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About Thame
A traditional English market town on South Oxfordshire's northern border, Thame was established by Wulfhere, the King of the Mercians and for centuries run by the church passing ownership from bishop to bishop. Yet its real power has always lain in the hands of farmers.
Trade in the town’s boat-shaped marketplace helped farmers to showcase their local produce for 800 years. On Tuesdays the Upper High Street becomes an open-air deli, with local fruit and veg ripe for the picking. Cheekily, the Bishop of Lincoln once re-routed the roads from nearby Aylesbury so more visitors came to market. His efforts paid off: the annual country show is England’s greatest.
A museum traces the town's history, including reference to famous historical faces who lived here. Thame is a popular location for the filming of television programmes such as Midsomer Murders and the town hall regularly appears at its alter-ego Causton town hall.
Local food from nearby farmers often appears on pub, tea room and restaurant menus. The Players Theatre is one a number of cultural attractions in the town.
Claims to Fame:
In 1719, Thame's James Figg became England's first bare-knuckle boxing champion. Boxing historians believe that Figg fought over 270 fights and suffered only one defeat. He remained champion until 1730. James Figg was also regarded as one of England's first boxing coaches, managers and promoters; having set up a school of pugilism in London.
English Civil War patriot John Hampden received his education in Thame before joining Oxford University's Magdalen College at the age of 15. He eventually died in Thame, of wounds received during the Civil War.
Legend has it that Shakespeare visited the High Street during his time as a strolling player.
Five things to do in Thame:
- Investigate the town's history at Thame Museum
- Follow a self-guided stroll using one of the local walks leaflets
- Cycle or walk along the 5 mile Phoenix Trail disused railway admiring 30 artworks
- Go bird-watching in the 27 acres of Cuttle Brook nature reserve
- Take a swim at Thame Leisure Centre
Three things to do near Thame:
- Waterperry Gardens - eight acres of ornamental gardens and commercial orchards with regular events
- Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons – wander through the gardens of chef Raymond Blanc’s two Michelin star restaurant
- Rycote Chapel - 15th century chapel with exquisitely carved and painted woodwork believed to be the work of Grinling Gibbons
- Walks around Thame
Trade in the town’s boat-shaped marketplace helped farmers to showcase their local produce for 800 years. On Tuesdays the Upper High Street becomes an open-air deli, with local fruit and veg ripe for the picking. Cheekily, the Bishop of Lincoln once re-routed the roads from nearby Aylesbury so more visitors came to market. His efforts paid off: the annual country show is England’s greatest.
A museum traces the town's history, including reference to famous historical faces who lived here. Thame is a popular location for the filming of television programmes such as Midsomer Murders and the town hall regularly appears at its alter-ego Causton town hall.
Local food from nearby farmers often appears on pub, tea room and restaurant menus. The Players Theatre is one a number of cultural attractions in the town.
Claims to Fame:
In 1719, Thame's James Figg became England's first bare-knuckle boxing champion. Boxing historians believe that Figg fought over 270 fights and suffered only one defeat. He remained champion until 1730. James Figg was also regarded as one of England's first boxing coaches, managers and promoters; having set up a school of pugilism in London.
English Civil War patriot John Hampden received his education in Thame before joining Oxford University's Magdalen College at the age of 15. He eventually died in Thame, of wounds received during the Civil War.
In 1719, Thame's James Figg became England's first bare-knuckle boxing champion. Boxing historians believe that Figg fought over 270 fights and suffered only one defeat. He remained champion until 1730. James Figg was also regarded as one of England's first boxing coaches, managers and promoters; having set up a school of pugilism in London.
English Civil War patriot John Hampden received his education in Thame before joining Oxford University's Magdalen College at the age of 15. He eventually died in Thame, of wounds received during the Civil War.
Legend has it that Shakespeare visited the High Street during his time as a strolling player.
Five things to do in Thame:
- Investigate the town's history at Thame Museum
- Follow a self-guided stroll using one of the local walks leaflets
- Cycle or walk along the 5 mile Phoenix Trail disused railway admiring 30 artworks
- Go bird-watching in the 27 acres of Cuttle Brook nature reserve
- Take a swim at Thame Leisure Centre
Three things to do near Thame:
What’s on in Thame:
Country fayres and market days are part of England's heritage and Thame has more than its fair share. Enjoy the town centre traditional September fair or the two-day charter fair in October, which dates back to medieval times.
Local food is big in Thame. There is a thriving weekly market, monthly farmers market and regular livestock market as well as September's annual Food Festival. Celebrate the written word; meet authors and talk about books at the three day Thame Literary Festival.
Browse the Thame events on the Southern Oxfordshire What's On Events Calendar or on the Thame community website.
Places to stay in Thame:
Looking for tourist accommodation or somewhere to stay in Thame? To view Hotel, B&B, Guest House, Inn, Self-Catering properties, Caravan and Camping sites in Thame use the search facility on the right hand side of the page and click Thame in the location option.
Tourist Information:
Thame Town Council
Town Hall
Thame, Oxon
OX9 3DP
Tel: 01844 212833
Visit Southern Oxfordshire only works with Quality Assured accommodation in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse districts.
Tourist Information:
Thame Town Council
Town Hall
Thame, Oxon
OX9 3DP
Tel: 01844 212833
Getting to Thame:
By Car - from the M40 junction 7 and 8
By Train - 50 minutes from London Marylebone to Haddenham and Thame Parkway
By Bus - Regular 200/280 bus service route from Aylesbury to Oxford
By Car - from the M40 junction 7 and 8
By Train - 50 minutes from London Marylebone to Haddenham and Thame Parkway
By Bus - Regular 200/280 bus service route from Aylesbury to Oxford
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