Local information - history
Thame is a quintessential English market town boasting a wide range of independent shops, butchers, public houses and restaurants. The town sits at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Thame is minutes away from the main Chiltern Line, connecting residents to the north but primarily central London. Over the past 5 years the commuting population has doubled, increasing demand and helping to sustain a strong local property market.
The combination of both high-level education for both public and private sectors and a wide variety of both period and modern homes has given Thame and the surrounding areas prosperous growth year on year.
Oxford is close by offering a wealth of historical buildings, picturesque rivers and the famous University. From city life to the countryside dream, Oxfordshire offers the local community the flexibility to and accessibility to enjoy their chosen lifestyle with a traditional rural feel.
Places to visit
The countryside is large part of many residents’ lifestyles in and around Thame. The traditional farmers market takes places on both a Wednesday and Friday, dealing in a wide range of livestock from small heard of sheep to prize winning cattle. A weekly market takes place on a Tuesday in the heart of the market square overlooking for Town Hall providing market traders and locals the opportunity to find a hidden gem and offers a wide range of antiques and crafts.
Both the Thame country fair and the annual Buckinghamshire country show are highly regarded agricultural and equestrian shows that are visited by members of the public both locally and nationally. They take place over the summer months and attract thousands of visitors each year. The annual Thame food festival is a non-profitable event held at the show ground and attracts thousands of both local residents and people from afar wanting to experience a wide range of fresh local produce.
Towersey Music Festival is an annual festival of folk, world music and traditional dance, previously held in the village of Towersey but due to its popularity has now relocated to the Thame showground.
Waddesdon Manor, a local stately home and now part of the national trust provides a beautiful setting for a countryside stroll of for those interested in its heritage and beauty. Located 8 miles from Thame is it a highly thought after attraction and suitable for a wide range of ages.
Thame and its surroundings are fortunate enough to be home to a number of the UK’s most famous restaurants and hotels. Belmond Le Manoir is a 5-star hotel set in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside in the village of Great Milton, a passion of no other than Raymond Blanc, which has a lengthy waiting list and a number of star studded guests. The Crazy Bear at Stadhampton is a complete contrast to the Le Manoir with a combination of traditional and eccentric design catering for that special occasion or night away, with a working farm and country shop providing a wide range of local produce and entertainment for children.
Travel
Thame is located just off the A418 connecting nearby Oxford and Aylesbury which are both a 20-minute drive in each direction. Haddenham and Thame Parkway station is situated three miles from the market square and provides a direct high speed trainline service into central London with a travel time of only 35 minutes.
The M40 motorway is also a stone’s throw from the market town connecting Birmingham to the North and London to the South. There are a number of local and national bus services available.
The Oxford Tube is a highly used bus services used by commuters and local residents alike to provides a further direct access into London within an hour. The Gatwick Express provides frequent access to both London Gatwick and London Heathrow.
Local schools and colleges
The surrounding area to Thame has a wide range of both primary and secondary education that falls within the private, public and grammar sectors. There is a wide selection of nursery and child care both in Thame and in surrounding villages.
Lord Williams, located in Thame is steeped in local history and offers a great option for local residents who are seeking a secondary option.
In the private sector there are many options to choose from, for both day students and boarders. Oxford offers two highly regarding options in St Edwards School which caters for both boys and girls and Headington School for girls. Swanbourne House is a thriving, independent, co-educational Prep School, with boarding, day and nursery departments for girls and boys aged from 3 to 13. The school is located on a glorious site of 55 acres in Buckinghamshire with outstanding facilities
Ashfold School is a leading independent prep school for boys and girls aged 3 - 13 years located in the village of Dorton in Buckinghamshire, near the Oxfordshire border.