A trip to the Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham makes a great day out whatever the weather. With two adventure playgrounds, a lake with a track suitable for walks or biking, an indoor visitor centre with lots of interactive displays and a cafe, it makes a great place for a family trip out with kids of all ages. Best of all, it’s free!
The Nature Discovery Centre
The indoor Visitor Centre is packed with interactive wildlife and visitor displays and is a great spot for a rainy day. Upstairs, use the microscopes to look at specimens and listen to different bird calls. Downstairs, there are craft activities such as brass plate rubbing.
Adventure Playgrounds
There are two fantastic fenced adventure playgrounds by the car park with wooden structures to clamber up and slide down. One of the playgrounds caters for older children and has some adventurous climbing nets and bridges. The other is smaller and ideal for younger children, with swings and interesting wooden animals to climb on.
Nature Discovery Centre Lake and Walks
Try biking or walking around the lake, spotting birds and other wildlife. The loop is an ideal length for children (although watch out – the track is uneven and can get muddy!) There are a number of different walking trails around the nature reserve.
Cafe and Picnic Facilities
The cafe serves a range of hot meals, drinks, cakes and ice creams. There are also picnic facilities and toilets at the Nature Reserve.
Events and Activities
There are numerous hands-on wildlife activities, craft workshops, walks and talks organised throughout the year. Check out the Red Kite Days What’s On page for listings.
Check out the Berks Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust website for more information about the Nature Discovery Centre.
