Bakewell vs Henley-on-Thames

Bakewell and Henley-on-Thames are two charming market towns in the UK, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Bakewell is known for its iconic Bakewell Pudding, while Henley-on-Thames is famous for its annual Royal Regatta and picturesque riverside setting.

General information

Bakewell
Henley-on-Thames
Introduction :
Nestled in the heart of the Peak District National Park, Bakewell is a charming market town known for its picturesque surroundings and rich history. Famous for its delicious Bakewell pudding, the town offers a mix of traditional market stalls, independent shops, and historic buildings. Visitors can explore the beautiful River Wye, enjoy outdoor activities in the surrounding countryside, and immerse themselves in the town's vibrant market culture. Bakewell is a must-visit destination for those seeking a quintessential English market town experience.
Introduction :
Nestled along the banks of the River Thames, Henley-on-Thames is a picturesque market town known for its historic charm and stunning riverside setting. Home to the world-renowned Henley Royal Regatta, the town attracts visitors from far and wide to watch rowing races on the river. With a rich history dating back to the 12th century, Henley-on-Thames offers a delightful mix of boutique shops, cozy cafes, and traditional pubs for visitors to explore.

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Advantages :
  • Bakewell is a picturesque market town in the Peak District
  • Low crime rate, making it a safe place to live
  • Excellent schools and educational facilities for families
  • Abundance of local amenities and shops for convenience
  • Popular tourist destination with historic landmarks and outdoor activities
Advantages :
  • Henley-on-Thames offers a picturesque setting along the River Thames.
  • The town has a strong sense of community and a variety of local events.
  • Henley-on-Thames has excellent schools and educational opportunities.
  • There are plenty of recreational facilities and outdoor activities available.
  • The town is well-connected with good transport links for easy access.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living compared to surrounding areas
  • Higher crime rates than national average
  • Limited educational opportunities for higher education
  • Limited tourist attractions and activities
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living
  • Higher crime rates compared to surrounding areas
  • Limited educational opportunities
  • Lack of diverse cultural and entertainment facilities
Points of interest :
Bakewell is a charming market town in Derbyshire, known for its historic buildings, picturesque streets, and stunning countryside surroundings. Key points of interest include the famous Bakewell Bridge, the historic All Saints Church, and the beautiful Bakewell Old House Museum. Visitors can also enjoy exploring the town's independent shops, cafes, and pubs, as well as trying the famous Bakewell Pudding. Bakewell is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring the nearby Peak District National Park. The town also hosts a variety of events and markets throughout the year.
Points of interest :
Henley-on-Thames is known for its annual Royal Regatta, a prestigious rowing event. The town also boasts a beautiful riverside setting along the River Thames, perfect for scenic walks and boat trips. Visitors can explore the historic Henley Bridge, browse the shops and cafes on Market Place, or visit the River and Rowing Museum. Henley is home to the Kenton Theatre, one of the oldest working theatres in the UK, and the Chantry House, a Tudor building housing a local history museum. The town's charming streets and traditional pubs add to its appeal for tourists.


Facts and figures

Bakewell
Henley-on-Thames
Type : Town.
Bakewell is a charming market town in Derbyshire, known for its historic buildings, picturesque surroundings, and traditional market square. It offers a range of amenities and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Type : Town.
Henley-on-Thames is a historic market town known for its picturesque setting along the River Thames. It offers a range of amenities, shops, and cultural attractions, making it a popular destination for visitors.
Population : .
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Henley-on-Thames is currently unknown. It may vary over time due to factors such as migration and urban development.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
House prices in Bakewell can vary greatly depending on the size, location, and condition of the property. It is recommended to research current listings and consult with local real estate agents for accurate pricing information.
🟢 Population : Yes.
The average house price in Henley-on-Thames is £800,000, making it a high-end market town with properties often exceeding this figure. Prices have been steadily increasing in recent years.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Bakewell has an average level of crime, with occasional incidents reported. Overall, the town is considered safe, but residents are advised to take normal precautions to ensure their safety.
🟢 Crime : Good.
Henley-on-Thames has a relatively low crime rate compared to other towns in the UK. The community is tight-knit and there is a strong police presence, contributing to a safe environment for residents and visitors.
🟢 Education : Good.
Bakewell offers a good education system with well-rated schools and a supportive community. Students have access to quality resources and extracurricular activities, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.
🟢 Education : Good.
Henley-on-Thames has a strong education system with a variety of primary and secondary schools, as well as a renowned independent school. The town also hosts the prestigious Henley Business School, known for its quality education.
🟡 Employment : Average.
Bakewell offers a mix of employment opportunities, with some local businesses and shops providing jobs. However, many residents may need to commute to nearby cities like Sheffield or Derby for more diverse job options.
🟢 Employment : Good.
Henley-on-Thames offers a range of employment opportunities, with a mix of local businesses, retail shops, hospitality sector, and professional services. Additionally, its proximity to major cities like Oxford and Reading provides further job prospects.


Geographical features

Bakewell
Henley-on-Thames
Elevation : 302 feet
Bakewell's elevation above sea level is approximately 302 feet, offering a picturesque setting in the Peak District with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Elevation : 190 feet
Henley-on-Thames has an elevation of approximately 190 feet above sea level, offering picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and the River Thames.
Topology : Hilly
Bakewell is situated in the Peak District National Park, characterized by its hilly terrain and stunning views. The town is nestled in a valley alongside the River Wye, surrounded by rolling hills.
Topology : Hilly and surrounded by countryside
Henley-on-Thames is situated in a hilly area with the town itself nestled along the River Thames. The surrounding countryside offers picturesque views and opportunities for outdoor activities.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Bakewell is not a coastal town. It is located inland in the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire, surrounded by picturesque countryside and the River Wye.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Henley-on-Thames is not a coastal town. It is located inland along the River Thames in Oxfordshire, known for its picturesque setting and annual regatta. The nearest coast is approximately 50 miles away to the south.
🟢 River : Yes.
The town of Bakewell has the River Wye flowing through it, providing a picturesque waterfront for residents and visitors to enjoy. The river adds to the town's charm and natural beauty.
🟢 River : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames is situated on the River Thames, with the town center located right by the river. The river plays a significant role in the town's history, culture, and economy.
⚪ Lake : Unknown.
Bakewell does not have a lake within the town itself, but there are several beautiful lakes in the Peak District National Park nearby, such as Ladybower Reservoir and Carsington Water.
🟢 Lake : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames is situated on the banks of the River Thames, which is often referred to as a 'lake' due to its width and calm waters. The town hosts the annual Henley Royal Regatta, a prestigious rowing event.
⚪ Water ways : Unknown.
Bakewell's man-made waterways are not well-documented. Further research is needed to determine if the town has reservoirs or canals.
🟢 Water ways : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has man-made waterways in the form of the River Thames, which runs through the town, as well as the Henley Reach section of the river that is used for rowing events.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Bakewell has experienced flooding in the past, notably during the heavy rainfall and storms in 2007 which caused significant damage to properties and infrastructure in the town.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has experienced flooding in the past, notably during severe weather events such as the Thames flooding in 2014 and 2020. The town is situated along the River Thames, making it vulnerable to flooding.


Local facilities

Bakewell
Henley-on-Thames
Train station : .
Bakewell has a train station located in the town center, providing convenient access for visitors and residents to travel to nearby areas such as Matlock and Buxton.
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has a train station located in the town center, providing convenient access to and from the town for both residents and visitors. The station is served by regular train services to London and other destinations.
Transport links :
Bakewell has good transport links to other areas with easy access to major roads such as the A6 and A619. The town is also close to the M1 motorway, providing connections to nearby cities and towns.
Transport links :
Henley-on-Thames has good transport links to other areas, with the A4130 providing easy access to major roads such as the M4 and M40. The town also has a train station with regular services to London and other nearby towns.
Primary school : .
Bakewell has a primary school called Bakewell Church of England Infant School, providing education for young children in the town. The school has received positive Ofsted ratings in recent years.
Primary school : .
Henley-on-Thames has several primary schools, including Trinity CofE Primary School, Badgemore Primary School, and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Bakewell has one secondary school called Lady Manners School, which has a good Ofsted rating and offers a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for students.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has multiple secondary schools, including The Henley College and Gillotts School. Both schools have received positive Ofsted ratings and offer a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for students.
⚪ College : Unknown.
There is no specific information available about the presence of a college or 6th form in Bakewell. Further research or local inquiries may be needed to confirm this information.
College : .
Henley-on-Thames is home to The Henley College, offering a range of A-levels, vocational courses, and apprenticeships. The college has received positive Ofsted ratings for its teaching and student support.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Bakewell has a tourist information office located in the town center, providing visitors with information on local attractions, events, accommodations, and more to enhance their experience in the area.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has a tourist information office located in the town center, providing visitors with information on local attractions, events, and accommodations to enhance their stay in the area.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Bakewell has a post office located in the town, providing postal services and other related amenities for residents and visitors.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has a post office located in the town, providing postal services to residents and visitors. It is a convenient facility for mailing letters and packages.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Bakewell has a public library that offers a range of books, resources, and services for the community to enjoy. It is a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has a public library that offers a variety of resources and services for residents and visitors to enjoy, providing a valuable community space for learning and leisure.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Bakewell has a police station located in the town center, providing security and law enforcement services to the local community and visitors.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has a police station located in the town center, providing security and law enforcement services to residents and visitors. The station offers a visible police presence in the community.
⚪ Hospital : Unknown.
Bakewell does not have an NHS hospital within the town itself. It is recommended to check nearby towns for healthcare services.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has the Townlands Hospital, which is part of the NHS. It provides a range of healthcare services to the local community, including outpatient clinics and a minor injuries unit.
⚪ A&E : Unknown.
Bakewell's healthcare facilities may include a hospital with an accident and emergency department, but specific information on an NHS hospital in the town is not readily available. Further research is recommended.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has the Townlands Hospital which includes an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential healthcare services to the local community.


When choosing between Bakewell and Henley-on-Thames, consider your preference for outdoor activities and events. Bakewell is ideal for exploring the Peak District National Park and indulging in local delicacies, while Henley-on-Thames offers a vibrant social scene by the river. Both towns have their own distinct charm, making either a delightful destination for a visit or a place to call home.