View Island - Reading

Address: View Island, Berkshire, Reading RG1 8AF

Location

View Island lies in the River Thames, nestled between Christchurch Meadows to the north and King's Meadows to the south. Throughout the island, visitors will find information boards that share details about the hydroelectric power plant and local wildlife, including a fish pass stream that meanders through the island.

Parking

There are two car parks close to the island:

Hills Meadow Car Park is very spacious, with nearly 300 parking spaces. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and includes numerous disabled parking spaces.

King's Meadow Car Park has 95 spaces and is also open 24 hours, seven days a week. There are 2 disabled parking spaces.

Payment method:

• Cards and RingGo - location code 9471 (Hills Meadows)

• Cards and RingGo - location code 9472 (Kings Meadow)

• Blue Badge holders park for free

Accessibility

Small step onto the walkway

The main paths to the island from either side of the river are paved and wide enough for mobility scooter and wheelchair users. Once on the island, the paths are level with some uneven sections (pictured above).

The bridge from Christchurch Meadows is fairly steep. There is a step to cross Caversham Lock from Kings Meadow Car Park.

There are benches approximately every 50 metres on the island.

There are larger gaps without places to rest before reaching the island from both sides of the river, with distances of roughly 100-150 metres. Hills Meadow Car Park is at a slightly greater distance, but there are more benches along the path.

Conclusion

View Island is perfect for a quiet break from the busy town of Reading, and with the surrounding meadows and parkland, there's plenty to explore.