Discover Thakeham

Thakeham brings together the Parish Church of St Mary, regular community events, the open green space of Glebe Field and activities at Little Thakeham Farm. This gives you different options when planning your trip: events at St Mary's, nature at Glebe Field and activities on the farm. The directions to “Threals Lane” can also be placed in context, as they refer to a specific date in 2025.

Church, bells and community life

The Parish Church of St Mary in Thakeham is a Grade I listed building. On most Sundays, the bells of St Mary's Thakeham are rung. Anyone wishing to learn bell ringing can contact the ringing team. If you would like to time your visit to coincide with the bell ringing, check the local arrangements in advance.

“Messy Church” follows its own monthly schedule: it is a gathering hosted by St Mary's on the third Saturday of each month. The programme includes crafts, activities, music, a Bible story and breakfast. Most events take place at Thakeham Village Hall; occasionally, the event is held in the church building at St Mary's. Before travelling, check the church website and the venue for the event you plan to attend.

For planning your visit, the distinction is practical: bell ringing takes place on most Sundays, while “Messy Church” is scheduled for the third Saturday of the month; its venue may change.

Green space and route planning

Glebe Field is a peaceful green space with open access. You can enjoy Thakeham’s native natural heritage there. Unlike the church events, which take place at set times, the focus here is on green space and natural heritage.

One specific route example is the “Threals Lane” circular walk, which was offered on 2 August 2025. The walk was listed as 3.5 miles long and taking 1.5 hours, with a difficulty rating of 2. It ran from Abingworth to Threals Lane and then back via Thakeham Village; the starting point was the Thakeham Football Club car park. The distance and duration help you gauge how much time this walk takes; difficulty rating 2 is a separate classification. Check the route and starting point before travelling, as these details are from the programme published in August 2025.

Activities at Little Thakeham Farm

Little Thakeham Farm is home to the Bark Park, a fully enclosed, three-acre area where dogs can exercise. The farm also offers wild camping on working farmland. The Bark Park and wild camping are different offerings: an enclosed dog exercise area and a camping option. When planning, check the current conditions: booking and access information for the Bark Park, as well as the availability and facilities of the camping option, may change.

Discover more destinations: East Grinstead, Selsey, West Wittering, Stedham, Barnham, Lindfield, Bognor Regis, Hurstpierpoint.

For the wider travel overview: West Sussex.