Things to do at Cookham Commons

Cookham Moor

At the very heart of Cookham Village you’ll find Cookham Moor, often a hub for local events and fêtes, and a haven for wildlife thanks to its carefully managed habitats. The verges are a great place to go bug hunting for beetles and other insects, and on quieter days you may be lucky enough to see a kingfisher perched above the pond.

Cookham Moor is a good starting point for an extended walk along the River Thames to Cock Marsh. Alternatively, head south into the quieter countryside, criss-crossed by the Strand Water and White Brook streams. This walk is also the best way to venture onto Widbrook Common.

Local to Cookham, the works of artist Stanley Spencer capture the tranquillity of everyday village life and the rural idyll of the surroundings. Take in the history and culture of Cookham Village by combining a walk in the countryside with a visit to Cookham church and the Stanley Spencer Gallery.

Cock Marsh

Situated on the banks of the River Thames, opposite the town of Bourne End, the chalk grasslands of Cock Marsh make for a pleasant riverside stroll. Follow the footpaths weaving through the grasses and wildflowers or climb to the top of the chalk slope to discover far-reaching views over the Buckingham countryside.

In summer, cows graze the meadows, encouraging wildflowers and orchids to grow here. You may also find rock roses, thyme, and a rare plant called brown galingale. Cock marsh is one of only 12 sites in the UK where you can find brown galingale, now an endangered species.

Cock Marsh is home to four circular Bronze Age burial mounds (tumuli). When first created, the largest barrow had a diameter of 90 feet, and would have been around eight feet high. Today, although much diminished, you can still see the largest mound.

Widbrook

Grazed by commoners since time immemorial, the pretty stream of White Brook (or Widbrook) winds its way through these pastures. The name derives from the stream’s traditional name, Withe Brooke, which refers to the ‘withe’ or willow trees that are found along the banks of the stream.

Widbrook is still grazed by local commoners between May and October, which has created a diverse habitat for insects and birds.

The best way to explore Widbrook Common is to venture south from Cookham Moor, away from the bustling Thames-side village of Cookham into quieter countryside.

Winter Hill

Winter Hill offers some of the most breath-taking views of the river Thames and nearby Cock Marsh. One of the highest Thames terraces, Winter Hill is believed to have been used as winter pasture for livestock when more fertile areas on the flood plains became unstable – thus its name, ‘winter hill’.