Unlike other cities Reading doesn’t have many open spaces right in the centre of town, the Forbury Gardens being the only one, but there are plenty more just a short walk (or bus ride in some cases) away.
Kings Road Garden, for example, is an oasis of calm in the middle of what is basically a roundabout and I often used to enjoy my lunch there when I was working in an office on Queens Road.
All photos have been taken by myself and are free to use under the terms of the CC BY-ND 4.0 licence, basically you are free to use the pictures even commercially but you must attribute.
This is very much a work in progress and I will add more as and when I come to them so check back.
Here is a map and list of some of my favourite green spaces in Reading.
Reading Green Spaces
Green Spaces Featured on the Map
Forbury Gardens
Right in the heart of the town, this is a beautiful spot for lunch or a picnic on a fine day. It is also the gateway to Reading’s Abbey Quarter and the Abbey Gateway.
Prospect Park, including the Prospect Park Miniature Railway
A huge open space with a recently installed children’s playarea. Prospect Park plays host to a number of events including the Berkshire Motor Show.
Tucked away in a corner of the university campus these gardens are attarctive to visit at any time of the year. There is also a small lake you can walk around just a short distance beyond the gates.
A small nature reserve tucked between Erlegh and Lower Earley with a lake, woods and a playarea.
King’s Meadow, featuring the Thames Lido
On the Reading side of the Reading Bridge and to the east is this large open space that frequently floods in the winter.
Christchurch Green, featuring the Christchurch Bridge
On the Caversham side of the Reading Bridge and to the west is Christchurch Green which is also prone to flooding. If you want to see how bad it can get take a look here.
King’s Road Garden
Opposite the old Prudential buildings this is an oasis of calm in the middle of what is basically a roundabout. I often used to enjoy my lunch there when I was working in an office on Queens Road.
King George V Memorial Gardens
Palmer Park