Bury St Edmunds vs Pateley Bridge

Bury St Edmunds and Pateley Bridge are both charming market towns in the UK, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. While Bury St Edmunds boasts a rich heritage dating back to medieval times, Pateley Bridge is known for its picturesque location in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

General information

Bury St Edmunds
Pateley Bridge
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 :
Pateley Bridge is a charming market town nestled in the heart of Nidderdale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Yorkshire. With a history dating back to medieval times, the town is known for its picturesque setting, traditional stone buildings, and friendly community. Visitors can explore independent shops, cafes, and pubs, as well as enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and fishing in the surrounding countryside.

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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 :
  • Pateley Bridge has a low crime rate, making it a safe town
  • The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and landscapes
  • Pateley Bridge offers a range of facilities including shops and restaurants
  • The town has good access to nearby cities and transportation links
  • Pateley Bridge is a popular tourist destination with plenty to see
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
  • Higher cost of living compared to surrounding areas
  • Higher crime rates than national average
  • Limited educational opportunities for higher education
  • Limited tourist attractions and amenities
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 :
Pateley Bridge is a charming market town in North Yorkshire known for its picturesque setting in Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Key points of interest include the historic Nidderdale Museum, the stunning ruins of How Stean Gorge, the beautiful walks along the River Nidd, and the annual Nidderdale Show. Visitors can also explore the unique independent shops, cafes, and pubs in the town center, as well as enjoy the scenic drive along the Nidderdale Way. Pateley Bridge is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the Yorkshire countryside.


Facts and figures

Bury St Edmunds
Pateley Bridge
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.
Pateley Bridge is a charming market town in North Yorkshire, known for its picturesque surroundings and traditional shops. It offers a mix of amenities and a strong sense of community.
⚪ 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 Pateley Bridge is currently unknown. More research or updated data may be needed to determine the exact population 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.
The average house price in Pateley Bridge 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.
🟡 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.
Pateley Bridge has an average level of crime compared to other market towns in the UK. While there have been some incidents, overall it is considered a relatively safe community.
🟢 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.
Pateley Bridge offers a good education system with well-performing schools and dedicated teachers. The town has a strong community focus on education, providing a supportive environment for students to thrive.
🟢 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.
Pateley Bridge offers a mix of employment opportunities, with a range of local businesses, shops, and services. While there are some job prospects within the town, residents may need to commute to nearby cities for more diverse options.


Geographical features

Bury St Edmunds
Pateley Bridge
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 : 650 feet
Pateley Bridge sits at an elevation of approximately 650 feet above sea level, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside in the heart of Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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 and surrounded by countryside
Pateley Bridge is situated in a hilly area surrounded by picturesque countryside, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
🔴 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.
Pateley Bridge is not a coastal town. It is located inland in North Yorkshire, surrounded by picturesque countryside and the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
🟢 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.
Pateley Bridge is located near the River Nidd, which flows through the town and provides a picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy. The river adds to the charm of this market town in the heart of Nidderdale.
⚪ 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.
Pateley Bridge is not known to have a lake within the town limits. However, the town is located near the picturesque Gouthwaite Reservoir, which is approximately 5 miles 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.
Pateley Bridge has man-made waterways in the form of reservoirs, including Gouthwaite Reservoir, which provides water for the surrounding area and offers recreational opportunities such as fishing and birdwatching.
🟢 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.
Pateley Bridge has experienced flooding in the past, notably during Storm Ciara in 2020 and Storm Frank in 2015, causing damage to properties and infrastructure in the town.


Local facilities

Bury St Edmunds
Pateley Bridge
🟢 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 : Unknown.
The presence of a train station in Pateley Bridge is unclear. The nearest train station may need to be confirmed for transportation options to and from the town.
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 :
Pateley Bridge has good transport links to other areas, with the A59 providing easy access to Harrogate and Skipton. The B6265 also connects to Ripon and Grassington, making it convenient for visitors and residents to travel around the region.
🟢 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 : .
Pateley Bridge has one primary school called St. Cuthbert's Church of England Primary School. The school has received positive Ofsted ratings and serves the local community.
🟢 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.
Pateley Bridge has one secondary school called Nidderdale High School. The school has received positive Ofsted ratings and offers a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for students.
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 : Unknown.
There is no specific information available about the presence of a college or 6th form in Pateley Bridge. Further research may be needed to confirm educational options in the town.
🟢 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.
Pateley Bridge has a tourist information office located in the town center, providing visitors with information on local attractions, accommodations, and events. It is a helpful resource for tourists exploring the area.
🟢 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.
Pateley Bridge 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.
Pateley Bridge has a public library available for residents and visitors to access a wide range of books, resources, and services for learning and leisure purposes.
🟢 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 : Unknown.
There is no clear information available about the presence of a police station in Pateley Bridge. Further research or local inquiry may be necessary to confirm this.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Bury St Edmunds has an NHS hospital called West Suffolk Hospital, providing healthcare services to the local community and surrounding areas.
⚪ Hospital : Unknown.
Pateley Bridge does not have an NHS hospital within the town itself. Further research is needed to determine the nearest healthcare facilities available to residents in the area.
🟢 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 : Unknown.
Pateley Bridge does not have an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department. Further research is needed to determine the nearest medical facilities for emergency care in the area.


When choosing between Bury St Edmunds and Pateley Bridge, consider whether you prefer a town steeped in history or a scenic location surrounded by nature. Both towns have their own distinct appeal, so the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and what you value most in a market town.