Thame

Thame is a market town in South Oxfordshire that spreads along a river valley, bringing countryside views right to the edge of the built-up area. The buildings line the main streets with a mix of stone cottages and later brick structures typical of English towns.

The town grew around a Cistercian monastery founded in the 1100s, which shaped the area for centuries before disappearing during religious upheaval. Over time it became a trading center where local farmers and craftspeople gathered to buy and sell goods.

The parish church of St Mary the Virgin dominates the town center with its Gothic windows and stone details that draw your eye as you walk past. The building reflects how religion shaped the heart of this small market town.

The town sits conveniently between Oxford and Aylesbury with regular bus service to both cities, making arrival and departure straightforward. Most places in the center are walkable since it remains a compact settlement where you can get around on foot.

A notable Parliamentary figure from the English Civil War spent his final hours in a local inn after being wounded in a nearby battle. This episode connects the town to a pivotal moment in English history that many visitors never learn about.

Location: South Oxfordshire

Shares border with: Towersey, Great Haseley, Tetsworth, Sydenham

Website: http://thametowncouncil.gov.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.75000,-0.97000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:40