Barnard Castle vs Wallingford

Barnard Castle and Wallingford are both charming market towns in the UK, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and community. While Barnard Castle boasts a stunning castle and picturesque riverside setting, Wallingford is known for its historic market square and thriving local shops and eateries.

General information

Barnard Castle
Wallingford
Introduction :
Barnard Castle is a charming market town located in County Durham, England. With a history dating back to the 12th century, this picturesque town is known for its stunning medieval castle, quaint cobbled streets, and vibrant market square. Visitors can explore the historic Bowes Museum, enjoy scenic walks along the River Tees, and indulge in delicious local cuisine at the town's cafes and restaurants. Barnard Castle offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Introduction :
Wallingford, a historic market town in Oxfordshire, is nestled along the River Thames and boasts a rich heritage dating back to the Saxon era. With its charming streets lined with independent shops, cafes, and traditional pubs, Wallingford offers a quintessential English experience. Visitors can explore the town's medieval architecture, including the iconic Wallingford Castle ruins, and enjoy the vibrant market held weekly in the town square. With its picturesque setting and welcoming community, Wallingford is a must-visit destination in the UK.

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Advantages :
  • Barnard Castle offers a rich history and charming architecture.
  • The town has excellent schools and educational facilities.
  • It boasts a low crime rate, making it a safe place.
  • Barnard Castle has a range of amenities and recreational facilities.
  • The town’s proximity to beautiful countryside attracts tourists and residents.
Advantages :
  • Wallingford has a low crime rate, making it a safe town.
  • The town offers excellent educational facilities for residents.
  • Wallingford is surrounded by beautiful countryside, perfect for outdoor activities.
  • The town has a strong sense of community, with plenty of local events.
  • Wallingford is conveniently located with good access to major transport links.
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
  • Lack of major tourist attractions or cultural events
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living compared to nearby towns
  • Higher crime rates than national average
  • Limited educational opportunities for higher education
  • Lack of major tourist attractions or cultural events
Points of interest :
Barnard Castle is a charming market town in County Durham, England, known for its rich history and picturesque surroundings. Key points of interest include the historic Barnard Castle ruins, Bowes Museum showcasing fine and decorative arts, the scenic River Tees, and the stunning High Force waterfall nearby. The town also offers quaint shops, cafes, and pubs for visitors to explore. Additionally, Barnard Castle gained recent infamy as the location where a controversial political figure made a controversial visit during the COVID-19 pandemic, attracting national attention.
Points of interest :
Wallingford is a charming market town in Oxfordshire, known for its rich history and picturesque surroundings. Key points of interest include the historic Wallingford Castle ruins, the beautiful River Thames offering opportunities for boating and riverside walks, the Wallingford Museum showcasing the town's heritage, the annual Bunkfest music and beer festival, and the Agatha Christie Trail highlighting locations linked to the famous author. Visitors can also explore the traditional market square, browse the independent shops and cafes, and enjoy the stunning views from the nearby Castle Gardens.


Facts and figures

Barnard Castle
Wallingford
Type : Town.
Barnard Castle is a historic market town in County Durham, known for its picturesque setting along the River Tees. It offers a range of amenities, shops, and attractions, making it a popular destination for visitors.
Type : Town.
Wallingford is a historic market town in the UK, known for its charming streets, local shops, and vibrant community. With a range of amenities and a rich cultural heritage, it offers a quintessential English town experience.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Barnard Castle is currently unknown. Further research or data collection may be needed to determine an accurate figure.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Wallingford is unknown. Further research or data collection may be needed to determine the exact population of the town.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
House prices in Barnard Castle vary depending on the property type, location, and size. It is recommended to consult a local real estate agent or online listings for current average prices.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
House prices in Wallingford vary depending on the size, location, and condition of the property. It is recommended to consult with local real estate agents or websites for current market trends.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Barnard Castle has an average level of crime compared to other towns. While there have been some incidents, overall it is considered a relatively safe place to live and visit.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Wallingford has an average level of crime, with occasional incidents reported. The town generally maintains a safe environment, but residents should still take standard precautions to ensure their safety.
🟢 Education : Good.
Barnard Castle has a strong educational system with well-regarded schools and a variety of educational opportunities. The town's commitment to providing quality education makes it a desirable place for families.
🟢 Education : Good.
Wallingford has a strong education system with well-performing schools and a variety of educational opportunities for students. The town is known for its supportive community and high academic standards.
🟡 Employment : Average.
Barnard Castle offers average employment opportunities with a mix of retail, hospitality, and healthcare positions. Some residents commute to nearby cities like Durham or Darlington for additional job prospects.
🟡 Employment : Average.
Wallingford offers a mix of employment opportunities, with some local businesses and retail stores providing job options. Additionally, residents can easily commute to nearby cities like Oxford for more diverse employment prospects.


Geographical features

Barnard Castle
Wallingford
Elevation : 180 meters
Barnard Castle is situated at an elevation of approximately 180 meters above sea level, offering picturesque views of the surrounding countryside in County Durham.
Elevation : 240 feet
Wallingford's elevation above sea level is approximately 240 feet, providing a picturesque setting for the town and offering scenic views of the surrounding area.
Topology : Hilly
Barnard Castle is situated in a hilly area, with the town itself located on a steep hill overlooking the River Tees. The surrounding countryside features rolling hills and valleys.
Topology : Hilly and undulating
Wallingford is characterized by its hilly and undulating terrain, offering picturesque views and charming landscapes throughout the area.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Barnard Castle is not a coastal town. It is located inland in County Durham, approximately 30 miles away from the nearest coastline along the North Sea.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Wallingford is not a coastal town. It is located inland in Oxfordshire, England, along the River Thames. The nearest coast is approximately 50 miles away to the south on the English Channel.
🟢 River : Yes.
Barnard Castle is situated near the River Tees, which runs through the town, providing a picturesque setting and opportunities for riverside walks and activities.
🟢 River : Yes.
Wallingford has the River Thames flowing through it, providing a picturesque waterfront and opportunities for leisure activities such as boating and riverside walks.
⚪ Lake : Unknown.
Barnard Castle does not have a lake within the town itself. However, the town is located near the River Tees, which offers picturesque riverside walks and views of the surrounding countryside.
🟢 Lake : Yes.
Wallingford is located near the River Thames, which offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities. The town also has a nearby reservoir called the Goring Gap, providing additional recreational options.
⚪ Water ways : Unknown.
Barnard Castle's waterways are not well-documented. Further research is needed to determine if the town has man-made waterways such as reservoirs or canals.
⚪ Water ways : Unknown.
Wallingford's waterways are primarily natural, with the River Thames running through the town. There is no definitive information on man-made waterways such as reservoirs or canals in the area.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Barnard Castle has experienced flooding in the past, notably during severe weather events such as Storm Desmond in 2015. The town is situated near the River Tees, making it susceptible to flooding.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Wallingford has experienced flooding in the past, notably during severe weather events such as Storm Dennis in 2020. The town is situated near the River Thames, making it susceptible to flooding.


Local facilities

Barnard Castle
Wallingford
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Barnard Castle has a train station located on the Tees Valley Line, providing connections to Darlington and Bishop Auckland. The station is a convenient transportation option for residents and visitors alike.
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Wallingford has a train station located in the town center, providing convenient access to nearby cities and towns. The station offers regular services on the Great Western Railway line.
Transport links :
Barnard Castle is well-connected by road, with the A66 and A67 providing easy access to nearby towns and cities. The A1(M) motorway is also within reach, offering connections to major cities like Newcastle and Leeds.
Transport links :
Wallingford has good transport links to other areas with the A4074 providing access to Oxford and Reading. The M40 motorway is also easily accessible for travel to London and Birmingham.
Primary school : .
Barnard Castle has a primary school called Barnard Castle Primary School. It has received positive Ofsted ratings and offers education to children in the local area.
Primary school : .
Wallingford has several primary schools, including St. Nicholas Church of England Primary School and Fir Tree Junior School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings for their academic performance and student well-being.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Barnard Castle has a secondary school called Barnard Castle School, a co-educational independent school for students aged 4-18. The school has a strong academic reputation and offers a range of extracurricular activities.
Secondary school : .
Wallingford has one secondary school called Wallingford School. It has a good reputation and has received positive Ofsted observations in recent years.
🟢 College : Yes.
Barnard Castle has a college called Barnard Castle School, which offers education for students aged 4-18. It is a well-established institution with a strong academic reputation.
🟢 College : Yes.
Wallingford has a college called The Henley College Oxfordshire, which offers a range of A-level and vocational courses. There is also a 6th form at Wallingford School for post-16 education.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Barnard Castle has a tourist information facility to assist visitors with information on local attractions, events, and accommodations. It serves as a helpful resource for tourists exploring the town.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Wallingford has a tourist information facility located in the town center, providing visitors with information on local attractions, events, accommodations, and more to enhance their experience in the area.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Barnard Castle has a post office located in the town, providing postal services to residents and visitors. It is a convenient resource for mailing letters and packages.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Wallingford has a post office located in the town, providing postal services to residents and businesses in the area.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Barnard Castle has a public library that offers a variety of books, resources, and services for the community to enjoy. It is a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Wallingford has a public library that offers a wide range of books, resources, and services for the local community. It is a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Barnard Castle does have a police station, providing a local law enforcement presence for the town and surrounding area. Residents can access police services and assistance when needed.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Wallingford has a police station located in the town, providing law enforcement services and ensuring public safety for residents and visitors.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Barnard Castle does have an NHS hospital, providing healthcare services to the local community and surrounding areas. Residents have access to medical care and facilities within the town.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Wallingford has an NHS hospital, providing healthcare services to the residents of the town and surrounding areas. This facility ensures access to essential medical care for the community.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Barnard Castle has an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential healthcare services to the local community and visitors in need of urgent medical attention.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Wallingford has an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential healthcare services to the town and surrounding areas.


When choosing between Barnard Castle and Wallingford, consider your preference for scenery and attractions. If you seek a tranquil riverside town with a rich history, Barnard Castle is the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you value a bustling market square and vibrant local scene, Wallingford may be the perfect fit for you.