The south of England is full of prosperous and charming country towns, with stone churches and manicured lawns, and attractive shopping streets. Among the most historic is Thatcham, lying in the River Kennet valley between London and Bristol. Much has changed since then, but visitors will still be taken by the town's historic charm. It's home to a church that retains some of its 12th-century architecture and a former chapel that's more than 700 years old. Or you can explore Greenham Common and neighboring Crookham Common, a stretch of woodland and heathland that's scenic in a typically understated British way.