# The Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info

> Experience hands-on exhibits about regional fauna and heritage at this Thatcham nature spot, complete with outdoor play area, café, full facilities and accessible spaces for all visitors.

Source: https://staycation.co.uk/thatcham/attractions/the-nature-discovery-centre (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version.

Visitor Center

# The Nature Discovery Centre

Muddy Lane, Lower Way

[View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=1251962760189072938&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA)

Photo: [Dave Baker](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/107472130364345360166)

**In short:** The Nature Discovery Centre is a visitor center in Thatcham, rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1,866 Google reviews.

Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places

## About The Nature Discovery Centre

Experience hands-on exhibits about regional fauna and heritage at this Thatcham nature spot, complete with outdoor play area, café, full facilities and accessible spaces for all visitors.

## What's nearby

- Discovery Centre cafe next door
- Parsons Down Junior School 250m away
- Intensive Driving Courses Newbury and Reading 250m away
- Doggy Day Care Thatcham and Newbury 250m away
- Charles Church Lambourn Meadows 350m away

Distances as the crow flies, via Google

## Good to know

### Parking

- ✓Free car park
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Free street

### Accessibility

- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
- ✓Accessible seating

### Payment

- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless

Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.

## Photos

Photos via Google

## Facilities

Toilets Gift Shop Onsite Parking Accessible Toilets Baby Changing Food Available Wheelchair Friendly Dog Friendly Pushchair Friendly

## Opening hours

**Monday** Closed

**Tuesday** 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

**Wednesday** 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

**Thursday** 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

**Friday** 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

**Saturday** 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

**Sunday** 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.

## What visitors say

[Razvan Alin Chiuzbaian](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/112971391677223355694/reviews) ★★★★★

What a lovely place to go for a walk. It’s quiet and relaxing, great for a day out with your friend, family member or simply on your own. Take nothing with you apart from a clear mind and enjoy the nature.

· via Google

[DJ DAD](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/116838910683584491328/reviews) ★★★★★

Based on reviews, finally got chance to visit with the kids. Brillant free place to visit and enjoy nature, fresh air & sunshine. Feed the duck with instore duck food for £2... top place!

· via Google

[Sam Roblett](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110513957853875173746/reviews) ★★★★★

Wonderful place. Free parking (you can donate if you like) lots of open space for picnics (bring a chair or blanket). Toilets in the cafe (outside ones were closed). Shop with range of gift and memorabilia items. Beautiful walk in nature with plenty of bird watching to be had. Highly recommend.

· via Google

[Dawn Cox](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/100133243920854748279/reviews) ★★★★★

A beautiful place to spend time for all ages. Free to park and enter. A nice little cafe and playground for children.

· via Google

[See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x4876a6f46770310f:0x115fdd7f4916562a!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA)

Visitors say this nature reserve offers beautiful walks around a lake with abundant wildlife, including various birds, and features well-maintained play areas for children. They also highlight the free parking and entry, along with a cafe offering good value food and drinks. Guests mention the friendly and helpful staff, and appreciate the calm, relaxing atmosphere suitable for all ages.

Summary via Google

## At a glance

**Address** Lower Way, Thatcham, RG19 3FU [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=51.4000020%2C-1.2738660)

**Category** Parks & Play Areas

**Guest rating** 4.6 / 5 (1,866 reviews)

**Suitable for** All Ages

**Suggested visit** 2-3 hours

**Setting** Indoor & outdoor

**Good for children** Yes

**Toilets on site** Yes

**Destination** Thatcham

[More attractions in Thatcham](https://staycation.co.uk/thatcham/attractions)

★ 4.6 (1,866 reviews)

[Visit official website](https://www.bbowt.org.uk/nature-discovery-centre?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction)

[01635874381](tel:01635874381)

(please mention staycation.co.uk when calling)

### Quick Facts

**Destination** Thatcham

**Postcode** RG19 3FU

**Payment** Cards, Contactless

**Plus Code** 9C3WCP2G+2F

[Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x4876a6f46770310f:0x115fdd7f4916562a!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x4876a6f46770310f:0x115fdd7f4916562a!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x4876a6f46770310f:0x115fdd7f4916562a!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA)

### 🏨 Places to stay near Thatcham

Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices.

[Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DThatcham%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom)

Affiliate link

[Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/thatcham/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/thatcham/camping)

## Quick answers

### What are the opening hours of The Nature Discovery Centre?

The Nature Discovery Centre is open Mon closed; Tue–Sun 10am–4pm (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go).

### Is The Nature Discovery Centre any good?

The Nature Discovery Centre is rated 4.6 out of 5 from 1,866 Google reviews.

### Is The Nature Discovery Centre good for children?

Yes, The Nature Discovery Centre is listed as good for children.

### How long do you need at The Nature Discovery Centre?

Allow two to three hours.

### Is The Nature Discovery Centre indoors or outdoors?

The Nature Discovery Centre has both indoor and outdoor areas.

### What ages is The Nature Discovery Centre suitable for?

The Nature Discovery Centre suits all ages.

### Is The Nature Discovery Centre wheelchair accessible?

The Nature Discovery Centre has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an accessible toilet.

### Is there parking at The Nature Discovery Centre?

Yes: free car park, paid car park and free street parking.

### How do I contact The Nature Discovery Centre?

Call The Nature Discovery Centre on +44 1635 874381.

## More near The Nature Discovery Centre

### Hotels & B&Bs nearby

- [Regency Park Hotel ★ 4.0 · 0.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/thatcham/hotels/regency-park-hotel)
- [The Swan at Thatcham by Marstons Inns ★ 3.6 · 1.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/thatcham/hotels/the-swan-at-thatcham-by-marstons-inns)
- [The Lodge ★ 4.1 · 1.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/newbury/hotels/the-lodge)
- [The Elephant at the Market ★ 4.3 · 2.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/newbury/hotels/the-elephant-at-the-market)

### Holiday cottages nearby

- [The Diary Retreat 2.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/west-berkshire/cottages/the-diary-retreat-ukc7627)
- [Your Country House 6.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/west-berkshire/cottages/your-country-house-syk1182961)
- [The Meadow Pod ★ 5.0 · 6.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/basingstoke-and-deane/cottages/the-meadow-pod-ukc7675)
- [Bedouin 6.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/basingstoke-and-deane/cottages/bedouin-ukc5929)

### Campsites nearby

- [Cherry Bird Country Park ★ 4.4 · 0.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/berkshire/camping/cherry-bird-country-park)
- [Bishops Green Farm Camping ★ 4.7 · 2.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bishops-green/camping/bishops-green-farm-camping)
- [Sandleford Lodge ★ 4.8 · 2.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/berkshire/camping/sandleford-lodge)
- [Bucklebury Farm & Deer Safari Park ★ 4.5 · 3.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/reading/camping/bucklebury-farm-deer-safari-park)

### Things to do nearby

- [Northway Climbing Centre ★ 4.8 · 1.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/newbury/attractions/northway-climbing-centre)
- [Vue Newbury ★ 4.2 · 2.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/newbury/attractions/vue-newbury)
- [Tiny Town Newbury ★ 4.5 · 2.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/newbury/attractions/tiny-town-newbury)
- [The Ugly Duckling ★ 4.7 · 2.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/newbury/attractions/the-ugly-duckling)