Thatcham offers two distinct ways to plan a stay: the diverse habitats of the Nature Discovery Centre and the town’s historic architecture. Woodland, orchards, waterside areas and reedbeds sit alongside buildings from different periods and with different functions. When planning your stay, you can decide whether nature trails and wildlife or historic sites should be the focus. The nature and cultural themes can also be considered separately.

Nature and Reedbeds

The Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham encompasses woodland, orchards, waterside areas and reedbeds. This variety gives the nature theme a clear range, from vegetated areas and waterside habitats to the reedbeds. As a result, the focus is not limited to a single type of landscape.

Thatcham Reedbeds is one of the largest inland reedbed areas in southern England. The area is home to rare reedbed specialists, including the species known as the “scarce burnished brass moth”. This connects the landscape with a specific example of reedbed wildlife.

Three waymarked routes through Thatcham Reedbeds start at the Nature Discovery Centre. They offer a practical way to explore the natural surroundings: when planning, you can take the designated routes into account as well as the variety of habitats.

Buildings and Local History

The Church of St. Mary in Thatcham is a Grade II* listed building. The Old Bluecoat School adds its own foundation story to this picture of the town’s architectural heritage: it was founded in 1304 and dedicated to St Thomas.

One striking feature of the Old Bluecoat School is its gabled porch, flanked by covered niches dating from the 14th century. Its foundation, dedication and porch offer different points of reference for placing the building in its historical and architectural context. The 14th-century date refers to the niches; the school’s foundation is dated to 1304.

The dates of the other historic buildings also relate to different stories. Priory House was built around 1804. King’s Head is thought to date from the 18th century and was a stop on the Royal Mail service between London and Bristol, which began on 2 August 1784. The nave of the Parish Church dates from around 1141.

The Town Centre Trail offers another way to explore historic sites: it leads through the town centre and points out places of historical interest. The trail complements the histories of individual buildings with a route focused on local history.

Nature or History as Your Focus

Two different perspectives are available when planning your trip. The nature side brings together a mosaic of habitats, the reedbeds and three waymarked routes starting at the Nature Discovery Centre. The historic side ranges from the Church of St. Mary and the Old Bluecoat School to other dated buildings and the Town Centre Trail. If you’re looking for hotels in Thatcham, this comparison can help you decide what you’d like to focus on during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Crockham Heath, Wickham, Lambourn, Midgham, Frilsham, Wokingham, Theale, Chieveley

For the wider travel overview: Berkshire.