ash trees. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Furze Plat | Copse | Merthyr Vale, Emmer Green RG4 8QQ |
|
A coppiced woodland with an informal path connecting to Gravel Hill. | Reading Borough Council |
Caversham Park
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
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Milestone Way Park | Park & Children's Play Area | Caversham Park Road, Caversham RG4 6PF |
A close-mown grass area with a children's play area. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Blackhouse Wood | Park | Caversham Park Road, Caversham RG4 6RT |
A large, mainly natural open space consisting of fields and native woodlands adjoining the Oxfordshire countryside. Two fields are recreational areas. Some woodland is being actively managed as hazel coppice, and traditional dead hedging defines some of the ancient woodland areas. A wild flower meadow and other fields are being left to regenerate woodland. Designated as a Reading Nature Reserve in 1991 (and was Reading's first Local Nature Reserve). Clayfield Copse also features a Sculpture Trail. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Clayfield Copse | Park | Caversham Park Road, Caversham RG4 6RT |
A large, mainly natural open space consisting of fields and native woodlands adjoining the Oxfordshire countryside. Two fields are recreational areas. Some woodland is being actively managed as hazel coppice, and traditional dead hedging defines some of the ancient woodland areas. A wild flower meadow and other fields are being left to regenerate woodland. Designated as a Reading Nature Reserve in 1991 (and was Reading's first Local Nature Reserve). Clayfield Copse also features a Sculpture Trail. | Reading Borough Council |
Woodley
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
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Alderwood Play Area | Children's Play Area | Mannock Way, Woodley RG5 4XW |
Includes swings, multi-play unit, and spring rockers. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Badger Rise Play Area | Children's Play Area | Badgers Rise, Woodley RG5 3AJ |
Includes orbiter, slide, trailblazer and spring rocker. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Enstone Road Play Area | Children's Play Area | Enstone Road, Woodley RG5 4QQ |
Includes swings, slide, hopscotch, agility unit and spring rocker. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Hearn Road Play Area | Children's Play Area | Hearn Road, Woodley RG5 3QG |
Includes swing, slide, jigsaw, agility units, seesaw, and spring rockers. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Mollison Way Play Area | Children's Play Area | Mollison Way, Woodley RG5 4XG |
Includes swings, slide, and spring rocker. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Redwood Avenue Play Area | Children's Play Area | Redwood Avenue, Woodley RG5 4DS |
Includes swings, seesaw, rotational unit and spring rockers. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Woodley Shops Play Area | Children's Play Area | Headley Road, Woodley RG5 4JA |
Includes roundabout, agility unit and spring rockers. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Ashenbury Park | Park & Children's Play Area | Lunds Farm Road, Woodley RG5 4RX |
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Blanchard Close Park | Park & Children's Play Area | Blanchard Close, Woodley RG5 4XQ |
Includes swings, multi-play unit, and spring rockers. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Malone Park | Park & Children's Play Area | A small grassed park with a children’s play area off Malone Road. | Woodley Town Council | |||
Sandford Park | Park & Children's Play Area | Hurricane Way, Woodley RG5 4UX |
Includes swings, roundabout, multi-play unit, and spring rockers. Basketball post and stand alone football goal also on site. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Southlake Crescent Park | Park & Children's Play Area | Southlake Crescent, Woodley RG5 3OW |
Includes swings, multi-play unit, roundabout, mini goals, and spring rockers. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Southlake Park | Park & Children's Play Area | Kingfisher Drive, Woodley RG5 3LG |
Includes swings, slide, seesaw, panel games, and spring rockers. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Vauxhall Park | Park & Children's Play Area | Vauxhall Drive, Woodley RG5 4EA |
Includes swingabout, multi-play unit, swings, and spring rockers. Basketball post also on site. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Wheble Park | Park & Children's Play Area | A small grassed park with a play area off Wheble Drive. | Woodley Town Council | |||
Woodford Park | Park & Children's Play Area | Woodley RG5 4LD | Woodley Town Council | |||
Bulmershe Park | Park | Woodley RG5 3EN | The Park is situated off Woodlands Avenue on the boundary between Woodley and Earley and is jointly managed by the two Town Councils. Entrance is usually gained from Pitts Lane. | Woodley Town Council | ||
Garden of Remembrance | Park | |
The Garden of Remembrance within Woodford Park was opened in 2000 and provides a place for quiet contemplation. | Woodley Town Council | ||
The Memorial Ground | Park | |
Woodley Town Council | |||
Loddon Mead Open Space | Recreation Ground | |
A small area of open space off Loddon Bridge Road leading down to the River Loddon. | Woodley Town Council | ||
Rivermead Open Space | Recreation Ground | |
A small fenced off grassed area on Rivermead Road | Woodley Town Council | ||
Aldermoors Nature Reserve | Nature Reserve | Aldermoors Local Nature Reserve covers 8 hectares. The name 'Aldermoors' derives from the alder trees that populate this ancient woodland, situated within a shallow valley in Woodley. The site links up with Ashenbury Park, with a pedestrian route to the Thames and it's section of the National Trail Network. Visit the National Trail Network website for more details. | Wokingham Town Council | |||
Highwood Local Nature Reserve | Nature Reserve | Woodley RG6 1FF | Situated in Woodley between Southlake and the University of Reading, Highwood used to form part of the grounds of Woodley Lodge. Highwood is managed in partnership with the Friends of Highwood, an independent group of local residents. |
Lower Earley
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
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Alder Close Play Area | Children's Play Area | Alder Close, Earley RG6 3UP |
Includes swings, multi-play unit, seesaw and spring rockers. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Chatteris Way Play Area | Children's Play Area | Wimblington Drive, Earley RG6 4JG |
Includes swings, multi-play unit and spring rockers. Also a basketball hoop on site. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Conygree Close Play Area | Children's Play Area | Conygree Close, Earley RG6 4XE |
Includes swings, seesaw, slide, spring rockers, and climbing frame. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Ducketts Mead Play Area | Children's Play Area | Ducketts Mead, Shinfield RG2 9GY |
Includes swings, rotational units, multi-play unit and spring rockers. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Easington Drive Play Area | Children's Play Area | Easington Drive, Earley RG6 3XN |
Includes swings, slide and spring rocker. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Measham Way Park | Children's Play Area | Measham Way, Earley RG6 4ES |
Includes swing, slides, spring rocker, seesaw and wooden pig. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Odell Close Play Area | Children's Play Area | Odell Close, Earley RG6 4DU |
Includes multi-play unit, balance beams, swing and spring rocker. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Red House Close Play Area | Children's Play Area | Red House Close, Earley RG6 4XB |
Includes swing, seesaw, slide, and spring rockers. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Riverside Park Play Area | Children's Play Area | Kelton Close, Earley RG6 3BQ |
Includes swings, multi-play unit and agility unit. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Ryhill Way Play Area | Children's Play Area | Worrall Way, Earley RG6 4AW |
Includes swings, spring rockers, rotational unit and multi-play unit. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Thannington Way Play Area | Children's Play Area | Thannington Way, Earley RG6 5QF |
Includes swing, slide and spring rockers. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Wellington Grange Play Area | Children's Play Area | Paddick Drive, Earley RG6 4HH |
Includes swings, roundabout, multi-play unit, seesaw, and spring rockers. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Wickham Road Play Area | Children's Play Area | Wickham Road, Earley RG6 3TE |
Includes swings, slide, and spring rockers. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Frensham Green Park | Park & Children's Play Area | Frensham Green, Shinfield RG2 8EH |
Includes swings, slide and multi-play units. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Kensington Close Park | Park & Children's Play Area | Kensington Close, Earley RG6 4EY |
Includes swings, seesaw, multi-play unit and spring rockers. Also includes spooky pairs game. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Chalfont Park | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Triptree Close, Earley RG6 4HS |
Includes swings, multi-play units, and spring rocker. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Earley Event Field | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Kilnsea Drive, Earley RG6 3UJ |
Juniors play park includes swings, balance beams, aerial runway, stepping logs and scramble net. Toddlers play park includes swings, seesaw, multi-play unit and rotational unit. Also includes a youth shelter and a basketball hoop on site. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Laurel Park Recreation Ground | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Laurel Park Playing Fields, Football pitches, Play Area and Car Park are all managed by Wokingham Borough Council. The Pavilion is currently managed by Earley Town Council, with the kitchen end and toilets managed by Laurel Park Football Club on their Match Days. | Earley Town Council | |||
Paddick Drive Park | Recreation Ground & BMX Track | 9 Paddick Drive, Earley RG6 4JZ |
Earley Town Council | |||
Marefield Pound | Nature Reserve | |
Earley Town Council | |||
Pearmans Copse Nature Reserve | Nature Reserve | Pearmans Copse can be reached from Ryhill Way, Lower Earley. Pearmans Copse is a small area of ancient woodland, in Lower Earley, covering 2 hectares. It contains ash, hazel, and oak trees. It contains many classic archaeological features, such as boundary banks and ditches. It is surrounded by community woodland within and it links with Dinton Pastures Country Park. | ||||
Redhatch Copse | Copse | |
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Wood of Eagles | Copse | |
Whitley Wood
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
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Ambrook Road Play Area | Children's Play Area | Ambrook Road, Whitley RG2 8SW |
A small children's play area with a hard-surfaced pitch suitable for ball games. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Drewett Close Play Area | Children's Play Area | Drewett Close, Shinfield RG2 8PZ |
Includes swings, slides, rotational unit, multi-play unit and spring rocker. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
Met Office Play Area | Children's Play Area | Perigee, Shinfield RG2 9FT |
Includes swings, multi-play unit, rotational units, and seesaw. | Wokingham Town Council | ||
South Whitley Teens | Park | Reading Borough Council | ||||
Whitley Wood Recreation Ground | Recreation Ground | Basingstoke Road, Reading RG2 8UQ |
A medium sized short-mown grassland with a small area of meadow grassland along the western edge. There is a nice perimeter walk that is shaded in parts, although no formal pathway is present. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Nores Hill Wood | Copse | |
Southcote
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jimmy Green Court | Children's Play Area | |
Housing play facility | Reading Borough Council | ||
Southcote Farm Lane Playground | Children's Play Area | Southcote Farm, Reading RG30 3DX |
A small, grassed open space surrounded by housing. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Southcote Linear Park | Children's Play Area | |||||
Virginia Way Play Area | Children's Play Area | Virginia Way, Southcote RG30 3QR |
A small grass open space and children's play area, set within housing. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Prospect Park | Park, Children's Play Area & Skate Park | Liebenrood Road, Reading RG30 2ND |
Prospect Park is Reading's largest open space and gets its name from the fine views across the Kennet Valley and beyond, which can be enjoyed best from the Mansion House. The regency white stuccoed grade II listed mansion (now a restaurant) is set on a hill at the highest point of the park. The park has broad sweeps of short cut grass, with areas of meadow grassland. An pond was created to the south of the house and attracts an assortment of wildlife, while 'The Rookery' can be found to the north - a mature oak woodland and Wildlife Heritage Site. A favourite amongst children is the mini steam train, run by voluntary enthusiasts on the first Sunday of each month, near the Bath Road entrance. The site also features a wide variety of sports facilities and a well-equipped children's play area. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Coronation Square | Park | |
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Devil's Dip | Historic Site | Circuit Lane, Southcote RG30 3HB |
Devil's Dip is a disused pit situated on the corner of Circuit Lane and the Bath Road. It is a small steep-sided wooded area which almost forms a bowl. The pond and marshy area in the bottom of the dip is fed by runoff from Prospect Park and the Bath Road. | Reading Borough Council |
Fords Farm
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
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Albury Gardens | Children's Play Area | West Berkshire Council | ||||
Burbidge Close | Children's Play Area | West Berkshire Council | ||||
Hawkesbury Drive | Children's Play Area | West Berkshire Council |
Churchend
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
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Hardwick Road Play Area | Children's Play Area | Hardwick Road, Tilehurst RG30 4LH |
A well-equipped children's play space with a variety of play equipment including slides and climbing frames. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Meadway Play Area and Skate Park | Recreation Ground | Play area, skate park | Reading Borough Council |
Norcot
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lyon Square Play Area | Children's Play Area | Lyon Square, Southcote RG30 4DD |
Hard-surfaced pitch, play facility | Reading Borough Council | ||
Midwinter Close | Children's Play Area | Midwinter Close, Reading RG30 6HZ |
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Reading Borough Council | ||
Blundells Copse | Copse | Tilehurst RG30 4SR | Blundells Copse is a Wildlife Heritage Site and Local Nature Reserve comprising of 13 acres of close growing, ancient woodland. A stream runs through it also, making it an oasis of natural green and calm even though the area is surrounded by houses. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Lousehill Copse | Copse | Tay Road, Tilehurst RG30 4DR |
A well-hidden natural mature woodland surrounded by housing, tucked away along Tay Road with mature oak and hazel woodlands. Bluebells and other spring flowers are plentiful, and there is a very steep coppice area leading up to Taff Way. The site is split by Dee Road - the northern section is known as Comparts Plantation and is an open, grassy meadow area with gorse and broom on the higher sections. | Reading Borough Council |
Tilehurst
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
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Hildrens Drive Play Area | Children's Play Area | Foxcombe Drive, Tilehurst |
|
Tilehurst Parish Council | ||
The Cornwell Centre | Children's Play Area | Home Croft, Clements Mead |
Tilehurst Parish Council | |||
Blagrave Recreation Ground | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Recreation Road, Tilehurst RG30 4UB |
The park is medium sized and mostly set out as close mown grass, ideal for informal games and recreation. The are mature lime and horse chestnut trees along the perimeter softening the park from the surrounding development. There are two play areas within the park making it well suited for use by families - particularly those with young children (toddlers). There is also additional provision for older children. As well as pedestrian access there is ample parking available free of charge at the Village Centre car park on Recreation Road. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Cotswold Recreation Ground | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Downs Way, Tilehurst |
Tilehurst Parish Council | |||
Victoria Recreation Ground | Recreation Ground | Kentwood Hill, Tilehurst RG31 6HT |
Victoria Recreation Ground is a Square of close-mown grass, mainly used for football. A line of mature limes border the park. | Reading Borough Council |
Kentwood
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vicarage Wood Way | Children's Play Area | West Berkshire Council | ||||
Arthur Newbery Park | Park & Children's Play Area | Amour Hill, Tilehurst RG31 6JP |
An open park set on a hill with grassland cut as summer meadow. Beech and lime tree avenues open onto wide pathways, which are mown for walkers and offer views across the River Thames to Mapledurham Woods. Kentwood Copse is a small woodland area adjoining the park. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Oxford Road Recreation Ground | Recreation Ground | Oxford Road, Reading RG30 6TT |
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A small recreation ground and play area with short grass. Pedestrian entrances from Romsey Road and Oxford Road. | Reading Borough Council | |
Scours Lane Picnic Area | Recreation Ground | Scours Lane, Tilehurst RG30 6AX |
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A small open area by the River Thames. | Reading Borough Council | |
McIlroy Park | Nature Reserve | Pottery Road, Reading RG30 6BA |
McIlroy Park is an extensive natural park and woodland situated in a dense housing area. Its composition is mainly grassland, with views over the River Thames and towards Mapledurham Estate. Mature oak and hazel woodland can be found around the boundaries. There are informal mown walkways with stunning views from the steep sided north-eastern side of the ridge. | Reading Borough Council |
Calcot
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Conway Road | Children's Play Area | West Berkshire Council | ||||
Palmera Avenue | Children's Play Area | West Berkshire Council | ||||
Sweet Briar Drive | Children's Play Area | Calcot RG31 7AD | |
West Berkshire Council | ||
Calcot Recreation Ground | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Reading RG31 4XB | Tilehurst Parish Council | |||
Holybrook Linear Park | Park & Skate Park | Beansheaf Community Centre, Calcot RG31 7AW |
A beautiful green space in Calcot with woodland, river basin, meadow grassland, play areas, sports pitches, a basketball court and changing rooms. Linear Park is a Green Flag Award winner and has an active Friends of Linear Park group. | |||
Withy Copse | Copse |
Little Heath
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ayrton Senna Play Area | Children's Play Area | Ayrton Senna Road, Tilehurst RG31 4JQ |
A small children's play area. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Childrey Way Play Area | Children's Play Area | Childrey Way, Tilehurst RG31 5EA |
A small children's play area. | Reading Borough Council | ||
Goldcrest Way | Children's Play Area | West Berkshire Council | ||||
Turhams Farm Recreation Ground | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Little Heath Road, Tilehurst |
Tilehurst Parish Council |
Purley on Thames
Name | Type | Website(s) | Address | Location | Description | Local Authority |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Clarendon Rise | Children's Play Area | West Berkshire Council | ||||
Lister Close | Children's Play Area | West Berkshire Council | ||||
Bucknells Meadow | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Purley on Thames Parish Council | ||||
Goosecroft Recreation Ground | Recreation Ground & Children's Play Area | Beech Road, Purley on Thames RG8 8DR |
Purley on Thames Parish Council | |||
Pikeshaw | Copse | Purley on Thames Parish Council | ||||
Skerritt Wood | Copse | |
External Links
- Reading Borough Council Parks, Outdoor Facilities & Open Spaces
- Woodley Town Council Parks and Facilities
- Earley Town Council Parks And Facilities
- Wokingham Borough Council Parks, play areas and open spaces
- Tilehurst Parish Council Recreation and Leisure
- Purley on Thames Parish Council Recreational Areas
- West Berkshire Council Parks, Playgrounds and Open Spaces