Amersham vs Dorchester

Amersham and Dorchester are both charming market towns in the UK, each with its own unique character and attractions. While Amersham is known for its historic buildings and picturesque setting in the Chiltern Hills, Dorchester boasts a rich history dating back to Roman times and a vibrant cultural scene.

General information

Amersham
Dorchester
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 :
Dorchester, located in Dorset, England, is a historic market town with a rich heritage dating back to Roman times. Known for its charming architecture, including the iconic Maumbury Rings and the impressive Dorset County Museum, Dorchester offers a mix of traditional market stalls and modern amenities. Visitors can explore the town's connections to famous author Thomas Hardy, as well as enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside and nearby Jurassic Coast.

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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 :
  • Dorchester has a rich history dating back to Roman times
  • The town offers a variety of shops and restaurants
  • Good access to public transportation and major roadways
  • Dorchester has a low crime rate compared to other towns
  • The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside and historic landmarks
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 crime rate
  • Lack of affordable housing
  • Limited public transportation options
  • Limited shopping and entertainment facilities
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 :
Dorchester, located in Dorset, England, is a historic market town with many points of interest. Key attractions include the Roman Town House, Maiden Castle (one of the largest Iron Age hillforts in Europe), the Keep Military Museum, and the Dorset County Museum. The town is also known for its association with author Thomas Hardy, with sites like Hardy's Cottage and Max Gate open to visitors. Dorchester hosts a popular weekly market and offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants for visitors to enjoy. The town's rich history and picturesque surroundings make it a must-visit destination in Dorset.


Facts and figures

Amersham
Dorchester
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.
Dorchester is a historic market town located in Dorset, known for its Roman origins and charming architecture. It offers a mix of amenities, cultural attractions, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
⚪ 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 Dorchester is not provided or unclear. Further research or official sources may be needed to determine the exact population of the town.
⚪ 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 Dorchester can vary depending on the specific location, size, and condition of the property. It is recommended to consult local real estate agents or websites for the most up-to-date 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.
Dorchester experiences an average level of crime, with occasional incidents reported. However, overall it is considered a relatively safe town compared to larger urban areas.
🟢 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.
Dorchester offers a strong education system with reputable schools and high academic standards. The town has a variety of educational opportunities for students of all ages, contributing to a well-rounded learning experience.
🟡 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.
Dorchester offers a mix of employment opportunities, with various retail, hospitality, and healthcare positions available. Additionally, being close to major cities like Bournemouth and Southampton provides access to additional job prospects.


Geographical features

Amersham
Dorchester
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 : 50 meters
Dorchester's elevation above sea level is approximately 50 meters, providing a moderate height that offers scenic views and a pleasant climate for residents and visitors alike.
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 : Hilly
Dorchester is situated in a hilly area with rolling terrain and sloping landscapes, offering picturesque views and varied topography for residents and visitors to enjoy.
🔴 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 : Unknown.
Dorchester is located inland in the county of Dorset, so it is not a coastal town. However, it is relatively close to the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site known for its stunning coastline.
🟢 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 : Unknown.
Dorchester does not have a river running through it, but it is located approximately 10 miles inland from the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site known for its stunning cliffs and beaches.
⚪ 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.
Dorchester does not have a lake within the town limits, but there may be lakes nearby. Further research is needed to determine the distance to the nearest lake from Dorchester.
🟢 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 : Unknown.
Dorchester's man-made waterways are not well-documented. Further research is needed to determine if the town has reservoirs or canals.
🟢 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.
Dorchester has experienced flooding in the past due to heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers, such as during Storm Angus in 2016. The town is susceptible to flooding in low-lying areas.


Local facilities

Amersham
Dorchester
🟢 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.
Dorchester has a train station located in the town center, providing easy access to other destinations in the UK. It is a convenient transportation option 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 :
Dorchester has good transport links to other areas in the UK. It is situated near major roads such as the A35 and A37, providing easy access to nearby towns and cities. The A35 also connects to the M27 motorway for further travel options.
🟢 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.
Dorchester has several primary schools, including Manor Park CE VC First School, St. Mary's Catholic First School, and Damers First 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.
Dorchester has several secondary schools, including The Thomas Hardye School and The Dorchester Middle School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings and offer a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
🟢 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.
Dorchester has The Thomas Hardye School, which includes a sixth form college. The school has received positive Ofsted ratings and offers a range of academic and vocational courses 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.
Dorchester has a tourist information facility where visitors can obtain information about local attractions, events, and accommodations to enhance their experience in 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.
There is a post office in Dorchester, providing postal services to residents and visitors in the town. 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.
Dorchester has a public library that offers a wide range of books, resources, and services for the community to enjoy and benefit from.
🟢 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.
The Dorchester police station is located in the town center, providing law enforcement services and support to the local community. Residents can easily access police assistance 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.
Dorchester has an NHS hospital, providing healthcare services to the town's residents and surrounding areas. The hospital plays a crucial role in the local community's healthcare needs.
🟢 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.
Dorchester has an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential medical services to the town and surrounding areas in times of urgent need.


When choosing between Amersham and Dorchester, consider whether you prefer a tranquil countryside setting or a town with a deep historical heritage. Both towns offer a range of amenities and a strong sense of community, making either a great choice for those looking to experience the charm of a traditional market town.