Unleash your inner bookworm: transform your outdoor space into a reading retreat this spring

There’s no better time than spring to take your book beyond the living room and into the fresh air. 

Whether it’s the park, the beach or your own backyard, reading outdoors can make the experience of getting lost in a story even more rewarding.

However, it does come with its own set of challenges, including glare and distractions.

Here are some practical tips and tricks to make outdoor reading easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.

Find the right spot

Not all outdoor spaces are created equal for readers. A shady spot under a tree or a quiet corner of a garden offers a natural balance of light and comfort.

Avoid places with too much foot traffic if you’re easily distracted. If you’re heading to a park, scout out benches tucked away from playgrounds or sports fields.

Beat the glare

Sunshine can make pages or screens difficult to see. If you prefer paper books, use a light-coloured umbrella or a wide-brimmed hat to shade your pages.

For e-readers, consider a glare-free screen or switch to night mode, which uses softer fonts and backgrounds.

Pack light but smart

Carry only what you need. Take your book or e-reader, a water bottle, sunglasses and maybe a small blanket if you plan to sit on the grass. If you like analysing, bring a pencil instead of a pen, as ink can smudge easily in humid or windy conditions.

Tune out distractions 

Outdoor reading often comes with background noise such as children playing, dogs barking or nearby traffic.

If silence is important, try noise-cancelling headphones with instrumental music or use ambient sound apps that mimic gentle rain or forest birds.

Time it right

The best outdoor reading hours are mid-morning or late afternoon, when the sun is less harsh. Early spring evenings can still be chilly, so pack a light sweater or shawl if you plan to linger.

Embrace audiobooks

If you’re walking, gardening or lounging in a hammock where holding a book is awkward, audiobooks can be a perfect outdoor reading hack.

They free up your hands while still letting you soak in stories under the open sky.

Protect your pages

Spring breezes have a way of flipping through books without permission. A simple clip or weighted bookmark can save you the frustration of losing your place.

If you’re near the beach or poolside, use a zip-top bag for your e-reader or paperback to guard against sand and water.

Make it social

Outdoor reading doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Join or start a “park book club” where friends gather with their current reads.

Each person can bring a blanket, some snacks and share recommendations after a quiet hour of reading.

Pair books with the season

Spring itself can inspire your reading choices. Opt for novels set in gardens or countrysides, poetry that celebrates nature, or memoirs about renewal and growth.

Pairing your setting with your book can make the outdoor experience feel more immersive.