Free Parking in Reading in 2025 with Google Map Marking

Let’s first talk about Reading and then, we will explore the best parking spots there, both free and paid.

Reading, located in the county of Berkshire, is only an hour’s drive from the center of London. It’s actually pronounced ‘redding,’ and historians believe it dates back to the 8th century. The name is said to be derived from an Anglo-Saxon tribe and means ‘the red one.’ It now has a sizable population of 350,000 people and is classified as the largest town in the UK despite not having city status.

You’ve probably heard of the legendary Reading music festival. Over 100,000 ravers and music fans descend on the city each August bank holiday for 5 days of camping, dancing, and extreme partying. Every major pop act performs there, and it truly must be seen to be believed. If the weather cooperates, you’ll have a fantastic party, but be prepared for potential flooding and mud up to your knees! The festival has 18 stages and is known for the anarchistic behavior of its attendees. Although the music and atmosphere are unforgettable, try not to leave anything valuable in your tent because theft is common. The aftermath of the festival is truly cataclysmic, with burning tents, seas of trash trampled into the mud, and millions of beer cans. You might want to look at the sleep-deprived gaunt-looking hordes, numbering in the tens of thousands, as they begin their slow migration home; truly distraught-looking people tramping back to the temporary car park, bus, or train stations. It’s a sight to behold.

Reading has produced notable individuals such as the legendary comedian Ricky Gervais, pop singer Will Young, and the extremely controversial talk show host Jeremy Kyle. Ricky Gervais grew up in Whitley, one of the UK’s most deprived housing estates.

Reading is on the rise these days, and it’s an excellent location for those who want to work in London but prefer to live somewhere more peaceful. It’s only a 20-minute train ride away, and approximately 40,000 people commute there every day.

The Thames River Towpath has some lovely walks, and Fobney Island even has a nature reserve. Along with the river, don’t miss out on the Avon canal, which connects with Bristol 87 miles to the west. There are several canal boat tours available, and kayak rental is also very popular. Spending time in these beautiful places could be the ideal way to spend a relaxing day out.

If you enjoy Downton Abbey, you should not miss the main filming location, Highclere Castle, which is also a popular tourist destination. It was built in 1679 and served as the backdrop for the ultra-posh 1990s comedy drama Jeeves and Wooster!

If you have excess energy, there’s the incredible Parthian Climbing Centre, the Newbury Racecourse, and much more. Reading has a great friendly atmosphere, a vibrant student nightlife, and a plethora of cool bars.

We’ve located all of the best free and paid parking options in Reading, including various neighborhoods. Save money on parking and continue reading for more interesting information about other cool places to visit as you stroll towards the center.

Important Note:

While UKFreeParking.com takes every step to ensure that the parking information provided is accurate at the time of writing, local ordinances, parking availability, parking prices, and parking regulations change with time.

UKFreeParking.com accepts no responsibility for any fines or tickets received as a result of using our website.

Please ensure that you park your vehicle safely and responsibly every time, making sure to adhere to local parking rules, signs, and regulations.

Free Parking in Reading

Free, unrestricted residential street parking

Have you considered using free residential street parking instead of paying for parking garages? You could end up saving a lot of money in the long run, as well as seeing some of the sights along the way to the center. Everyone should stretch their legs after a long drive, and the following lists will provide you with a variety of great things to see as you make your way towards Reading’s center.

You will not be breaking any rules by parking in the following spots as long as you park respectfully and try not to annoy the neighbors with loud music or late-night conversations. It goes without saying that parking is at your own risk, and if it does not feel safe, you may want to consider another street or pay for a secure parking lot. We update this site on a regular basis, but please keep an eye out for street signs indicating newly enforced parking restrictions. The distances between the following locations are from the central train station.

North

If you are driving down the A4074 from Oxford, the addresses below are nice and close to the train station. You can take a scenic detour along the river and visit Caversham Weir, or you can visit one of the many parks, such as Christchurch Meadows or King’s Meadows. If the weather permits, you might want to consider stopping by the outdoor Thames Lido for a swim. Reading has far too many enjoyable activities!

• Heron Island RG4 8DQ – 0.8 miles
• Champion Road RG4 8EL – 0.9 miles
• Ardler Road RG4 5AE – 0.9 miles
• Piggott’s Road RG4 8EN – 0.9 miles
• Nelson Road RG4 5AT – 1.0 mile
• Star Road RG4 5BE – 1.1 miles

East

There are some good parking spots near the cemetery and the Royal Berkshire Hospital if you are driving in from London along the M4. If you want to stop for a bite to eat or a quick half pint along the Kennet River, that would also be a nice detour as you walk towards the center. You can look at the boats as you go, and as you can see from the map, there are numerous tow paths to explore.

• Montague Street RG1 4JH – 0.8 miles
• Blenheim Road RG1 5NG – 1.1 miles
• Auckland Road RG6 1NY – 2.0 miles
• Trelleck Road RG1 6EN – 1.4 miles

South

Will you be coming from the Basingstoke area? If you need some peace and quiet before heading into the city, there is some free residential street parking near the Coley Water Meadows, an amazing nature reserve just a few miles south of the city center. The Castle Tap is a fantastic dog-friendly pub with a fantastic restaurant on the way to the centre, with excellent reviews and super friendly staff. Why not meet the locals and get some recommendations for other exciting things to do in Reading?

• Holybrook Road RG1 6DG – 1.1 miles
• Shaw Road RG1 6JX – 1.2 miles
• Boston Avenue RG1 6JU – 1.1 miles
• Tintern Crescent RG1 6HB – 1.4 miles
• St. Saviours Road RG1 6ET – 1.4 miles
• Wensley Road RG1 6UZ – 1.4 miles
• Benson Close RG2 7JG – 2.1 miles
• Drake Way RG2 0GQ – 2.2 miles

Free after 8 pm/Overnight Parking

These addresses are great if you plan on arriving in Reading after 8 p.m., but remember to leave before 08:00 a.m. or you might get a parking ticket.

• Fobney Street RG1 6BY – 0.5 miles
• Deansgate Road RG1 2RZ – 0.6 miles
• London St RG1 4PS – 0.4 miles
• South Street RG1 4QS – 0.6 miles
• Temple Place RG1 6QJ – 0.8 miles
• East Street RG1 4AW – 0.6 miles

Park and Ride Services

• Mereoak Park & Ride RG7 1JY – south of Reading
• Thames Valley Park & Ride RG6 1PT – east of Reading

Cheapest Paid Car Parks

If you don’t want to walk or need to get to the center of town quickly, there are paid parking lots nearby. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of all the paid parking lots in Reading for your convenience.

• Meadway Precinct RG30 4AB – £1.00 for 2 hours
• Chester Street Car Park RG4 8JH – £1.20 for 2 hours
• Lytham Road (west) Pay and Display RG5 3DE – £1.20 for 2 hours
• Crockhamwell Road Car Park RG5 3JY – £1.20 for 2 hours
• Headley Road Pay and Display Car Park RG5 4JA – £1.20 for 2 hours
• Recreation Road Car Park RG30 4UD – £1.20 for 2 hours
• Dunstall Close Car Park RG31 5AY – £1.20 for 2 hours
• Battle Street Car Park RG1 7NU – £2.00 for 2 hours
• Cattle Market Car Park RG1 7HN – £2.10 for 2 hours

Free short-term parking (2h or less)/Customer only parking

There is nothing illegal about using the following commercial parking options as long as you do not exceed your two-hour time limit, and you will not face any fines for doing so. These options may be ideal if you only need to go into town to pick up someone or buy something.

• Forbury Retail Park RG1 3JH
• Station Shopping Park RG1 8AL
• Iceland Supermarket Reading RG1 7QE
• Thameside Promenade Car Park RG1 8BD
• Tesco Extra RG1 8DF
• Kensington Road Car Park RG30 2EG
• Brunel Retail Park RG2 0HB
• Prospect Park Car Park RG30 2ND
• Reading Gate Retail Park RG2 0QG

Free and Paid Parking Near Popular Reading Locations

Free & paid parking near Reading Museum and Railway Station

Free & paid parking near the Museum of English Rural Life

Free & paid parking near Reading Winter Wonderland