Wokingham: The Healthiest Place in England!

Earlier this year Wokingham was announced as the healthiest place in England, according to The Office of National Statistics (ONS) Health Data Index, thanks to its abundance of sports clubs, exercise groups, parks, and countryside space to enjoy. In 2010, the local council set up a regeneration project in the town centre which also brought more independent shops, restaurants and cafes for the community to enjoy. This all adds up to it being a top spot to call home, so we’ve rounded up some of our favourite outdoor spaces, shops and eateries to contribute to your health and wellbeing.

Town Parks

There are plenty of green spaces to enjoy from small town parks to larger wildlife havens. The Howard Palmer Gardens in the town centre is a small pretty park, perfect for a picnic break after a morning of shopping. If you’re looking for somewhere for a nature walk then Joel Park and Holt Copse offer 23 acres of woodland to explore and is also home to a large noctule bat roost. For longer walks with a four legged friend, Redlands Farm Park offers 11 acres with beautiful views from the top of the park over Finchampstead. Whilst you’re there, take a look at the two magnificent Oak trees in the field.

Exercise Groups and Clubs

If you’re looking for an exercise group to socialise and meet new friends then there isn’t a shortage in Wokingham. If you’re into running, the Finch Coasters Running Club caters for all abilities and ages and regularly host weekly club runs and social events.

If you’d like to try out Tai Chi, Pilates or Zumba to name just a few, SHINE classes run in the local leisure centres exclusively for the over 60s, so there really is something for everyone to try!

Wokingham also has its own Bowling Club which welcomes new members to join. They offer a “new bowlers” course run by qualified coaches if you’re new to the sport.

Healthy Eating

Wokingham isn’t short on wonderful, healthy eateries. The Farm Café restaurant at Ashridge Manor Garden Centre offers a great menu of fresh food sourced from the onsite greengrocer, local craft bakers and local farms. Gail’s Bakery also has a branch in the town centre and offers an array of seasonal snacks and meals including light spring salads as well as a ‘waste not’ range, which offers a selection of food using ingredients like offcuts and wonky fruit that might otherwise be wasted.

If you’re looking for somewhere special for an evening meal or celebration then L’Ortolan is a must visit. This Michelin star French restaurant, in the nearby village of Shinfield offers a selection of beautiful dishes from an A La Carte, Gourmand, Prestige and Elegance menu. You can also enjoy an interactive dining experience when you book the Chef’s Table which is just 4 feet from the pass enabling diners to enjoy all the theatre and excitement of the busy kitchen.

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If you are looking for a laid back healthy lifestyle in a thriving setting for your downsizing journey, take a look at our later living homes available at Renaissance Wokingham where there are a final few homes remaining or our nearby Renaissance Crowthorne and Renaissance Sandhurst communities. Contact our sales team on [email protected], [email protected]  and   [email protected] for more information.