Local Attractions

A number of popular attractions can be found in Thatcham and the surrounding areas - discover the wonders of nature and conservation at Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre, explore the castle at Highclere, have a flutter at Newbury Racecourse or let the kids run wild at the Children's Action Farm.

Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre and Reedbeds

Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre is easy to find, situated just off Lower Way beside scenic Thatcham Lake and close to the Thatcham Reedbeds Local Nature Reserve. The Centre is an ideal place to learn about the wildlife of the area.

There is an exciting range of hands-on exhibits in the Discovery Hall and outside visitors can enjoy a quiet walk around the lake, let off steam in the new "Animal Adventures" playground and refresh themselves at the Lakeside Cafe which is open all summer.

Full programme of summer events. Free admission.
Enquiries: 01635 874381

The Living Rainforest

Experience the sheer beauty of this unique rainforest conservation project created under 20,000 square feet of glass. A stunning collection of dramatic and endangered rare plant species and rainforest creatures including the delightful and highly endangered Tamarin monkeys thrive in tropical temperatures.

Open all the year.
Location: 10 miles north of Thatcham at Hampstead Norreys.
Enquiries: 01635 202444

Newbury Racecourse

Newbury Racecourse, which was founded in 1905, is known internationally. A popular course with its own railway station, which draws large crowds, it offers a splendid view of the entire course from all enclosures. Race Meetings, usually two-day events, are held throughout the Flat and National Hunt seasons. Car and coach parks are provided and all enclosures have CCTV.

Location: 3 miles west of Thatcham off Hambridge Road, Newbury. 3 minutes by train from Thatcham Station.
Enquiries: 01635 40015

West Berkshire Museum

Located in the 17th Century Cloth Hall and 18th Century Granary in central Newbury, the museum displays cover a wide range of subjects. Local archaeology and natural history are shown on the ground floor with local history, decorative art, costume, rural crafts and the history of the Kennet and Avon Canal upstairs. There are also, on the first floor, two audio-visual presentations of the Civil War battle of Newbury and the story of ballooning.

Location: 3 miles west of Thatcham at Newbury.
Enquiries: 01635 30511

Beale Park

Beale Park is based around a wonderful collection of birds including flamingos, owls, cranes, pheasants and parrots, but also boasts a range of facilities for all ages, a narrow gauge railway, huge adventure playground, giant sand pit, a maze, rare breeds of farm animals, pets corner, deer park, raised flamingo walk, cafeteria, shops and more.

There are river boat trips in summer months, acres of gardens and lawns for picnics, sculpture, ponds and fountains and the National Collection of Model Boats. There are nature trails, an environmental education department and excellent river and lake fishing on day tickets.

Location: 13 miles east of Thatcham off the A4.
Enquiries: 0118 984 5172

Greenham and Crookham Commons

The former airbase at Greenham and Crookham Commons, a nationally important heritage and conservation site including a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is currently being restored to open heathland accessible to the public, and providing a home for unique and important wildlife and grazing stock.

Facilities: Visitor Centre.
Location: 3 miles south of Thatcham Town Centre.
Enquiries: 01635 519347

Highclere Castle

Owned by the Carnarvon family, the Fifth Earl of Carnarvon discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1921. Gardens and Castle open to the public from the first Sunday in July, Wednesday to Sunday, 2pm - 6pm until the first Sunday in September inclusive.

Refreshments and souvenir shop.
Location: 8 miles south-west of Thatcham off the A4.
Enquiries: 01635 253210

Bucklebury Farm Park

Over 60 acres of beautiful parkland in an area of outstanding natural beauty with an adventure playground, picnic area, sheep, lambs and farm pets with free tractor trailer rides to see Red Deer.

Location: 4 miles north-east of Thatcham
Enquiries: 0118 9714002

Children's Action Farm

Located near Newbury directly on the main road to Basingstoke. All weather safe family fun. Lots of action all year 10am - 5pm (last entry 2.30pm). Idyllic location, picnic area by the lake under big oak trees. All activities inclusive - no extra to pay. Meet the animals with pony rides. Water play and adventure play ground. Several indoor barns with toddler play area/bouncy castle/playhouses. Farmers world with real digging machine and tractor world. Road train rides. Pig racing and bottle feeding lambs. Crazy golf and treasure hunts. Licensed and fully equipped cafe. Necessity Shop.

Enquiries: 01635 269678 / 269666.
email: farmer@actionfarm.com
web: www.actionfarm.com