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:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 9am to 5pm
- Wednesday 10.15am to 5pm
Reading Civic Centre on Google Maps
Reading Central Library
Reading Central Library is air conditioned and has space to sit, browse, learn and work, free wifi and toilet access. It is also wheelchair accessible. It is open on:
- Mondays and Fridays – 10am to 5pm
- Tuesdays and Thursdays – 10am – 7pm
- Saturdays – 10am to 3pm
Reading Central Library on Google Maps
Battle Library
Battle Library is air conditioned and has space to sit, browse, learn and work, free wifi and toilet access. It is also wheelchair accessible. It is open on:
- Tuesdays – 1pm to 7pm
- Thursdays – 9am to 5pm
- Fridays – 9am – 12noon
- Saturday: 10am – 3pm
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Sundays and bank holidays: closed
Battle Library 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:
- Weekdays – 7am to 9pm
- Weekends- 7am to 6pm
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:
- Weekdays – 7am to 9pm
- Weekends – 7am to 6pm
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.
Find out opening times and what is on at Whitley Wood Community Centre
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 (MERL)
The Museum of English Rural Life has air-conditioning in the galleries, in addition to a large garden with some shade under trees. Free water refills are available, free seating, toilets, a cafe, wifi and limited desk space. Wheelchair accessible.
Opening times (galleries, garden, cafe and shop):
- Tuesday to Friday – 9am to 5pm (last entry at 4.30pm)
- Saturday and Sunday – 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4.30pm)
More information on MERL opening times
Museum of English Rural Life on Google Maps
Whitley Community Development Association Cafe
The Whitley Community Development Association 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 Association 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
St Andrew’s Church
St Andrew’s Church is a cool, welcoming space available to all during periods of hot weather. Free drinking water is available, along with tea and coffee-making facilities (free of charge). The church offers a calm environment for rest and respite from the heat.
Open daily
St Andrew’s Church on Google Maps
Reading Bike Hub
Reading Bike Hub is offering a cool space (not air conditioned) with seating provided, free water refills available, games and activities on site. There is toilet access on site (however please note that the building is only wheelchair accessible upstairs, toilet access is via stairs).
Opening times:
- Mondays and Tuesdays 10am to 3pm
- Wednesday 3pm to 8pm
- Thursday Closed
- Friday 3pm to 8pm
- Saturdays and Sundays 11am to 4pm
Last updated on 09/07/2026
Cool spaces in Reading