READING has been ranked as one of Britain's best towns for families to spend outdoors.

With children excited to get back outside, The Entertainer has looked at the best towns and cities for families to spend outdoors based on how many family-friendly outdoor spaces they have.

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These spaces include parks and playgrounds to beaches and botanical gardens.

The toy shop explained the ranking was created by using data from the Ordnance Survey and Sygic Maps.

Reading came in fourth place based on the best towns and cities for families to spend outdoors when looking at spaces per 10 square miles.

The town has 217 family-friendly outdoor spaces for every 10 square miles for people to enjoy.

Leicester came in first place with 524 family-friendly outdoor spaces for every 10 square miles.

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Norwich was second with 415 family-friendly outdoor spaces per 10 square miles followed by Oxford with 225 per 10 square miles.

Best nature and parks in Reading

According to reviews on Tripadvisor the following five places are listed as the best nature and parks to visit in Reading.

Opening and closing times/days may have been impacted by the pandemic.

Please contact individual businesses for details.

Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre

Reading Chronicle:

The Falconry centre in Bath Road, Ladds Garden Village, showcases British birds of prey including Barn Owls and Peregrine Falcons.

It offers a variety of opportunities, from a half-day hands on experience session and family falconry sessions, to the more unusual experiences such as educational owl hours or awesome bird of prey birthday parties.

The centre was awarded 5 stars on Tripadvisor with one customer explaining they had a "fabulous day" there.

Kennet and Avon Canal

One visitor to the Kennet and Avon Canal described it as a "beautiful canal".

Another said: "Nice place to take a walk, walk long enough & you leave the hustle & bustle of city & enter the tranquillity of the country side which is always pleasant."

Wellington Country Park

This country park on Odiham Road, Riseley, received 4 stars on Tripadvisor.

The park offers an open-air venue for children up to the age of eight years old to visit and enjoy.

One visitor said they enjoyed a "perfect, fun filled, picnic day, despite Covid-19".

Caversham Court Gardens

Reading Chronicle:

Caversham Court is a public garden, and was a mansion located on the north bank of the River Thames in Caversham.

The charming walled garden with terraced lawns leading down to the river Thames is a great place for a picnic, and many public events are held in the gardens throughout the year, including open air theatre and cinema.

The park is also a Green Flag and Green Heritage award winner.

People seem to love this place, with one review saying: "If you haven't been to this little hidden gem please make time and go."

Beale Park

Reading Chronicle:

Beale Wildlife Park and Gardens is situated by the River Thames, between the villages of Pangbourne and Lower Basildon.

The outdoor park boasts 30 acres set against the River Thames and is home to an exciting mix of animals and attractions.

One glowing review reads: "Lots of fun for young ones and old ones!

"Went there with our daughter and her family.

"We took a picnic and sat on the spacious grass picnic area which also had benches if you preferred.

"There were lots of small animals and exotic birds, pretty plants and flowers, fascinating statues and figures scattered around the grounds, play areas and apparatus for the children, a beautiful Chinese garden to walk round, large Koi and ordinary carp, restaurant, convenience rooms and a fun train ride to boot!

"It’s a definite recommendation! Great day out!"