Car Hire Thame

Thame is a charming market town in southeast Oxfordshire, known for its timeless streets, welcoming green spaces and deep historical roots that its 13,000 inhabitants inherited. Drivers can easily reach it via the A418 or M40, making it a smooth detour between larger towns. Spring and early autumn bring the best weather—pack walking shoes, a light layer, and you’re set for wandering. Cultural ties run deep here, from medieval churches to musical connections like Andy Gibb. We passed through Oxford before arriving and found the contrast refreshing. Later, our route took us near Abingdon, rounding out a balanced day of heritage and quiet countryside. Thame offers a low-key but rewarding escape for every kind of traveller.

Attractions In Thame

You won’t need an itinerary to enjoy Thame—its compact layout makes discovery feel spontaneous. We moved between shaded parks, age-old landmarks and open green spaces without a rush. There’s a calming rhythm to it all, whether you’re learning about local history or simply stopping for a coffee with a view.

St Mary’s Church

Easily the most visited site in Thame, St Mary’s Church has stood at the heart of the community for centuries, offering both spiritual presence and architectural grace. We stepped into a warm, inviting space filled with flexible seating, allowing the church to serve many purposes without losing its historic character. From 9 AM to 5 PM each day, visitors can join a tour, reflect quietly or attend a service. The churchyard is also the final resting place of Andy Gibb, who once lived just across the road. A favourite stop for those coming through Chinnor, the church continues to balance reverence with local life, making it more than just a beautiful landmark.

Andy Gibb (Bee Gees) Memorial

The Andy Gibb Memorial, just a short walk from St Mary’s Church in Priest End, is a touching site for music lovers and Bee Gees fans alike. There’s nothing overly elaborate about it, but that’s part of its charm—it feels deeply personal.

Gibb, who spent many years in Thame, is buried just across the street, making this corner of town significant to those who followed his career. We saw visitors take a quiet moment here, perhaps remembering a favourite song or connecting to a piece of pop history. It’s not flashy, but the emotional pull is unmistakable, and the simplicity adds to the authenticity of the space.

The Moat

Tucked along Cromwell Avenue, The Moat is a low-key historical landmark with centuries of significance woven into the landscape. What remains today is subtle—a gently raised earthwork shaped in a rough circle—but it speaks to Thame’s early settlement patterns and medieval past. We learned that it may have been part of a fortified manor or defensive boundary, though most of its original features are now lost to time. Still, standing beside it, you get a sense of how the town grew around such structures. Easily missed if you’re not looking for it, The Moat remains a small but thought-provoking site. It’s a natural detour when passing through Cowley or nearby villages.

Town Hall Defibrillator

While the defibrillator itself is modern and practical, the setting gives this landmark a deeper meaning. Positioned right outside Thame Town Hall, it’s a quiet symbol of how heritage and community care coexist in this town. The Town Hall, with its distinct brickwork and Victorian design, has long been a centre of local decision-making. We found it interesting that such a traditional civic building now also supports something so essential to public health. It’s always available and visible—a small reassurance built into a prominent location. The mix of past and present here felt entirely natural, and it’s another reason why this seemingly simple spot holds a bit more weight than first expected.

Thame Museum

Right on the High Street, Thame Museum offers a thoughtful and well-presented glimpse into the town’s long and varied past. Inside, you’ll find a surprisingly detailed collection—from archaeological finds to local artefacts—all carefully arranged to tell the story of the area and its people.

The museum has a reputation for being one of the more rewarding small museums in Oxfordshire. It’s often recommended by those familiar with Bicester, thanks to its calm setting and genuinely informative displays. Staff are friendly, and admission is free. It’s open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, and on Sundays from 12 PM to 4 PM.

Queen Elizabeth Circle Recreation Ground

This family-friendly green space on Roundhead Drive is a favourite with residents looking for a quick breath of fresh air. We arrived mid-afternoon and found kids on swings, parents chatting from benches, and plenty of room to run around. The play area is simple but well-maintained, and there’s just enough open grass for a kickabout or picnic. It’s not a large park, but that’s part of its charm—you don’t need a map, just a few free minutes. Whether you’re stretching your legs after a coffee or letting little ones burn off steam, the Queen Elizabeth Circle Recreation Ground makes a quiet but useful contribution to Thame’s neighbourhood rhythm.

Elms Park Recreation Ground

Elms Park offers one of the largest green spaces in central Thame, making it a popular spot for families, dog walkers and anyone after a bit of outdoor time. We noticed how its wide grassy areas suit everything from spontaneous picnics to informal games. Though some of the play features could do with a refresh, the core facilities are strong, including a football pitch and basketball court, both free to use. There’s plenty of space to spread out, which keeps it from feeling overcrowded even on weekends. While not the most manicured park in town, its versatility and scale give it a dependable, everyday appeal that draws in locals throughout the year.

Lenthall Green

Tucked within a residential pocket of Thame, Lenthall Green serves as a quiet escape for those wanting a breather without leaving the neighbourhood. We found it peaceful—just enough space for a sit-down, a bit of reading or a short walk without distraction. It’s not the kind of place that demands your attention, but rather offers a gentle background to daily life. The lawn is neatly kept, and it feels more like a shared back garden than a public park. For those living nearby or passing through the area, it’s a reliable patch of calm. Lenthall Green isn’t showy, but it adds a subtle rhythm to its part of town.

Thame Recreation Ground

Thame Recreation Ground is one of the most active outdoor spaces in the area, with open fields and play zones that see steady use across all seasons. We saw kids playing, older visitors taking a walk and families using the space for everything from football to lunch on the grass.

However, the park does have a few gaps—seating is limited, and some areas aren’t especially easy for those with mobility concerns. Feedback from visitors often reflects this, with a wish for more inclusive design and activities for older children. Still, with constant access and a central location, it remains one of Thame’s most relied-upon green areas for everyday recreation.

Best Zoo Form

Best Zoo Form is a compact, well-loved destination for families looking to combine play with animal encounters. We were impressed by how hands-on the experience felt—from interactive enclosures with small mammals to rare birds and a few reptiles, there’s enough here to keep young visitors engaged without overwhelming them. Its layout has a relaxed, farm-like feel, with gentle pathways and shaded areas for breaks. Educational boards dot the zoo, making it a popular choice for local school visits, too. Its location makes it an easy detour from Wallingford, especially for anyone after a low-key outing that still feels purposeful. Birthday parties and casual drop-ins both fit comfortably into its rhythm.

Cuttle Brook

Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve is a peaceful green space that winds alongside the brook, offering an easy escape into nature without leaving town. We followed the trail past tall grass, meadows and a striking White Willow tree, spotting butterflies and hearing birdsong along the way. Easily reachable from Kennington, it’s the kind of place that suits a spontaneous visit or a planned afternoon outdoors. There’s a small picnic area near the rec ground car park, though the open meadow makes an even better spot to sit. It’s always open, rarely crowded and full of small, quiet details that reward a slow walk and a bit of stillness.

Thame Youth Memorial Garden

This modest memorial space sits just beyond the War Memorial Gardens, offering a peaceful pocket of calm in Upper High Street. It’s not large or elaborate, but the setting is thoughtful—a few benches, some carefully tended planting and enough space to sit quietly without distraction. We took a moment here, not because it was dramatic, but because it invited stillness.

The garden reflects on youth in a quiet, grounded way, and it’s open year-round for anyone needing a place to stop and reflect. Whether passing through or visiting with intention, it works as a soft pause in a town full of layered history and everyday life.

Whizzkidz

Whizzkidz stands out as a go-to soft play centre in Thame, designed with every age group in mind—from toddlers to older children. We explored a layout that includes dedicated spaces for babies 18 months and up, a safe under-5s area and a full-sized play frame for bigger kids, complete with a wavy slide and inflatable features.

There’s also a café serving reliable favourites like sandwiches, jacket potatoes and fish fingers. Clean, well-staffed and relaxed, the venue is easy to enjoy without fuss. It’s a top pick for those familiar with Kidlington, especially on rainy days or when little ones need to burn off energy without going far.