About Thame

Thame is a historic market town in the heart of Oxfordshire.  Like many traditional market towns, Thame grew from Anglo-Saxon roots but has since developed its own individual character whilst preserving its rich history; ancient medieval buildings stand alongside Georgian and Victorian architecture.  The iconic boat-shaped high street stands as testimony to the historic market place for which it was originally designed, but there is nothing historic about our markets which continue to thrive today. 

Thame – a major Midsomer filming location

Thame is one of the most frequently used filming locations for the popular ITV series, Midsomer Murders. The town regularly features, either as Causton, or as any one of the many villages in the fictional Midsomer County. The series is still going strong after 20 years with regular screenings, not only in the UK, but all over the world.  Many Thame landmarks have been featured in different episodes over this time, including Thame Town Hall, the Market House, Rumsey’s Chocolaterie, the historic Swan, Black Horse, and Spread Eagle hotels, together with many other locations.

Fans of the detective series can pick up a free Midsomer Murders leaflet from the Town Hall Information Centre or Thame Museum and discover all of the deadly locations around the town. Lovers of DCI Barnaby can also have their photograph taken outside of Causton Town Hall. Pop in to the Town Hall Information Centre to pick up the ‘Causton’ sign to feature in your photo. Here you can also purchase a wide variety of Midsomer Murder themed books and gifts.

Midsomer Walking Tours of Thame

To ensure that visitors to Thame (aka Causton) have as enjoyable an experience as possible, 21st Century Thame has organised regular Midsomer tours which are led by specially trained Midsomer tour guides. They take place weekly between April and October on Wednesdays at 11.00am.  Each tour starts at Thame Museum, one of the filming locations (located at 79 High Street, Thame OX9 3AE) and takes in all the varied locations in the town centre. 

How to book a tour:  The tour lasts around an hour and a quarter and costs £7.50 per person. You can buy tickets online by clicking here, as well as in person from Thame Museum. You can also turn up at Thame Museum shortly before 11am on any Wednesday between April and October pay on arrival (cash only).

Click here to view a flyer about the Midsomer Walking Tour >>

Click here to view a Midsomer Murders Driving Trail >>