Facilities to visit and use

Part of the community
As well as fostering a strong sense of community on campus, we enjoy close links with local residents, businesses, schools and colleges. Through university life and work we aim to make a positive difference to people’s wellbeing and to the economic prosperity of the Thames Valley region.

Open to the public
Our main Whiteknights campus is a short walk or ride from the centre of Reading. Set in 130 hectares of parkland it is one of the most attractive campuses in the UK. You are welcome to enjoy this peaceful green space, with its woodland walks, rare trees, licensed fishing lake, wildlife and conservation area.*

Many campus facilities are open to the public including:

• SportsPark, which runs programmes for adults and children and where you can play most popular indoor and outdoor sports. Amenities include a Bodyworx fitness studio, weights room, multi-purpose hard and grass courts and playing fields. Watersports are available nearby on the River Thames.
• Three museums housing specialist collections relating to zoology (The Cole Museum), Greek archaeology ( Ure Museum) and rural life ( Museum of English Rural Life).
• Our Bob Kayley Studio Theatre at Bulmershe: a multimedia performance space that hosts plays, concerts and recitals.

You can also hire a number of University buildings for private events.

 There are also number of events throughout the year that are open to the public:

• The Arts scene at the University of Reading is extensive and our Events Diary provides information on all forthcoming events. For lectures, exhibitions, concerts, plays, films and other arts events open to the public see the public events page. For copies of the Events Diary, please email events@reading.ac.uk.
• The University organises a free Public Lecture Series each year open to everyone. These are delivered in the Palmer Lecture Theatre on a range of interesting topics.
  The lectures are given by eminent academics from the University and allow a lay audience an insight into some of the world-class research that is carried out here. See the Public Lecture Series pages for more details.
• The Reading Film Theatre shows a range of new releases and favourite films weekly during term time in the Palmer Lecture Theatre. The films are open to everyone.
• The University's Department of Film, Theatre & Television regularly stages productions open to the public. The University's Dramatic Society offers students a chance to perform and be involved in all aspects of theatre in the University's Bob Kayley Theatre and in the open air on one of our beautiful campus settings. See the Film, Theatre & Television departmental website for more details.
• Throughout the term, Music@Reading organises an exciting variety of musical events including charity concerts in the Great Hall, London Road and regular lunchtime concerts on the Whiteknights campus.
  At our splendid Great Hall on the London Road campus the University often hosts performances by national choirs and orchestras, which are advertised in the Events Diary. For copies please email events@reading.ac.uk

* Please Note:
Whiteknights is the private property of The University of Reading. It has never been a park, but a public right of way runs from Earley Gate to Shinfield Road. The University reserves the right to prohibit pedestrian access to other areas as necessary. Visitors must adhere to University rules and regulations which are in operation throughout the University's privately owned land at Whiteknights and elsewhere.

In general, please:

• Please keep to the paths and do not disturb wildlife or pick flowers

• Do not leave any litter or light fires

• Please keep away from buildings and research areas

• Roller-skating, skate-boarding and kite-flying are not allowed

• The lake is not suitable for water sports and activities

• Shooting, archery, golf or other projectile sports are not allowed

• Please listen to any additional advice given by the University staff

• Access may be restricted or permission withdrawn at any time.

In addition, dog-walkers please:

• Keep dogs on leads at all times and away from sports pitches

• Take dog fouling away for disposal.