The Calcot Centre in Highview is an indoor birthday party venue for families in Calcot, Tilehurst and Reading. We ran a Wacky Wheelers mini Jeep party here in March 2024, using the Main Hall for the driving track. For the easiest party layout, we recommend hiring the adjoining Jubilee Annexe as well, so you can have the food ready in a separate room.
How the Mini Jeep Track Fits in the Main Hall
The Main Hall measures approximately 18.3 × 9.1 metres (60 × 30 feet), with a raised platform at one end. Our usual inflatable track is around 15 × 10 metres, so we adapt the layout to suit the hall’s narrower width.
At our party, the track occupied most of the parque floored main hall and the stage provided a place for parents and children to wait away from the driving area. This arrangement worked well, but leaves limited room for party tables alongside the track.
Our hosted driving parties are for children aged 4–8. We bring the two-seater electric Jeeps, inflatable track and music, and organise the driving turns and games.
Party Food: Why We Recommend the Jubilee Annexe
At the party we hosted, the food tables were prepared in the foyer, then brought into the hall and placed on the stage when it was time to eat. That worked, but meant moving tables during the party.
Hiring the Main Hall and Jubilee Annexe together gives you a more convenient arrangement: driving in the Main Hall, with the birthday tea already laid out next door. The annexe is approximately 13.5 × 8.5 metres, giving you a separate space for the food and birthday cake.
The Jubilee Annexe can also be hired independently. It has its own kitchen, a separate bar/servery and a foyer with toilets. When enquiring, ask specifically about booking both rooms together and access between them.
Kitchen Facilities, Tables and Chairs
The Main Hall kitchen includes an oven, microwave, dishwasher, kettle and water urn, plus crockery and cutlery. Bring any cooking utensils, pans or serving dishes you need, as these are not supplied.
The council lists 18 tables, each 4 × 2 feet, and 90 chairs for the Main Hall. The annexe kitchen has a cooker, microwave, fridge and kettle, with crockery and cutlery; its separate servery also has a fridge and facilities for hot drinks.
Parking and Unloading
Parking was excellent when we visited, and unloading the Jeeps and track was reasonably straightforward.
The Recreation Ground Outside
The adjoining recreation ground is a useful extra for families who want to spend some time outside before or after the party.
There may also be scope for an outdoor driving party, but we have not assessed that option here. We would need to check the slope, ground conditions, usable track space and access, as well as obtain the necessary permission. Weather would also affect whether an outdoor setup was suitable.
Booking Your Party at The Calcot Centre
Hall hire and Wacky Wheelers entertainment are booked separately. Check your preferred date with both us and the council before paying a venue deposit, and let the bookings team know you are planning a mini Jeep driving party. Ask for the Main Hall and Jubilee Annexe if you want a separate food room.
For current hire charges, availability and conditions, contact Tilehurst Parish Council using the details below.
Contact and Venue Details
Address: The Calcot Centre, Highview, Calcot, Reading RG31 4XD.
Venue information: The Calcot Centre on the Tilehurst Parish Council website
Hall booking enquiries: bookings@tilehurstparishcouncil.gov.uk
Directions: Find The Calcot Centre on Google Maps.
Other Children’s Party Venues Near Reading
For more local options, see Meadway Sports Centre in Tilehurst,St Michael’s Primary School in Tilehurst, Highdown School or our Central Berkshire venue guide.