Bury St Edmunds vs Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle and Bury St Edmunds are both charming market towns in the UK, each with its own unique character and attractions. While Barnard Castle boasts a stunning castle and picturesque riverside setting, Bury St Edmunds is known for its historic abbey ruins and vibrant market square.

General information

Bury St Edmunds
Barnard Castle
Introduction :
Bury St Edmunds is a historic market town in Suffolk, England, known for its picturesque medieval architecture and rich heritage. The town dates back to the Saxon era and is home to the impressive St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Abbey Gardens, and a bustling market that has been operating for over a thousand years. Visitors can explore the town's charming streets lined with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike.
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.

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Advantages :
  • Bury St Edmunds has a rich history dating back centuries.
  • The town offers a variety of cultural attractions and events.
  • Bury St Edmunds has good transport links to other major cities.
  • The town has a range of educational facilities and schools.
  • Bury St Edmunds has a vibrant market and shopping scene.
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.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living compared to surrounding areas
  • Higher crime rates than national average
  • Limited educational opportunities beyond secondary level
  • Lack of major tourist attractions or cultural events
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
Points of interest :
Bury St Edmunds is a historic market town in Suffolk, known for its stunning cathedral, Abbey Gardens, and medieval architecture. Visitors can explore the ruins of the 11th-century Abbey of St Edmund, enjoy a show at the Theatre Royal, or take a stroll along the charming streets lined with independent shops and cafes. The town also hosts a popular Christmas market and the annual Bury St Edmunds Festival. History buffs can delve into the town's past at the Moyse's Hall Museum, while beer enthusiasts can tour the Greene King Brewery. Bury St Edmunds offers a mix of culture, history, and charm.
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.


Facts and figures

Bury St Edmunds
Barnard Castle
Type : Town.
Bury St Edmunds is a historic market town in Suffolk, known for its medieval architecture, bustling market, and cultural attractions. It offers a mix of amenities and a vibrant community atmosphere.
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.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Bury St Edmunds is not provided in the information 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 Barnard Castle is currently unknown. Further research or data collection may be needed to determine an accurate figure.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The average house price in Bury St Edmunds is currently unknown. It is recommended to consult local real estate websites or agencies for the most up-to-date information on housing prices in the area.
⚪ 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.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Bury St Edmunds has an average level of crime compared to other market towns in the UK. While there have been some incidents, overall the town is considered relatively safe.
🟡 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.
🟢 Education : Good.
Bury St Edmunds has a strong education system with a variety of schools and colleges offering high-quality education. The town has a reputation for academic excellence and a supportive learning environment.
🟢 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.
🟢 Employment : Good.
Bury St Edmunds offers a range of employment opportunities both in town and within commuting distance to major cities like Cambridge and Ipswich. Notable employers include British Sugar, Greene King, and West Suffolk Council.
🟡 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.


Geographical features

Bury St Edmunds
Barnard Castle
Elevation : 50 meters
Bury St Edmunds has an average elevation of approximately 50 meters above sea level, providing a scenic view of the surrounding area and contributing to its unique charm.
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.
Topology : Bury St Edmunds is located on relatively flat terrain with some gentle slopes.
The general geographic topology of Bury St Edmunds is characterized by flat land with occasional slight inclines, providing a relatively easy landscape to navigate.
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.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Bury St Edmunds is not a coastal town. The nearest coast is approximately 40 miles away to the east, with popular seaside destinations such as Felixstowe and Aldeburgh within reach.
🔴 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.
🟢 River : Yes.
The River Lark flows through Bury St Edmunds, providing a picturesque feature to the town. The river is a popular spot for leisure activities and adds to the town's charm.
🟢 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.
⚪ Lake : Unknown.
Bury St Edmunds does not have a lake within the town itself. However, there may be lakes or bodies of water in the surrounding areas, but the exact distance is unknown.
⚪ 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.
⚪ Water ways : Unknown.
Bury St Edmunds does not have significant man-made waterways like reservoirs or canals. Further research is needed to confirm the presence of any smaller water features in the town.
⚪ 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.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Bury St Edmunds has experienced flooding in the past, notably during severe weather events such as Storm Ciara in 2020. The town is susceptible to flooding due to its proximity to the River Lark.
🟢 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.


Local facilities

Bury St Edmunds
Barnard Castle
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Bury St Edmunds has a train station located in the town center, providing convenient access to and from the town for both residents and visitors. The station offers regular services to various destinations.
🟢 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.
Transport links :
Bury St Edmunds has good transport links to other areas, with the A14 running nearby providing easy access to Cambridge and Ipswich. The town also has a train station with direct services to London and Norwich.
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.
🟢 Primary school : Yes.
Bury St Edmunds has several primary schools, including St Edmundsbury Church of England Primary School and Guildhall Feoffment Primary School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings.
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.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Bury St Edmunds has several secondary schools, including King Edward VI School, County Upper School, and St Benedict's Catholic School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings.
🟢 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.
College : .
Bury St Edmunds has a college and a 6th form. West Suffolk College offers a range of courses and programs for students looking to further their education in the town.
🟢 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.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Bury St Edmunds has a tourist information center located in the town, providing visitors with helpful resources, maps, and assistance for exploring the area and its attractions.
🟢 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.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Bury St Edmunds has a post office located in the town center, providing postal services such as sending mail, parcels, and purchasing stamps for residents and visitors.
🟢 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.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Bury St Edmunds has a public library that offers a wide range of books, resources, and services to the local community, making it a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike.
🟢 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.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Bury St Edmunds has a police station located in the town center, providing security and law enforcement services to the local community and visitors.
🟢 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.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Bury St Edmunds has an NHS hospital called West Suffolk Hospital, providing healthcare services to the local community and surrounding areas.
🟢 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.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Bury St Edmunds has an NHS hospital, West Suffolk Hospital, which includes an accident and emergency department to provide emergency medical care to residents and visitors in the area.
🟢 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.


When choosing between Barnard Castle and Bury St Edmunds, consider whether you prefer a tranquil riverside setting or a bustling market square. Both towns offer a rich history and plenty of charm, making either a delightful destination for a visit or to call home.