Bury St Edmunds vs Market Harborough

Bury St Edmunds and Market Harborough are both charming market towns in the UK known for their historic architecture and vibrant community. While Bury St Edmunds boasts a rich history dating back to the medieval times, Market Harborough offers a picturesque setting with its quaint streets and bustling markets.

General information

Bury St Edmunds
Market Harborough
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 :
Market Harborough is a charming market town located in Leicestershire, England. With a history dating back to the 13th century, the town is known for its bustling market, historic buildings, and picturesque countryside surroundings. Visitors can explore independent shops, cafes, and restaurants in the town center, as well as enjoy leisurely walks along the Grand Union Canal. Market Harborough offers a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern amenities for residents and tourists alike.

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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 :
  • Market Harborough has excellent transport links, including a train station.
  • The town offers a range of affordable housing options for residents.
  • Market Harborough has low crime rates, making it a safe place to live.
  • The town boasts a selection of good schools and educational facilities.
  • Market Harborough has a variety of shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities to enjoy.
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 than average crime rate
  • Limited educational opportunities
  • Lack of major tourist attractions
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 :
Market Harborough is a charming market town in Leicestershire, known for its historic architecture, bustling market square, and independent shops. Key points of interest include the Old Grammar School, Foxton Locks, Welland Park, and the Harborough Museum. The town also hosts regular markets and events, such as the annual Food and Drink Festival. Market Harborough is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With a rich history dating back to Roman times, visitors can explore the town's heritage through its various landmarks and attractions.


Facts and figures

Bury St Edmunds
Market Harborough
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.
Market Harborough is a market town in Leicestershire, known for its historic market square and independent shops. It has a vibrant community and offers a range of amenities for residents and 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 Market Harborough is not provided in the available data. Further research or official statistics may be needed to determine the exact population size of the town.
⚪ 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.
The average house price in Market Harborough is currently unknown. It is recommended to consult local real estate websites or agencies for the most up-to-date information on property prices in the area.
🟡 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.
Market Harborough has an average level of crime, with occasional incidents reported. However, overall it is considered a relatively safe town compared to others in the UK.
🟢 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.
Market Harborough has a strong education system with a variety of primary and secondary schools, as well as a college. The town also boasts high academic achievement and positive student outcomes.
🟢 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 : Good.
Market Harborough offers a range of employment opportunities, with a mix of local businesses, retail outlets, and professional services. Additionally, its proximity to Leicester and Northampton provides access to further job prospects.


Geographical features

Bury St Edmunds
Market Harborough
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 : 400 feet
Market Harborough is approximately 400 feet above sea level, providing scenic views and a unique topography for residents and visitors to enjoy.
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 : Market Harborough is located in a relatively flat area with some gentle rolling hills surrounding the town.
The town is situated in the Welland Valley, with the River Welland running through it. The surrounding countryside is mainly agricultural with fields and farmland.
🔴 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.
Market Harborough is not a coastal town. It is located inland in Leicestershire, approximately 80 miles away from the nearest coast, which is the North Sea coast in Lincolnshire.
🟢 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.
Market Harborough has the River Welland flowing through it, providing a picturesque waterway for residents and visitors to enjoy. The river adds to the town's charm and natural beauty.
⚪ 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.
Market Harborough does not have a lake within the town itself. However, there are several lakes and reservoirs in the surrounding area, such as Eyebrook Reservoir and Rutland Water, which are a short drive away.
⚪ 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 : Yes.
Market Harborough has man-made waterways, including the Grand Union Canal and the nearby Foxton Locks, which are popular attractions for boating and leisure activities in the area.
🟢 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.
Market Harborough has experienced flooding in the past, notably during severe weather events such as Storm Dennis in February 2020. The town has implemented flood prevention measures to mitigate future risks.


Local facilities

Bury St Edmunds
Market Harborough
🟢 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.
Market Harborough has a train station, providing convenient transportation options for residents and visitors. The station offers connections to various destinations, making it a key transportation hub in the area.
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 :
🟢 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 : Yes.
Market Harborough has several primary schools, including Meadowdale Primary School, Little Bowden Primary School, and St. Joseph's Catholic Voluntary Academy. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings.
🟢 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.
Market Harborough has several secondary schools, including Welland Park Academy and Robert Smyth Academy. Both schools have received positive Ofsted ratings and offer a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
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.
Market Harborough has a college called Brooksby Melton College, and there is also a 6th form at Robert Smyth Academy. Both institutions offer a range of courses and educational opportunities.
🟢 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.
Market Harborough has a tourist information office located in the town, providing visitors with helpful resources and assistance for exploring the area and its attractions.
🟢 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.
Market Harborough 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 parcels.
🟢 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.
Market Harborough has a public library that offers a range of books, resources, and services for the community to enjoy and benefit from.
🟢 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.
Market Harborough has a police station to serve the local community and ensure public safety. Residents and visitors can access law enforcement 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.
Market Harborough has an NHS hospital called St. Luke's Hospital, providing healthcare services to the local community. Residents have access to a range of medical facilities and treatments 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.
Market Harborough has an NHS hospital, which includes an accident and emergency department, providing essential healthcare services to the local community and surrounding areas.


When deciding between Bury St Edmunds and Market Harborough, consider your preference for history versus picturesque surroundings. Both towns offer unique charm and a strong sense of community, making either a great choice for those seeking a quintessential market town experience.