Cool spaces in Reading
Cool spaces are free indoor places in Reading where you can:
- take a break from the heat
- get out of the sun
- cool down and rest
They are open to anyone who needs a cooler place to stay during the current hot weather, including people who are finding it difficult to keep cool at home.
Cool spaces can help reduce the health risks of hot weather by providing:
- a cooler indoor environment (some locations have air conditioning and some are naturally cooler buildings – details are provided below)
- seating and a place to rest
- free drinking water
- shelter from the sun
Staff will be on site. However, cool spaces do not provide medical care or specialist support. Find out how to stay safe in hot weather.
When and where to find cool spaces
Council run spaces
The following cool spaces are run by the council and available to use during the current extreme heat alert:
Reading Civic Centre
Reading Civic Centre is air conditioned with free drinking water and toilets available. It is also wheelchair accessible. It will be open as a cool space on:
- Wednesday 24 June 2026 – 9am to 5pm (Central library closed)
- Thursday 25 June 2026 – 9am to 5pm (Central library open until 7pm)
- Friday 26 June 2026 – 9am to 5pm (Central library open until 5pm)
- Saturday 27 June 2026 – Central library only – 10am to 3pm
Reading Civic Centre on Google Maps
Rivermead Leisure Centre
Rivermead Leisure Centre is air conditioned with free drinking water, toilets and changing spaces available. It is also wheelchair accessible. It will be open as a cool space on:
- Wednesday 24 June 2026 – 7am to 9pm
- Thursday 25 June 2026 – 7am to 9pm
- Friday 26 June 2026 – 7am to 9pm
Rivermead Leisure Centre on Google Maps
Palmer Park Leisure Centre
Palmer Park Leisure Centre is air conditioned with free drinking water, toilets and changing spaces available. It is also wheelchair accessible. It will be open as a cool space on:
- Wednesday 24 June 2026 – 7am to 9pm
- Thursday 25 June 2026 – 7am to 9pm
- Friday 26 June 2026 – 7am to 9pm
Palmer Park Leisure Centre on Google Maps
Whitley Wood Community Centre (small hall)
Whitley Wood Community Centre is air conditioned with free wifi, free drinking water and refreshments provided and toilet access. It will be open as a cool space on:
- Thursday 25 June 2026 – 11am to 5pm
Whitley Wood Community Centre on Google Maps
Cool spaces run by other organisations
Other local venues with cool spaces include:
Museum of English Rural Life
The Museum of English Rural Life has air-conditioning in the galleries and an air-conditioned learning studio. Tables and chairs are available, as well as a large garden with shaded areas. The museum also offers free water refills, toilets, a cafe, Wi-Fi and limited desk space. It is also wheelchair accessible.
Opening times:
- Tuesday to Friday – 9am to 5pm (last entry at 4.30pm)
- Saturday and Sunday – 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4.30pm)
Museum of English Rural Life on Google Maps
Whitley Community Development Centre Cafe
The Whitley Community Development Centre Cafe is not air conditioned, but the cafe stays cool. The cafe offers free drinking water, free Wi-Fi and toilet access. It is also wheelchair accessible.
Opening times:
- Monday to Friday – 9am to 3pm
- Saturday – 9am to 12pm
- Sunday – closed
Whitley Community Development Centre Cafe on Google Maps
Age UK Berkshire Broad Street Mall Office (upper level)
Age UK Berkshire is air conditioned with seating for up to 6 people. Free drinking water is available and the space is wheelchair accessible. It is located on the upper level of Broad Street Mall.
Opening times:
- Monday to Friday – 10am to 3pm
- Saturday and Sunday – closed
Age UK Berkshire on Google Maps
The Atrium at Greyfriars on Friar Street
The Atrium is air conditioned with a book shop and coffee shop. Free drinking water and toilet access is available, and the space is wheelchair accessible.
Opening times:
- Monday to Saturday – 9am to 4pm
- Sunday – 9am to 11am
Cafe12 at Lifespring Church
Cafe12 is air conditioned with free drinking water and toilet access available. Step free access is available through the Russell Street entrance.
Opening times:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10am to 2pm
- Saturday, Sunday and Monday – closed
Last updated on 24/06/2026
Cool spaces in Reading