Banbury vs Henley-on-Thames

Banbury and Henley-on-Thames are both charming market towns in the UK, each offering its own unique appeal. Banbury is known for its historic architecture and bustling market, while Henley-on-Thames is famous for its picturesque riverside setting and annual regatta.

General information

Banbury
Henley-on-Thames
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.
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 :
  • 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
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 job opportunities
  • High cost of living
  • Higher crime rates compared to surrounding areas
  • Limited educational options
  • Lack of major tourist attractions
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 :
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.
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

Banbury
Henley-on-Thames
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.
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 : 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 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 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.
🟢 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.
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.
🟢 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.
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.
🟢 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.
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.
🟢 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

Banbury
Henley-on-Thames
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.
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 : 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.
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.
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.
🔴 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.
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.
🟢 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.
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.
🟢 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 : 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.
🟢 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.
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.
🟢 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

Banbury
Henley-on-Thames
🟢 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.
🟢 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 :
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.
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 : 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.
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.
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.
🟢 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 : 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.
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.
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.
🟢 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.
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.
🟢 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.
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.
🟢 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.
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.
🟢 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 : 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.
🟢 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 : 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.
🟢 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 Banbury and Henley-on-Thames, consider whether you prefer a town steeped in history or one with a scenic riverfront. Both towns offer a range of amenities and a strong sense of community, making either a great choice for those looking to experience quintessential English charm.