Where Can You Go Outdoors in Reading with Disabled Access? Here’s What You Need to Know
Accessible days out in Reading: discover parks, cruises & museums with genuine disabled access.
June is a wonderful time to get out and enjoy nature, but when you or a loved one use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, planning a day out takes more than just good weather. So where can you go outdoors in Reading that offers genuine disabled access? At Home Instead Reading, we believe everyone deserves to enjoy their surroundings comfortably and safely. Whether you’re marking Father’s Day on Sunday 15 June, arranging a quiet outing, or looking for open green spaces close to home, Reading and the surrounding area offer plenty of wheelchair-friendly destinations. This guide is designed to help you explore them with ease, with practical tips on parking, toilets, access and more.
From riverside cruises and nature parks to interactive museums and family spaces, this blog highlights accessible attractions around Reading that combine thoughtful design with genuine hospitality. Read on to find the best options for a relaxing, inclusive day out.
Windsor Great Park: Space to Breathe and Relax
With more than 4,800 acres of greenery, Windsor Great Park offers one of the largest open spaces in Berkshire. Many routes through the park are flat, firm, and well-suited for wheelchairs and walking aids.
Accessibility at a glance:
- Free Blue Badge parking available
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Accessibility maps at entrances and online
While the whole park is free to access, the adjacent Savill Garden does charge a fee (£7.95–£13.95), with carers admitted free of charge. It’s a good idea to pack a picnic or enjoy a light meal in one of the cafés.
Opening hours: 7:00am to sunset
Contact: 01753 860 222
The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL), Reading
Located right in Reading,MERL is a hidden treasure for those who prefer to stay closer to town. The museum offers insight into Britain’s rural past, with indoor exhibits that cater well to individuals who benefit from additional mobility or sensory support.
Accessibility features:
- Step-free access and lifts inside the building
- Accessible toilets
- Sensory support items like ear defenders and large print guides
- “Museums, My Way” programme for neurodivergent visitors
Entry is free, making it a welcoming option for families and carers.
Contact: 0118 378 8660 | [email protected]
Address: RG1 5EX
Thames Rivercruise, Caversham
If you’d prefer to see Berkshire from the water, Thames River Cruise in Caversham is a gentle and enjoyable way to spend the day. Cruises vary from quick sightseeing loops to longer journeys with food and entertainment.
Good to know:
- Parking is close to the pier
- Assistance dogs allowed
- Accessibility varies by boat. Call ahead to check suitability
Cruises start from £13.50, with timetables that shift with the seasons.
Contact: 01189 481088
Address: RG1 8BD (behind the Crowne Plaza Hotel)
The Living Rainforest, Thatcham
While not strictly outdoors, The Living Rainforest offers a unique indoor nature experience with more than 850 species of tropical plants and animals. From vibrant frogs to inquisitive monkeys, it’s a sensory experience suitable for all ages.
Accessibility information:
- Fully step-free throughout
- Designated disabled parking close to the entrance
- Carers admitted free (with proof)
- Assistance dogs welcome in the café and shop (not greenhouse)
Entry: £13.50 adults, £10.95 children
Opening times: Two sessions daily – 9:30am–12:30pm and 1:00pm–4:00pm
Contact: 01635 202 444 | [email protected]
Address: RG18 0TN
Wellington Country Park: Great for Multi-Generational Visits
Near Reading’s border with Hampshire, Wellington Country Park blends open-air fun with practical facilities. While it’s aimed at families with young children, it also includes step-free paths and plenty of seating, ideal for older adults too.
Key features:
- Eight disabled parking bays close to reception
- Wheelchair-accessible miniature railway
- Accessible toilets and step-free main areas
- Benches placed throughout for regular rest
Some paths around the lake and play areas may be uneven or bark-covered, so check ahead for visitors using a wheelchair or walking aid.
Entry varies by season and age, and there is a manual wheelchair available for hire if booked in advance.
Contact: 01189 326 444 | [email protected]
Address: RG7 1SP
Accessibility Improvements Across Reading
Reading itself has taken major steps to make everyday travel more inclusive. Reading Station features step-free access, platform lifts and ramp-assisted boarding. Local buses, including the No. 7 service to Wellington Country Park, are low-floor with ramps and kerb-lowering technology.
A recent UK-wide study ranked Reading sixth in the country for accessibility, thanks to its commitment to transport, toilet access, and improved signage across public venues.
Still, it’s worth checking directly with individual hotels, cafés or restaurants, as not all buildings are fully accessible.
Planning a Thoughtful, Stress-Free Day Out
Organising an outing for someone with a disability or mobility needs often involves more than just picking a destination. Here are a few tips to make your trip enjoyable and manageable:
- Call ahead to confirm lift access, parking availability, and accessible toilets
- Pre-book tickets where possible, especially during holidays or special events
- Bring what you need, from portable seating and sun cream to snacks and water
- Check if carers go free – many attractions offer this, but may require proof
Three More Options to Keep on Your List
If you’re looking for more outdoor experiences with accessibility in mind, West Berkshire has a few strong contenders:
- Beale Park – A wildlife park with paved walkways and family-friendly facilities
- Nature Discovery Centre – A mix of indoor exhibits and step-free bird hides near the lakes
- Dinton Pastures Country Park is a 350-acre country park, situated in the heart of Wokingham. It is an oasis of woodland, meadow, and lakes in the midst of the most urbanised part of the Thames Valley. There is car parking available from £2.40 per hour, a cafe and snack facility and plenty of support for people with limited mobility.
https://www.wokinghamcountryside.co.uk/dinton-pastures-country-park
These sites combine nature, education, and accessibility, but always double-check local conditions after rainfall, as mud can impact certain areas.
Final Thoughts
Accessible days out aren’t just about ramps and signage; they’re about making everyone feel welcome and included. Whether you’re supporting an older parent, friend or client, Berkshire offers a wealth of spaces where access has been carefully considered.
At Home Instead Reading, we’re always here to support meaningful moments, whether that’s helping a client to attend a family picnic or simply recommending the best park for an afternoon stroll. If you’d like help planning care around outings or need advice on local venues, our team is only a phone call away.
Areas We Serve
Caversham, Emmer Green, Woodley, Earley, Tilehurst, Pangbourne, Sonning, Henley-on-Thames, Twyford, Wokingham
RG1 1, RG1 2, RG1 3, RG1 4, RG1 5, RG1 6, RG1 7, RG1 8, RG2 0, RG2 6, RG2 7, RG2 8, RG2 9, RG30 1, RG30 2, RG30 3, RG30 4, RG30 6, RG31 4, RG31 5, RG31 6, RG31 7, RG4 5, RG4 7, RG4 8, RG5 3, RG6 1, RG6 3, RG6 4, RG6 5, RG6 6, RG6 7, RG8 7, RG8 8, RG8 9
1st Floor, elizabeth house, 20-24 School Rd, Tilehurst, Reading RG31 5AL, UK