Things to do in Theale
Discover Garston Lock, one of only two turf-sided locks in the country and so special that it has listed building status. Spend a few hours looking out for the pillboxes which were built as mini forts, walk or cycle along the towpath from Sheffield Lock to Garston Lock, do a spot of bird watching, spend a lazy lunchtime with a picnic watching boats pass through the locks, and check out the quirky swing bridge.
Family days out
The Nearby Beale Park is an outdoor wildlife park set within 30 acres of ground. Home to over 20 species of animals, it offers a wide range of nature-related activities and workshops at weekends and over the school holidays; when you've seen all the animals, take a ride of the miniature train, let the kids run loose in one of the many outdoor play areas, or enjoy the park's gardens, sculptures, trails and lakes. Spend a day at Basildon Park, an impressive Georgian mansion surrounded by beautiful parkland. Explore the 1950s kitchen, follow the Eye Spy Trail around the house or the Woodland Walk trail in the gardens, or argue over Giant Drafts and Garden Jenga in the grounds.
Get active
On a rainy day, head over to Nearby Reading where you can face your fears at the indoor Climbing Centre, bounce around at Atom Trampoline Park, or splash about at Reading's Central Swimming Pool, with its four separate pools and three board diving pit.