caversham court gardens

This is a beautiful place to visit, right on the river Thames. Somewhere to go to photograph wildlife on the river, eat a picnic, sit and read or meet up with friends. Lovely Tea Kiosk serving homemade cakes and drinks at very reasonable prices for Charity. Lots of history to read about and things to see. Well worth a visit. Especially nice when the sun is shining!

More than 20 years ago I moved from the U.S. to London and worked in Reading for three years. Initially, I stayed for a month at the old Caversham Bridge Hotel right across the river from these gardens before moving into my London flat. I never made it over to visit the Gardens while I worked in Reading. Last week, during a business trip to London, I visited Reading for a day and made a point to go here. Am very glad I did. It was an early March day, cool but with sunny breaks. The Thames here is narrow and absolutely beautiful. Swans, geese, ducks and coots dot the river. Caversham Bridge, visible from the riverbank, gracefully spans the river. Large meadows on the south bank host the Reading Festival each summer. On the north bank, where the gardens lie, the ground slopes up steeply through Caversham to a ridge above the village.The gardens themselves sit on a former estate dating to the 12th century. The house was demolished early last century. The foundation of the home is outlined in brick with small medallions set in the ground that indicate what each room was used for. This is rather interesting as you can "walk around the house" in a sense. The Parish Church of St. Peter sits just above the estate grounds. It has a lovely cemetery, old hemlocks and other trees, and a fine prospect over the river and the meadows across the flood plain. The grounds leading down to the river are extensive, pretty and, even at this time of year, it was pleasant to sit on the benches along the river and enjoy the view. Most of the old estate gardens between these lawns and the church above are now "allotments" that local residents use as vegetable and flower gardens. This portion is closed but one can peer through the gates and see their extent.I found online (just search on "Caversham Court Gardens self guided tour") a two-page pamphlet guide that the Reading Borough Council publishes, which I found very helpful as I walked around the grounds. It explained the history and various details I wouldn't have noticed or understood otherwise.I'm glad that I took time to walk over to these gardens from the center of Reading. Caversham is a lovely village and the riverside walks along either side of the Thames, though portions are being reconstructed in the wake of extreme floods a year ago, are wonderful to stroll along. It all brought back fond memories of my time here so many years ago.Highly recommended. In spring and summer this former estate and its small park would be even more splendid to enjoy.

Lovely place tucked away on the banks of the River Thames. It's a favourite spot of mine for photography too. Lovely place to sit and watch the boats go by, wander through the floral gardens, visit the church close by or take tea and cake at the small tea shop on site.

Lovely garden and there's tea and cake in the warmer months. Parking is limited, but there's blue badge parking outside.

Great for a stroll and nice benches by the water. You can also feed the ducks. The tea house is convenient when it is open (indicated by a sign out front of the gardens).

Nice place lovely kepted gardens. A good place to have a quietcup of tea and cake very nice people.

This is a very well kept free public garden, with some bits of history that remain from a old house. Also has interesting botanic and historic tours, with great views over the active river thames and a Tea Kiosk. Been there several times and enjoyed every single of them. Overall a great place for a walk, relax and a picnic.

For a very pleasant stroll in the summer these gardens are ideal plus finishing with an ice cream. Near the river but it seems a million miles from Reading. I imagine on a cold frosty morning these would be equally pleasant followed by a pint beside the fire in the pub.

Caversham Court gardens has been beautifully renovated by volunteers and it remains a lovely place to visit. It is right on the river so the views are lovely. There is a small cafe and outdoor performances in summer

Recently visited Caversham Court Gardens and I love the relaxed feeling they give me.I take my mum there and its just the right size for a pleasant stroll and a short rest on the seats.

A beautiful park, yes it is small but lovely views. Kept very neat & tidy a real pleasure to be there. Only downfall is the parking. Where to park??

This is such a lovely park. It is very well kept and gives a great view on the Thames. It is just a short stroll away from central Caversham. In Summer there is a small café and on Summer nights there is open air theatre by the Progress Theatre. Very atmospheric events!

These gardens are pretty and well tended - but very small. If you are local then you probably know what to expect, but if you travel to get here and/or you visit for the first time you could be disappointed. And I'm not sure where you would park a car.If you're happy to sit on a bench or the grass and enjoy the view of the Thames then you will be fine. But there aren't many areas to walk around.The little cafe is quite cute - although they were serving very weak filter coffee when I went so I bought a diet coke instead. The ladies behind the counter were very nice, and their cakes looked good (although I didn't try one). The history path is quite interesting - as is the little 'hut' that tells you about the gardens in the past (and the house that used to be there). But these don't take long to read.It is worth popping in for an hour or so.....but I would say most people would be bored after that!

Great voluntary guides who will show you around and explain the history of these lovely gardens by the Thames.

We live quite close and often go for a short stroll to admire the gardens and the River Thames. Any visitors we take are quite fascinated by the various time-lines etc.