Bury St Edmunds vs Richmond-upon-Thames

Bury St Edmunds and Richmond-upon-Thames are both charming market towns in the UK, each with its own unique character and attractions. Bury St Edmunds is known for its historic architecture and bustling market, while Richmond-upon-Thames offers a picturesque riverside setting and a vibrant arts scene.

General information

Bury St Edmunds
Richmond-upon-Thames
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 :
Richmond-upon-Thames is a picturesque town located in southwest London, known for its stunning riverside setting along the River Thames. With a history dating back to the 16th century, Richmond boasts a charming mix of historic architecture, green spaces, and a vibrant town center. Home to Richmond Park, the largest Royal Park in London, as well as numerous shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, Richmond offers a perfect blend of tranquility and urban amenities.

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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 :
  • Richmond-upon-Thames offers a high quality education system for residents.
  • The town has low crime rates, making it a safe place to live.
  • Richmond-upon-Thames is known for its beautiful parks and green spaces.
  • The town has excellent transport links, providing easy access to London.
  • There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities in Richmond-upon-Thames.
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 affordable housing options
  • High cost of living compared to surrounding areas
  • Traffic congestion and limited parking availability
  • Some areas have higher crime rates
  • Limited options for entertainment and nightlife
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 :
Richmond-upon-Thames is a picturesque town known for its historic sites, beautiful parks, and charming riverside setting. Key points of interest include Richmond Park, a vast royal park with roaming deer and stunning views; Richmond Hill, offering panoramic views of the River Thames; Richmond Theatre, a historic venue hosting a variety of performances; Ham House, a 17th-century mansion with beautiful gardens; Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its botanical collections; and the riverside area with its quaint pubs and shops. The town also has a rich history dating back to Roman times and is a popular destination for tourists.


Facts and figures

Bury St Edmunds
Richmond-upon-Thames
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.
Richmond-upon-Thames is a historic market town in southwest London known for its picturesque riverside setting, charming shops, and vibrant community. It offers a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty.
⚪ 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 Richmond-upon-Thames is currently unknown. Further research or data collection 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 : Yes.
The average house price in Richmond-upon-Thames is £1,000,000, making it one of the more expensive areas in the UK. The market trend shows a steady increase in property prices over the years.
🟡 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 : Good.
Richmond-upon-Thames has relatively low crime rates compared to other areas in London. The town is known for its safe and affluent neighborhoods, making it a desirable place to live in terms of safety.
🟢 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.
Richmond-upon-Thames has a strong education system with a variety of highly rated schools, both state and private. The town also has a number of prestigious universities and colleges, making it an attractive location 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 : Good.
Richmond-upon-Thames offers a range of employment opportunities both in the town itself and in nearby London. Major employers in the area include the National Physical Laboratory, Richmond Council, and various retail and hospitality businesses.


Geographical features

Bury St Edmunds
Richmond-upon-Thames
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 : 20 meters
Richmond-upon-Thames has an average elevation of approximately 20 meters above sea level, offering picturesque views of the River Thames and surrounding areas.
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 :
🔴 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.
Richmond-upon-Thames is not a coastal town. It is located inland along the River Thames in southwest London, approximately 10 miles from the nearest coastline to the south.
🟢 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.
Richmond-upon-Thames has the River Thames running through it, offering picturesque views and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The river adds to the town's charm and character.
⚪ 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.
Richmond-upon-Thames does not have a lake within the town itself. However, the town is located near the River Thames, which offers beautiful waterfront views and recreational opportunities.
⚪ 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.
Richmond-upon-Thames has man-made waterways such as the River Thames, the Grand Union Canal, and the River Crane. These waterways provide opportunities for boating, walking, and enjoying the scenic views in the town.
🟢 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.
Richmond-upon-Thames has experienced flooding in the past, particularly along the River Thames during severe weather events such as the Thames flooding in 1947 and the Thames Barrier closure in 2014.


Local facilities

Bury St Edmunds
Richmond-upon-Thames
🟢 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 : .
Richmond-upon-Thames has a train station called Richmond Station, which is served by South Western Railway and London Overground. It provides connections to central London and other destinations.
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 :
Richmond-upon-Thames has good transport links to other areas, with major roads such as the A316 and A205 providing easy access. The M3 motorway is also nearby, offering connections to the wider road network.
🟢 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.
Richmond-upon-Thames has multiple primary schools, including some that have received outstanding Ofsted ratings. Some notable primary schools in the area include Marshgate Primary School and St Elizabeth's Catholic Primary School.
🟢 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.
Richmond-upon-Thames has several secondary schools, including Grey Court School, Orleans Park School, and Christ's School. These 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.
Richmond-upon-Thames has several colleges and 6th forms, including Richmond upon Thames College and Christ's School 6th Form. These institutions offer a range of academic and vocational courses for students.
🟢 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.
Richmond-upon-Thames has a tourist information office located in the town center, providing visitors with information on attractions, events, and accommodations in 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.
Richmond-upon-Thames has a post office located in the town, providing postal services to residents and visitors. It is a convenient option for sending mail and packages within the area.
🟢 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.
Richmond-upon-Thames has a public library that offers a wide range of books, resources, and services for residents and visitors to enjoy. It is a valuable community resource for learning and leisure.
🟢 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.
Richmond-upon-Thames has a police station located in the town center, providing law enforcement services and support to the local community.
🟢 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.
Richmond-upon-Thames has an NHS hospital, providing healthcare services to the local community and surrounding areas. Residents have access to a range of medical facilities and specialists 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.
Richmond-upon-Thames has an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential healthcare services to residents and visitors in case of emergencies.


Whether you prefer the historical charm of Bury St Edmunds or the scenic beauty of Richmond-upon-Thames, both towns have much to offer residents and visitors alike. Ultimately, the choice between these two market towns comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a community. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to find a welcoming and vibrant place to call home.