Amersham vs Banbury

Amersham and Banbury are both charming market towns in the UK, each with its own unique character and appeal. While Amersham is known for its historic architecture and picturesque setting in the Chiltern Hills, Banbury boasts a bustling market and a rich industrial heritage.

General information

Amersham
Banbury
Introduction :
Amersham is a picturesque market town located in Buckinghamshire, England. With a history dating back to Roman times, the town boasts a charming mix of historic architecture, quaint shops, and traditional pubs. Known for its vibrant market scene and annual events, Amersham offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it is a popular destination for visitors looking to experience the quintessential English market town.
Introduction :
Nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire, Banbury is a charming market town with a rich history dating back to the Saxon era. Famous for its historic Banbury Cross, immortalized in the nursery rhyme 'Ride a Cock Horse,' the town offers a mix of traditional markets, independent shops, and modern amenities. With easy access to the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon, Banbury is a popular destination for visitors seeking a quintessential English experience.

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Advantages :
  • Amersham is a picturesque town with historic architecture and charm. - The town offers excellent schools and educational opportunities for families. - Amersham has low crime rates, making it a safe place to live. - There are plenty of amenities and facilities, including shops, restaurants, and parks. - The town has good transport links, making it easy to commute.
Advantages :
  • Banbury has good transportation links
  • Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities
  • Low crime rate making it a safe place to live
  • Excellent schools and educational opportunities
  • Wide range of facilities and amenities for residents
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options make commuting difficult. - High cost of living compared to surrounding areas. - Higher crime rates than national average, particularly for theft. - Limited educational opportunities for higher education. - Lack of tourist attractions and amenities compared to nearby towns.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited job opportunities
  • High cost of living
  • Higher crime rates compared to surrounding areas
  • Limited educational options
  • Lack of major tourist attractions
Points of interest :
Amersham is a charming market town known for its historic architecture, including the 17th-century Market Hall. The town is divided into two distinct areas: Old Amersham with its traditional buildings and St. Mary's Church, and Amersham-on-the-Hill with shops, restaurants, and a vibrant community. Visitors can explore the Amersham Museum to learn about the town's history, or take a walk along the picturesque River Misbourne. The town also offers a variety of independent shops, cafes, and pubs for a leisurely day out. Amersham is a popular filming location, with scenes from 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' shot here.
Points of interest :
Banbury is a historic market town known for its iconic Banbury Cross, a popular landmark mentioned in the nursery rhyme 'Ride a Cock Horse.' Visitors can explore the charming Old Town with its mix of independent shops and cafes. The town is home to the stunning Broughton Castle, a medieval manor house with beautiful gardens. Banbury Museum offers insights into the town's history and culture. The annual Banbury Folk Festival attracts music lovers from far and wide. The nearby Tooley's Boatyard, one of the oldest working dry docks in the country, is also worth a visit.


Facts and figures

Amersham
Banbury
Type : Town.
Amersham is a historic market town in Buckinghamshire, known for its picturesque old town, vibrant market, and range of independent shops and cafes. It offers a mix of rural charm and urban amenities.
Type : Town.
Banbury is a market town in Oxfordshire, known for its historic market square and iconic Banbury Cross. It offers a range of amenities, shops, and cultural attractions, making it a vibrant and bustling town.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Amersham is not provided in the available data. Further research or official sources may be needed to determine the exact population figure.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Banbury is not specified in the data available for comparison on market towns in the UK. Further research may be needed to determine the exact population figure.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The average house price in Amersham is currently unavailable. It is recommended to consult local real estate agents or online property websites for the most up-to-date information on housing prices in the area.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
House prices in Banbury vary depending on the location, size, and condition of the property. It is recommended to research recent sales data or consult with a local real estate agent for accurate pricing information.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Amersham has an average level of crime, with occasional incidents reported. The town generally maintains a safe environment, but residents should still take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Banbury has an average level of crime, with some reports of theft and anti-social behavior. However, overall it is considered a relatively safe town compared to others in the UK.
🟢 Education : Good.
Amersham has a strong education system with a range of primary and secondary schools performing well in academic assessments. The town also has access to nearby colleges and universities for further education opportunities.
🟢 Education : Good.
Banbury offers a variety of primary and secondary schools, with consistently high academic standards and a range of extracurricular activities. The town also has access to further education colleges and universities nearby.
🟡 Employment : Average.
Amersham offers a mix of employment opportunities, with some local businesses and shops in town. There are also opportunities in nearby cities like London and High Wycombe for those willing to commute.
🟡 Employment : Average.
Banbury offers average employment opportunities with a mix of industries including manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. The town is well-connected to major cities like Oxford and Birmingham, providing additional job prospects for residents.


Geographical features

Amersham
Banbury
Elevation : 525 feet
Amersham has an elevation of approximately 525 feet above sea level, providing residents with scenic views and a slightly cooler climate compared to lower-lying areas.
Elevation : 545 feet
Banbury's elevation above sea level is approximately 545 feet, providing a picturesque setting with views of the surrounding countryside and nearby rivers.
Topology : Hilly
Amersham is situated in the Chiltern Hills, characterized by its hilly terrain and picturesque countryside. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and valleys, offering stunning views and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Topology : Rolling hills and valleys
Banbury is situated in an area characterized by rolling hills and valleys, providing picturesque views and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Amersham is not a coastal town. It is located inland in Buckinghamshire, approximately 50 miles away from the nearest coast, which is the English Channel to the south.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Banbury is not a coastal town. It is located inland in Oxfordshire, approximately 70 miles away from the nearest coast, which is the south coast of England.
🟢 River : Yes.
Amersham has the River Misbourne flowing through it, providing a picturesque waterway for residents and visitors to enjoy. The river adds to the town's charm and natural beauty.
🟢 River : Yes.
Banbury has the River Cherwell flowing through it, adding to the town's picturesque charm. The river provides a tranquil setting for leisurely walks and recreational activities for residents and visitors alike.
⚪ Lake : Unknown.
Amersham does not have a lake within the town itself. However, the town is located near several lakes such as the Tring Reservoirs, which are approximately 10 miles away.
⚪ Lake : Unknown.
Banbury does not have a lake within the town itself. However, there may be lakes or reservoirs in the surrounding area, but the exact distance and location are unknown.
🟢 Water ways : Yes.
Amersham has man-made waterways, including the nearby reservoirs and canals that contribute to the town's scenic beauty and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
🟢 Water ways : Yes.
Banbury has man-made waterways such as the Oxford Canal, which runs through the town, providing a picturesque setting for leisure activities and boat trips.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Amersham has experienced flooding in the past, notably during severe weather events. The town has been known to suffer from flooding due to heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Banbury has experienced flooding in the past, notably during severe weather events such as Storm Dennis in 2020. The River Cherwell has been known to overflow, causing localized flooding in the town.


Local facilities

Amersham
Banbury
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Amersham has a train station, providing convenient access to and from the town for commuters and visitors. The station is served by Chiltern Railways and offers regular services to London and other destinations.
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Banbury has a train station located in the town center, providing easy access to other cities and towns in the UK. It is a key transportation hub for residents and visitors alike.
Transport links :
Amersham has good transport links to other areas with easy access to the M25 and M40 motorways. The town is also served by Amersham railway station, providing direct trains to London and other major cities.
Transport links :
Banbury has excellent transport links to other areas, with easy access to major roads such as the M40 and A422. The town also has a train station with direct services to London, Birmingham, and Oxford.
🟢 Primary school : Yes.
Amersham has several primary schools in the town, including Chestnut Lane School and Elangeni School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings and provide education for local children.
🟢 Primary school : Yes.
Banbury has several primary schools, including Harriers Ground Community Primary School and The Grange Community Primary School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings for their teaching and facilities.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Amersham has several secondary schools, including Dr Challoner's Grammar School and Dr Challoner's High School, both of which have received outstanding Ofsted ratings.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Banbury has several secondary schools, including The Warriner School, Blessed George Napier Catholic School, and North Oxfordshire Academy. Each school has received positive Ofsted ratings in recent years.
🟢 College : Yes.
Amersham has a college and a 6th form. The college offers a range of courses for students, and the 6th form provides opportunities for further education and qualifications.
🟢 College : Yes.
Banbury has several colleges and sixth forms, including Banbury and Bicester College and North Oxfordshire Academy Sixth Form. These institutions offer a range of courses and qualifications for students.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Amersham has a tourist information facility to assist visitors with information on attractions, accommodations, events, and more. It is a helpful resource for tourists exploring the town.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Banbury has a tourist information facility to assist visitors with information on local attractions, events, accommodations, and more. It serves as a helpful resource for tourists exploring the town.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Amersham has a post office located in the town, providing postal services to residents and visitors. It is a convenient facility for sending and receiving mail and packages.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Banbury has a post office located in the town, providing postal services to residents and visitors. It is a convenient location for sending and receiving mail and packages.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Amersham has a public library that offers a variety of resources and services for residents and visitors to enjoy, providing a valuable hub for learning and community engagement.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Banbury has a public library that offers a wide range of books, resources, and services for the community. It is a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Amersham has a police station located in the town, providing essential law enforcement services and ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Banbury has a police station located in the town center, providing essential law enforcement services and support to the local community. Residents can easily access police assistance and resources when needed.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Amersham has an NHS hospital, Amersham Hospital, which provides healthcare services to the local community. Residents have access to a range of medical facilities and treatments within the town.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Banbury has the Horton General Hospital, which is part of the NHS. It provides healthcare services to the residents of Banbury and the surrounding areas.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Amersham has an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential healthcare services to the local community and surrounding areas in times of urgent medical needs.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Banbury has an NHS hospital, Horton General Hospital, which includes an accident and emergency department to provide immediate medical care to residents and visitors in need of urgent assistance.


When choosing between Amersham and Banbury, consider whether you prefer a tranquil countryside setting or a lively market town atmosphere. Both towns offer a range of amenities and attractions, so the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and lifestyle. Whichever town you choose, you’re sure to find a welcoming community and a vibrant local culture.