Berkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-nbsp">WHY?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Not everyone hankers for country living, and now the Elizabeth Line is whizzing people into central London, Caversham is the perfect spot for people looking for town, country, river and rock &#8216;n&#8217; roll. This Reading suburb of Caversham is a sought-after hub for young professionals and families who long for an easy commute, community vibe and abundance of indie shops and restaurants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1002" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/collective-credit-social-creative-hub-Screenshot-2025-03-17-at-17.06.51.png" alt="credit: social creative hub" class="wp-image-77165" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/collective-credit-social-creative-hub-Screenshot-2025-03-17-at-17.06.51.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/collective-credit-social-creative-hub-Screenshot-2025-03-17-at-17.06.51-798x800.png 798w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/collective-credit-social-creative-hub-Screenshot-2025-03-17-at-17.06.51-998x1000.png 998w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/collective-credit-social-creative-hub-Screenshot-2025-03-17-at-17.06.51-400x400.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/collective-credit-social-creative-hub-Screenshot-2025-03-17-at-17.06.51-768x770.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/collective-credit-social-creative-hub-Screenshot-2025-03-17-at-17.06.51-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Collective. Credit: Social Creative Hub</figcaption></figure>



<p>For those Shoreditch vibes, head to <a aria-label="The Last Crumb (opens in a new tab)" href="https://dodopubs.com/locations/the-last-crumb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Last Crumb</a>, a hipster pub serving dirty burgers and pizzas with an ever-changing list of craft beers. On Church Street, you&#8217;ll find the deliciously cool Muddy Award winning café <a aria-label="The Collective (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thecollectivecaversham.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Collective</a> (above) and we&#8217;d also recommend vegan restaurant <a aria-label="Vegivores (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.wearevegivores.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vegivores</a>. <a href="https://www.clayskitchen.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clay&#8217;s Kitchen &amp; Bar</a> is where you&#8217;ll want to be for excellent modern Indian cuisine. For drinkies, the new <a href="https://www.spillbar.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spill Bar</a> is a cool café by day and swish wine and cocktail den by night.</p>



<p>Over the river into Reading, sample the Mediterranean tapas at the <a aria-label="Thames Lido (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/thames-lido/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thames Lido</a>, street food and cocktails at Blue Collar Corner, great craft beer at the cool new <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/restaurants/review-siren-bar-reading/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Siren Bar</a>, as well as fine dining grub at <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/hotel-and-inns/review-the-roseate-reading/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Roseate</a>. See the full list of our top picks <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/restaurants/the-8-best-restaurants-in-reading/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<p>Church Street and Prospect Street have a good selection of indie retailers, leaving the high-street giants to Reading town centre. Muddy Award-winning <a href="https://www.thelivewellshop.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a href="https://www.noodstores.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nood Stores</a> is a luxury eco lifestyle shop selling seriously chic homewares, gifts and skincare. Recently opened <a href="https://theeditshop.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOooODBkIhTFiUBKcnkM7yPD6jjqQIdT3lDS0HpLHFJTfuTXgezdn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Edit</a> is a stylish boutique selling more of the same and trendy indie brands. It&#8217;s the sister to <a href="https://www.thecollectivecaversham.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Collective</a> who also has a small selection of gifts to grab with your latté. Yes, there&#8217;s even more newbies on the block. Sashay your way to <a href="https://bkry.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOorYQgTY_tyJUjg2e66m2zK-0_qGyMwQUzazryfHJLlZJXNQnKo8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BKRY</a> &#8211; an Insta-candy custom cake shop selling sweet treats and iced coffees, as well as a baking academy.</p>



<p><a aria-label="Griggs &amp; Mackay (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.griggsandmackay.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Griggs &amp; Mackay</a> offer funky furniture and interiors. Get your hair done at Muddy Award-winning <a href="http://www.indigorye.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indigo Rye</a>, then waft around bespoke perfumer maker <a aria-label="Humos (opens in a new tab)" href="https://humos.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humos</a> (eyes peeled for their exhibitions and workshops). There&#8217;s also a bakery, butchers, local brewery, and a Waitrose, as well as cutesy Italian deli, <a href="https://mamasway.co.uk/">Mama&#8217;s Way</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1265" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/thames-lido-2-1.png" alt="Thames lido reading caversham best place to live in berkshire" class="wp-image-68543" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/thames-lido-2-1.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/thames-lido-2-1-632x800.png 632w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/thames-lido-2-1-791x1000.png 791w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/thames-lido-2-1-316x400.png 316w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/thames-lido-2-1-768x972.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Thames Lido</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/restaurants/review-thames-lido-reading/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thames Lido</a> is your sexiest hangout spot for scoffing, quaffing, and dunking. Anyone can hang here, but if you want to be a member, be warned: the waitlists are huge. May all your skin concerns be history with <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle-2/wellbeing-lifestyle-2/review-hydrafacial-with-hilton-skin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hilton Skin</a> on Caversham&#8217;s Church Road &#8211; an oasis for non-invasive, medi-led, and highly advanced treatments. Equally, our National Muddy Award Winner for Best Skin Clinic, <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle-2/wellbeing-lifestyle-2/review-glow-facial-with-rebalance-skin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rebalance Skin</a> is in nearby Tolkers Green with luxe cutting-edge treatments that relax, rejuvenate, and really work. </p>



<p>Additionally, there&#8217;s a GP surgery, chiropractor clinic, vets, dentists, and opticians. <a href="https://www.cavershamhealthclub.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caversham Health Club</a> has everything you ever need, including a gym, pilates and yoga studio, cycle studio, classes, bar, and sauna. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>The people of Caversham love where they live and it shows. There&#8217;s an annual Caversham Church Fete that takes place on the riverside with live music, food, and all your classic fairground games in the summer. A bustling <a href="https://www.cafmarket.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caversham Market</a> takes place every Sunday, stacked with artisan goods &#8211; all made, grown, or crafted locally. A Christmas Market pulls up every year, as do the illuminated streets of Caversham, whose residents go all out to make sure their little corner of Berkshire shines the brightest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="720" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/01/reading-museum-gallery.jpeg" alt="reading museum" class="wp-image-60266" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/01/reading-museum-gallery.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/01/reading-museum-gallery-800x384.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/01/reading-museum-gallery-1000x480.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/01/reading-museum-gallery-400x192.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/01/reading-museum-gallery-768x369.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/01/reading-museum-gallery-900x432.jpeg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Reading Museum</figcaption></figure>



<p>On the doorstep, <a href="https://home.fccg.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caversham Court Gardens</a> is a lovely riverside park, perfect for a picnic or reflective cuppa. If you&#8217;re a lover of Lycra and water, stick your oar in at <a href="http://www.readingrc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reading Rowing Club</a> (home of British Rowing). For culture vultures, head into town to see Britain&#8217;s Victorian replica of the Bayeux Tapestry at <a href="https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reading Museum</a> and the <a href="https://merl.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Museum of English Rural Life</a> (aka The MERL) is a surprise cultural hit. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>Love an original Banksy? Hop over the bridge and you&#8217;ll see the world famous Reading Prison artwork. Love it or hate it, August bank holiday is always about <a href="https://www.readingfestival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reading Festival</a> and you&#8217;ll practically get front row seat – Chappell Roan, Hozier, Travis Scott, and Bring Me The Horizon headlined at this year&#8217;s event. Elsewhere, <a href="https://whatsonreading.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hexagon Theatre </a>attracts the glitterati of the comedy circuit and many West End productions too. </p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.readingrep.com/">Reading Rep Theatre</a> is an award-winning professional theatre we love. Plus the <a href="https://rabbletheatre.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rabble Theatre </a>and <a href="https://progresstheatre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Progress Theatre</a> both put on high quality productions, using the dramatic Abbey Ruins during the summer months. <a href="https://readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reading Biscuit Factory</a> is a stunning boutique cinema and <a href="https://readingfringefestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reading Fringe Festival</a> has a seriously good reputation for its programme of edgy comedy and theatre.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>Berkshire&#8217;s proximity to London inflates house prices, and the Elizabeth Line has seen average prices rise to £513,719 (although it is down 4% this year). The majority of sales in the last year were semi detached properties, costing just shy of £550,000 on average. Detached properties cost £775,000, with terraces fetching £397,341. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/caversham-haslams-copy-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82742" style="aspect-ratio:1.4992503748125936;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/caversham-haslams-copy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/caversham-haslams-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/caversham-haslams-copy-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/caversham-haslams-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/caversham-haslams-copy.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A freshly refurbed <a href="https://haslams.net/property/gosbrook-road-caversham-34196606/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2-bed semi</a> in a desirable location. This pad is show home pretty and made for family living. Yours for £415k.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>Caversham’s&nbsp;Ofsted Good <a href="https://www.bananamoon-caversham.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Banana Moon Day Nursery</a> has zoned play areas, interactive screen, a treehouse, biometric entry top the building and a parent app to keep up to date on your little darlings. For an abundance of outdoor space and home from home vibes check out Oftsed Rated Good <a href="https://chilternntc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chiltern Nursery</a> on Peppard Road. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>Right on your doorstep you have impressive girls&#8217; school <a aria-label="Queen Anne's  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/queen-annes-caversham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Anne&#8217;s </a>and <a href="https://www.cavershamschool.com">Caversham Prep</a>, plus two of the best primary schools in the Reading area – <a href="https://www.thehillprimary.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hill Primary School</a> in Caversham and <a href="https://www.cavershamprimary.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caversham Primary School</a> (both rated good by Ofsted). Head into town and there are two Ofsted Outstanding grammars <a href="https://www.reading-school.co.uk">Reading School</a> and <a href="https://www.kendrick.reading.sch.uk">Kendrick</a>. In the private school sector, take a look at impressive girls&#8217; all-through school <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/the-abbey-school-reading-berkshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Abbey</a>, the &#8216;double excellent&#8217; co-ed senior school <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/leighton-park-school-reading/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leighton Park</a>, all-through day school <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/st-josephs-college-reading-berkshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Joseph&#8217;s College</a> and <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/crosfields-school-reading-berkshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crosfields School</a> is a little further out of town, but also impressive. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Before they had thousands of screaming fans fainting at their feet, John Lennon and Paul McCartney performed in the Fox and Hounds in Caversham. Not as The Beatles, but The Nerks. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>A whopping 485 trains a day head into London, with the fastest reaching Paddington in 23 mins. A season train ticket starts at £5,856 (£6,952 with Zones 1-6). Driving to London takes about an hour. With the new Elizabeth Line, you can fly into Tottenham Court Road in just 30 mins.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/">Top 260 Best Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Caversham

See more in Berkshire