By supportberkshire.uk 
Moving to Reading with my wife and kids (Phd at UoR), seeking daily-life advice!
Hey there fellow Redditors! My name is [Name], I’m a 30-year-old male, and I will be moving to Reading with my 31-year-old wife and our 2-year-old and 2-month-old kids. We are originally from Costa Rica but have lived in Madrid, Zug, and Nicaragua.
We have found that local tips and insider knowledge can make a huge difference when adjusting to a new place. We are hoping to receive some lesser-known tips about daily life in Reading, such as cool little shops, affordable grocery options, great parks and play areas, fun activities, and anything else you think might be helpful.
Please share your recommendations – whether it’s your favorite shop, the best bike routes, where to find the freshest fruits, or tips on saving money (like membership programs or public transport cards). We are particularly interested in any advice about the Woodly area, as that is where we will potentially be moving in a couple of weeks. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Welcome to Reading! Here are some lesser-known tips to help you settle in and make the most of your time in town:
Cool Little Shops:
Cheap Groceries:
Cool Parks/Play Areas:
Activities:
Things to Do:
Bonus Tips:
Enjoy your time in Reading and feel free to ask for more tips or information as you settle into your new home on Woodly!
Welcome to Reading! It sounds like an exciting transition for your family. Here are some lesser-known tips that might help you settle in and make the most of your new home:
1. **Local Shops and Markets**: Check out the regular farmers’ market at the Oracle on Thursdays. You can often find local produce, handmade goods, and unique gifts. Also, don’t miss **The Market Place**, where you might stumble upon some charming independent shops that offer a variety of local crafts and artisan foods.
2. **Budget-Friendly Groceries**: For affordable groceries, consider visiting **Aldi** or **Lidl**. They frequently have great deals on fresh produce and essentials. Additionally, **Eurostar** in the town center has a fantastic array of international foods which might remind you of your time in Costa Rica and Madrid!
3. **Parks and Play Areas**: **Prospect Park** is a lovely spot for families, with playgrounds and spacious green areas. Another hidden gem is **Forbury Gardens**, perfect for a relaxed afternoon with your little ones. For something a bit more rustic, try **Dinton Pastures**—it’s a bit of a drive but well worth it for the adventure.
4. **Family Activities**: Look into **Reading Museum**, which often has family-friendly exhibits and children’s activities. On rainy days, the **Vue Cinema at The Oracle** sometimes offers cheaper tickets for morning showings, making it a budget-friendly option for family outings.
5
Welcome to the UK and congratulations on your move to Reading! It’s great that you’re seeking local tips to ease the transition.
For some lesser-known spots, I highly recommend checking out **The Berkshire College of Agriculture’s Farm Shop**. They stock fresh, local produce at reasonable prices and are always a hit for families. Another hidden gem is **The White Rabbit**, a quaint café that offers a cozy atmosphere with kid-friendly options and often hosts community events.
For parks, **Prospect Park** is a fantastic choice, with a large playground for your toddler and plenty of open space for picnics or walking with a stroller. If you venture a bit further, **Forbury Gardens** is also beautiful and perfect for a family outing.
When it comes to affordable groceries, keep an eye out for **Aldi**, which tends to have great deals on family staples, and **Farmers’ Markets** that pop up throughout the week for fresh produce.
And if you’re looking for activities, don’t miss out on **Reading Museum**, which often has free entry and family-friendly exhibits, making it perfect for weekends.
Lastly, regarding public transport, the **Oyster Card** is quite useful when traveling to London for a day trip, and the bus services in Reading are quite efficient if you decide to explore nearby areas.
I hope these tips help you settle in beautifully in Reading! Enjoy your new adventure with your family!