Parks & nature in Reading

Bernwood Forest

Aylesbury

Ancient oak woodland with grassy rides to wander and a butterfly trail worth timing for summer.

Dog friendlyPicnics allowed

Buckler's Forest

Crowthorne

Free open heathland with wide surfaced paths for cycling, running and dog walks, plus picnic tables dotted about.

Dog friendlyFree parkingOutdoor playPicnic area

Great Hollands Recreation Ground

Wokingham

A free splash pad, a climber and swings on a recreation ground, with a purpose built barbecue if you fancy making a day of it.

First aidOutdoor playPicnic area

Harcourt Arboretum (University of Oxford)

Oxford

130 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow to roam, with a play area and den-building for the kids to get stuck into.

Accessible toiletBaby changeFree parkingGift shop+8 more

Hengistbury Head Beach

Bournemouth

A wide nature reserve beach with a land train to Mudeford Spit, harbour views and wildlife webcams to spot along the way.

Accessible toiletBike parkingCaféDog friendly+4 more

Kingston Beach

Shoreham-by-Sea

Free rock pools and a swim spot with limited parking, right by Shoreham-by-Sea.

Lily Hill Park

Bracknell

A free park with a brass rubbing wildlife trail and animal tracks to hunt down across surfaced paths.

EV chargingParkingPicnic areaPublic transport nearby

Lin's Veg Shed, Tolhurst Organic Farm Shop

Reading

Wander the fields to see organic veg growing, then pick produce and catch the children's activities at seasonal farm events.

Dog friendlyFood on siteParkingPicnics allowed+1 more

Lousehill Copse

Reading

A free patch of woodland in Reading where kids can wander off the path and just explore.

Maiden Erlegh Local Nature Reserve

Reading

Free wander around a nature reserve with a learning booklet to follow and a stretch of water for fishing.

Oxford Botanic Garden

Oxford

A walk among more than 5,000 plant species, with trail backpacks and a geocache hunt to keep kids hunting for the next thing.

Accessible toiletBike parkingChanging PlacesGift shop+4 more

Queenford Lakes Water Sports Centre

Wallingford

Fifteen minutes behind a boat learning to ski or wakeboard, with full instruction included in the price.

Free parkingGroup bookings

Ruislip Lido Beach

Ruislip

A sandy stretch by a lake with woodland walks and craft sessions, though the splash pad and fishing are both closed for now.

ParkingPublic transport nearbyToilets

Seven Lakes Fishery

Aldermaston

Coached fishing for kids on a set of lakes near Aldermaston, with day, night and 24-hour tickets if you fancy sticking it out.

Booking requiredParty rooms

Snelsmore Common Country Park

Newbury

Heathland trails for spotting adders, dragonflies and lizards, free to enter, with a crayon rubbing trail to keep younger legs going.

Accessible toiletBlue badge parkingCaféPicnic area+3 more

Sol Joel Park

Reading

A free park with an all-inclusive play area, a skate park and a parkour setup all in one spot.

Outdoor playParkingToilets

SportsPark

Reading

Indoor tennis coaching in a three-court dome for kids from age 4, plus holiday camps running all week.

Changing PlacesLockers

Thatcham Skatepark

Thatcham

A free outdoor skate park next to a full playground with swings, a climbing frame and a basketball hoop.

Free parkingOutdoor playWheelchair accessible

The Savill Garden

Egham

A wander through landscaped woodland and formal planting, with a café and gift shop to bookend the walk.

Accessible toiletBaby changeBlue badge parkingCafé+5 more

West Green House Garden

Hook · ages 3-14

Wander through walled gardens with an under-14, then come back after dark in winter for a trail of lit-up animal sculptures.

Blue badge parkingCaféGift shopGroup bookings+1 more

Wokefield Common Nature Reserve

Reading

Free woodland trails and glades to wander, with dragonflies to spot and a flat easy-access route for pushchairs and scooters.

Dog friendlyFree parkingParkingPushchair friendly+1 more