Located approximately 5 miles (8 km) west of Storrington and 7 miles (11 km) south of Horsham, Thakeham lies north of the South Downs National Park. The civil parish covers an area of roughly 3,500 acres (1,400 hectares).
The village is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Taxham." Its history reflects a long-standing agricultural heritage, typical of many Sussex villages. The parish church, St Mary the Virgin, has parts dating back to the 12th century, indicating a continuous settlement history.
Thakeham is predominantly a residential village with a rural character, featuring a mix of traditional and modern housing. It is served by a village school and community facilities, maintaining a local identity within the broader West Sussex landscape. While primarily rural, its proximity to larger towns provides access to wider services and transport links.