
Palmer Park
A vibrant community hub in Reading, Palmer Park offers sports, events, a playground, and a community orchard.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Palmer Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant community hub in Reading, Palmer Park offers sports, events, a playground, and a community orchard.
"Palmer Park is a gem of open space and lush greenery that offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city."

🎯 Bring your cycling gear!
The park has a mile-long loop perfect for cycling or balance bikes.
🍎 Visit for apple picking!
Enjoy picking your own apples in the community orchard during autumn.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Restored Bandshell
Palmer Park
A beautifully restored historic bandshell, featuring elements from its original structure.

Community Orchard
Palmer Park
Pick your own apples in the community orchard during the fall season.

Spacious Sports Fields
Palmer Park
Four large fields perfect for sports, events, picnics, and general recreation.

Children's Play Area
Palmer Park
A well-equipped playground with swings and a sandpit, suitable for younger children.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating Palmer Park: Parking & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring your cycling gear!
The park has a mile-long loop perfect for cycling or balance bikes.
🍎 Visit for apple picking!
Enjoy picking your own apples in the community orchard during autumn.
🎟️ Book event tickets early!
Popular events like Scarefest can sell out quickly.
🚗 Ample free parking available
Plenty of free parking, including disabled spots, is available on-site.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring your cycling gear!
The park has a mile-long loop perfect for cycling or balance bikes.
🍎 Visit for apple picking!
Enjoy picking your own apples in the community orchard during autumn.
🎟️ Book event tickets early!
Popular events like Scarefest can sell out quickly.
🚗 Ample free parking available
Plenty of free parking, including disabled spots, is available on-site.
🌳 Enjoy the mature trees
Find ample shade on sunny days under the park's many mature trees.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Palmer Park is widely praised as a clean, well-maintained, and versatile green space offering something for all ages. Visitors highlight its excellent facilities, including sports courts, playgrounds, and a community orchard, alongside its role as a vibrant event venue. While generally loved, some mention it can get busy during warmer weather and popular events.
"Friendly family atmosphere with plenty of activities for toddlers to adults. Tennis courts, basketball, large football courts and grounds. Library onsite, disabled parking close to the park, Ethiopian cuisine cafe fro Tuesday to Saturday, sandpit area for younger kids, trampoline which tiny bit fun. There is palmer park leisure centre onsite, with ample of free parking. Four large fields for sports, events and more . It does become busy with the warmer weather, ideal picnic areas, and plenty of the older teens to do in terms of using the gym, swimming, and much more. The park in general is very clean and tidy, well kept and maintained . One of the cleanest in Reading. Recommended for all ages."
Miss Ty
"Visited on a rainy day – a lovely park!
The park is spacious, with plenty of room to play football. There's a sports centre right next to it, and the nearby street has several restaurants, perfect for takeaway. While there isn’t a dedicated push-up bar, you can easily find alternatives. The playground is primarily designed for children, but there are swings and other equipment that adults can enjoy too."
Hanna W.
"Palmer Park in Reading is a gem of open space and lush greenery that offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This park is beautifully maintained, with vast expanses of grass, vibrant flower beds, and plenty of mature trees that provide ample shade on sunny days. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or simply to relax and enjoy nature.
I recently attended the Classic Ibiza live festival at Palmer Park, and it was an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the buzz of excitement and joy from attendees of all ages. The event was well-organized, with plenty of facilities to ensure everyone had a great time.
The music at Classic Ibiza was phenomenal. The DJ set kicked things off with some fantastic Ibiza tunes, getting everyone in the mood with classic beats and dance tracks that are synonymous with the iconic party island. Later, the unique twist of classical music renditions of Ibiza hits added a sophisticated touch to the evening. The blend of live orchestral performance with the vibrant energy of Ibiza anthems created a magical experience that was both nostalgic and refreshing.
Overall, Palmer Park is a wonderful venue for events and a beautiful park to visit any time of the year. Whether you're there for a peaceful afternoon or an exciting event like Classic Ibiza, you're sure to have a fantastic time. Highly recommended!"
Rory Cantellow
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Palmer Park is conveniently located in the east of Reading. It's accessible by car with ample free parking available. Public transport options may also be available; check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, Palmer Park offers ample free parking, including dedicated disabled parking spaces close to the park and leisure center.
Absolutely! Palmer Park features a mile-long loop that's perfect for cycling, balance bikes, or a leisurely ride.
The park is generally spacious and well-maintained, with accessible parking. The restored bandshell also includes accessible restrooms.
Palmer Park is generally open to the public during daylight hours. Specific facility opening times, like the recreation center or cafe, may vary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Palmer Park is a public park and generally free to enter. However, specific events held within the park, such as concerts or festivals, may require paid admission.
For special events like Scarefest or music festivals, tickets are usually required and can sell out. It's advisable to check event listings and book in advance.
The operating hours for the Palmer Park Recreation Centre can vary. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current information on opening times and facility availability.
Generally, picnics are welcome in Palmer Park. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific event guidelines regarding outside food and beverages.
While there are many ideal picnic areas, specific reservations for picnic spots are typically not required. It's first-come, first-served.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Palmer Park offers a wide range of activities including tennis courts, basketball, football fields, a running track, a playground, and a community orchard. The park also hosts events and has a library and leisure center on-site.
Yes, there is a dedicated children's play area with swings and a sandpit, making it a great spot for families with younger kids.
While Palmer Park is known for its green spaces, cross country skiing is not a commonly mentioned activity. Specific conditions for skiing would depend on snowfall and park management.
Palmer Park features a running track around the outer circle, with clearly marked distance measurements. The park's spacious layout also makes it ideal for leisurely walks.
Palmer Park hosts various events throughout the year, including Halloween festivals like Scarefest, jazz concerts, and large music festivals such as Classic Ibiza.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is an Ethiopian cuisine cafe open Tuesday to Saturday, and the park is ideal for picnics. Nearby streets also offer various restaurant options for takeaway.
Yes, Palmer Park is an ideal spot for picnics with plenty of open fields and green spaces.
Yes, there is an Ethiopian cuisine cafe operating from Tuesday to Saturday.
The cafe offers Ethiopian cuisine.
Yes, the nearby streets have several restaurants, making it convenient for takeaway meals.
📸 📸 Photography
The restored bandshell offers a picturesque backdrop, especially with its unique design. The mature trees and vibrant flower beds also provide beautiful natural settings for photography.
Yes, Palmer Park is a popular venue for events, and its spacious grounds and unique structures like the bandshell can make for dynamic event photography.
Certainly! The community orchard is a lovely spot for photos, especially during the fall apple-picking season.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for commercial photography or filming, it's advisable to check with park management for any necessary permits or guidelines.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset often provide the most flattering light for outdoor photography in the park's natural settings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With ample free parking and accessible facilities, including restrooms in the bandshell, visiting with children is made easier. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy on the large fields, making for a full day of family entertainment.
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
🎶 Event Goers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Palmer Park's Rich History and Restoration
The park's commitment to preservation and enhancement is evident in its ongoing developments. The presence of mature trees provides a sense of established beauty and offers natural shade, contributing to the park's appeal as a place for relaxation and recreation.
Activities and Recreation for Everyone
Families with younger children will appreciate the dedicated playground area, complete with swings and a sandpit. During the fall, the community orchard provides a delightful opportunity for apple picking. The park also hosts various community events, from Halloween festivals like Scarefest to live music concerts and classical Ibiza performances, drawing diverse crowds.
Community Hub and Events
The park's facilities, including the restored bandshell and spacious fields, make it an ideal location for these gatherings. The presence of a library and a leisure center further enhances its role as a community resource. These events contribute to the friendly family atmosphere that is frequently mentioned in reviews.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit