Living in Wokingham

Primary Schools:
Wokingham is particularly celebrated for its outstanding choice of primary schools. Among the top-performing options is Emmbrook Infant School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2014), well regarded for its supportive environment. St Paul’s CofE Junior School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2013) is another sought-after choice, while Westende Junior School (Ofsted: Good, 2023) and Walter Infant School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2014) both serve the town centre and nearby residential areas.

Secondary Schools:
For secondary education, The Holt School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2013) is a highly respected girls’ school, known for its academic results and broad extracurricular programme. The Emmbrook School (Ofsted: Good, 2023) offers a co-educational environment, and St Crispin’s School (Ofsted: Good, 2023) is also well regarded locally. The Forest School is a leading boys' secondary with a strong reputation in the region.

Independent Schools & Colleges:
Wokingham is served by several independent education options, including Luckley House School, a co-educational day and boarding school known for its inclusive ethos, and Holme Grange School, catering for younger pupils up to the age of 16. The nearby Reading Blue Coat School and Abbey School in Reading also attract some Wokingham families.

Colleges & Universities:
Bracknell & Wokingham College provides post-16 education, apprenticeships, and adult learning. While there are no universities in Wokingham itself, The University of Reading (approx. 8 miles away) is easily accessible and attracts students from the local area.

Wokingham’s transport links make it a prime location for commuters and those seeking convenient connections. The town’s railway station offers regular direct services to key destinations, making travel straightforward for both work and leisure. South Western Railway and Great Western Railway operate from Wokingham, with fast trains to Reading, London Waterloo, and Gatwick Airport.

• Reading: Approx. 10 minutes by train
• London Waterloo: Approx. 1 hour by direct train
• Guildford: About 35 minutes by train
• Gatwick Airport: Around 1 hour 10 minutes by direct rail service

By road, Wokingham is close to the M4, A329(M), and the M3, facilitating easy driving to London, Heathrow Airport, and the wider Thames Valley region. Local bus services connect the town with neighbouring communities, while cycling routes enhance local journeys. For those flying, Heathrow Airport is around 25 miles away, making international travel highly accessible.

Wokingham has developed a reputation as one of the safer towns in Berkshire, with crime rates consistently lower than nearby urban centres. Residential areas such as Emmbrook and Woosehill are perceived as especially peaceful, and the town as a whole benefits from active neighbourhood policing and community engagement initiatives.

Local authorities regularly collaborate with Thames Valley Police to maintain these standards, investing in visible patrolling and public safety campaigns. The presence of neighbourhood watch groups and a strong sense of civic responsibility contribute to the town’s secure environment, making it especially appealing to families and retirees.

Parking in Wokingham is generally considered convenient. The town centre features a mix of short-stay and long-stay car parks, including Denmark Street Car Park and Carnival Pool Multi-Storey, while residential streets outside the centre typically offer permit or unrestricted spaces. Larger retail parks and supermarkets provide additional options.

Road access is excellent, with Wokingham situated a short distance from the A329(M) which connects directly to the M4, providing fast routes to regional hubs.

• Reading – approx. 13 minutes via A329(M) (8 miles)
• London – approx. 55 minutes via M4 (39 miles)
• Bracknell – approx. 15 minutes via A329(M) (7 miles)
• Basingstoke – approx. 32 minutes via A33 and M3 (22 miles)

While rush hour can bring congestion on main routes, overall journey times are reasonable. Motorway links and clear signage make driving to and from Wokingham straightforward for both residents and visitors.

Wokingham has a flourishing food scene, with a wide array of independent cafés, award-winning gastropubs, and global restaurants. The town centre is home to the popular Cornish Bakery, independent bistros, and family-run establishments, while the Rose Inn and The Ship Inn are just two of the historic pubs offering hearty meals and a relaxed atmosphere.

For those interested in evening entertainment, Wokingham features cocktail bars, several traditional pubs, and a scattering of chain and independent restaurants suited to all budgets. Community venues like the Wokingham Theatre and live music at local bars add cultural vibrancy, though the town offers a more laid-back alternative to the livelier nightlife in nearby Reading.

Wokingham is recognized for its strong sense of community and local pride. The town hosts regular farmers’ markets, summer fun days, and festivities like the annual Wokingham Winter Carnival and May Fayre, which attract visitors from across Berkshire. Community centres and societies provide opportunities for all age groups to get involved, from sports clubs to book groups and volunteering projects.

Outdoor living is well catered for, with parks such as Elms Field and Howard Palmer Gardens providing green space for relaxation. California Country Park and Dinton Pastures offer extensive walking and cycling trails, supporting an active and sociable lifestyle throughout the year.

School quality: Wokingham is especially popular with families due to its outstanding state and independent schools, offering a range of educational opportunities for all ages.

Parks and green space: The town boasts several well-maintained parks, play areas, and green belts, making it easy for children to enjoy outdoor activities.

Childcare: Numerous nurseries and childcare providers are located across Wokingham, catering for working families and those with pre-school children.

Safety: Low crime rates and visible community policing create a reassuring and secure environment for raising children.

Family activities: There is a varied calendar of family-friendly events, alongside sports facilities, leisure centres, and nearby woodland parks for shared recreation.

Pet-friendly living is an established feature of Wokingham’s local culture. The abundance of footpaths, woodland trails, and country parks such as Dinton Pastures and California Country Park provide a wealth of dog-walking opportunities. Many local pubs and cafés welcome dogs and other pets, especially around the town centre and neighbouring villages.

The town is well served by veterinary clinics, pet shops, and grooming services, while pet-friendly rentals and homes are increasingly common. Wokingham’s open green spaces help foster a community where pets are a valued part of daily life.