Dorchester vs Farnham

Dorchester and Farnham are both charming market towns in the UK, each with its own unique character and attractions. Dorchester boasts a rich history dating back to Roman times, while Farnham is known for its picturesque Georgian architecture and vibrant arts scene.

General information

Dorchester
Farnham
Introduction :
Dorchester, located in Dorset, England, is a historic market town with a rich heritage dating back to Roman times. Known for its charming architecture, including the iconic Maumbury Rings and the impressive Dorset County Museum, Dorchester offers a mix of traditional market stalls and modern amenities. Visitors can explore the town's connections to famous author Thomas Hardy, as well as enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside and nearby Jurassic Coast.
Introduction :
Nestled in the heart of Surrey, Farnham is a charming market town with a rich history dating back to the Roman times. Known for its historic buildings, cobbled streets, and vibrant market square, Farnham offers a mix of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The town is also home to Farnham Castle, a medieval fortress with stunning views over the surrounding countryside. With its picturesque setting and bustling community, Farnham is a delightful destination to explore.

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Advantages :
  • Dorchester has a rich history dating back to Roman times
  • The town offers a variety of shops and restaurants
  • Good access to public transportation and major roadways
  • Dorchester has a low crime rate compared to other towns
  • The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside and historic landmarks
Advantages :
  • Farnham has excellent schools and educational facilities for all ages.
  • The town has a low crime rate, making it a safe place to live.
  • Farnham offers a range of recreational facilities and green spaces.
  • The town has a strong sense of community and local amenities.
  • Farnham’s historic charm and picturesque surroundings attract tourists.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited job opportunities
  • High crime rate
  • Lack of affordable housing
  • Limited public transportation options
  • Limited shopping and entertainment facilities
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options make it difficult to get around.
  • High cost of living compared to other towns in the area.
  • Higher crime rates than national average, particularly in certain areas.
  • Limited educational opportunities, with fewer schools and colleges.
  • Lack of tourist attractions and amenities compared to nearby towns.
Points of interest :
Dorchester, located in Dorset, England, is a historic market town with many points of interest. Key attractions include the Roman Town House, Maiden Castle (one of the largest Iron Age hillforts in Europe), the Keep Military Museum, and the Dorset County Museum. The town is also known for its association with author Thomas Hardy, with sites like Hardy's Cottage and Max Gate open to visitors. Dorchester hosts a popular weekly market and offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants for visitors to enjoy. The town's rich history and picturesque surroundings make it a must-visit destination in Dorset.
Points of interest :
Farnham is a charming market town in Surrey with a rich history dating back to the Roman times. Key points of interest include Farnham Castle, a historic site with stunning views, and the Farnham Maltings, a cultural hub hosting events and performances. The town also boasts beautiful Georgian architecture, a variety of independent shops and cafes, and the picturesque Farnham Park. Visitors can explore the ruins of Waverley Abbey, the first Cistercian abbey in England, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Wey. Farnham is known for its vibrant arts scene and annual events like the Farnham Food Festival.


Facts and figures

Dorchester
Farnham
Type : Town.
Dorchester is a historic market town located in Dorset, known for its Roman origins and charming architecture. It offers a mix of amenities, cultural attractions, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Type : Town.
Farnham is a historic market town in Surrey, known for its Georgian architecture, bustling market square, and vibrant community. It offers a mix of independent shops, cafes, and cultural attractions.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Dorchester is not provided or unclear. Further research or official sources may be needed to determine the exact population of the town.
Population : .
⚪ Population : Unknown.
House prices in Dorchester can vary depending on the specific location, size, and condition of the property. It is recommended to consult local real estate agents or websites for the most up-to-date information.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The average house price in Farnham 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.
Dorchester experiences an average level of crime, with occasional incidents reported. However, overall it is considered a relatively safe town compared to larger urban areas.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Farnham experiences an average level of crime, with occasional incidents reported. However, overall, the town is considered safe with a strong community and police presence to ensure public safety.
🟢 Education : Good.
Dorchester offers a strong education system with reputable schools and high academic standards. The town has a variety of educational opportunities for students of all ages, contributing to a well-rounded learning experience.
🟢 Education : Good.
Farnham has a strong education system with a variety of primary and secondary schools, as well as a college and university campus. The town is known for its high academic standards and excellent facilities.
🟡 Employment : Average.
Dorchester offers a mix of employment opportunities, with various retail, hospitality, and healthcare positions available. Additionally, being close to major cities like Bournemouth and Southampton provides access to additional job prospects.
🟢 Employment : Good.
Farnham offers a range of employment opportunities both in town and in nearby major cities like Guildford and London. Notable employers in the area include BAE Systems and the University for the Creative Arts.


Geographical features

Dorchester
Farnham
Elevation : 50 meters
Dorchester's elevation above sea level is approximately 50 meters, providing a moderate height that offers scenic views and a pleasant climate for residents and visitors alike.
Elevation : 122 meters
Farnham's elevation above sea level is approximately 122 meters, providing a scenic view and a unique geographical setting for the town.
Topology : Hilly
Dorchester is situated in a hilly area with rolling terrain and sloping landscapes, offering picturesque views and varied topography for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Topology : Hilly
Farnham is characterized by its hilly terrain, with the town situated in a valley surrounded by rolling hills and countryside. This topography provides scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities.
⚪ Coastal : Unknown.
Dorchester is located inland in the county of Dorset, so it is not a coastal town. However, it is relatively close to the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site known for its stunning coastline.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Farnham is not a coastal town. It is located inland in the county of Surrey, surrounded by picturesque countryside and historic landmarks. The nearest coast is approximately 30 miles away on the south coast of England.
⚪ River : Unknown.
Dorchester does not have a river running through it, but it is located approximately 10 miles inland from the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site known for its stunning cliffs and beaches.
🟢 River : Yes.
Farnham has the River Wey running through it, adding to the town's picturesque charm. The river provides opportunities for leisurely walks along its banks and scenic views for residents and visitors.
⚪ Lake : Unknown.
Dorchester does not have a lake within the town limits, but there may be lakes nearby. Further research is needed to determine the distance to the nearest lake from Dorchester.
⚪ Lake : Unknown.
Farnham does not have a lake within the town limits. However, the town is located near several lakes, including Frensham Great Pond and Frensham Little Pond, which are approximately 5 miles away.
⚪ Water ways : Unknown.
Dorchester's man-made waterways are not well-documented. Further research is needed to determine if the town has reservoirs or canals.
🟢 Water ways : Yes.
Farnham has man-made waterways, including the Frensham Great Pond and Common, a reservoir created in the 13th century to supply water to the Bishop of Winchester's estate, and the Basingstoke Canal, which runs through the town.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Dorchester has experienced flooding in the past due to heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers, such as during Storm Angus in 2016. The town is susceptible to flooding in low-lying areas.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Farnham has experienced flooding in the past, particularly in low-lying areas near the River Wey during heavy rainfall or storms. The town has taken measures to mitigate future flood risks.


Local facilities

Dorchester
Farnham
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Dorchester has a train station located in the town center, providing easy access to other destinations in the UK. It is a convenient transportation option for residents and visitors alike.
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Farnham has a train station located in the town center, providing easy access to London and other major cities in the region. The station offers regular services and is a convenient transportation option for residents and visitors.
Transport links :
Dorchester has good transport links to other areas in the UK. It is situated near major roads such as the A35 and A37, providing easy access to nearby towns and cities. The A35 also connects to the M27 motorway for further travel options.
Transport links :
Farnham has good transport links to other areas with easy access to major roads such as the A31 and A325. The town is also close to the M3 motorway, providing quick connections to nearby cities like Guildford and London.
🟢 Primary school : Yes.
Dorchester has several primary schools, including Manor Park CE VC First School, St. Mary's Catholic First School, and Damers First School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings for their teaching and facilities.
Primary school : .
Farnham has several primary schools, including South Farnham School and William Cobbett Primary School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings and offer a range of educational opportunities for local children.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Dorchester has several secondary schools, including The Thomas Hardye School and The Dorchester Middle School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings and offer a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Secondary school : .
There are several secondary schools in Farnham, including Weydon School, Farnham Heath End School, and All Hallows Catholic School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings.
🟢 College : Yes.
Dorchester has The Thomas Hardye School, which includes a sixth form college. The school has received positive Ofsted ratings and offers a range of academic and vocational courses for students.
🟢 College : Yes.
Farnham has a college called Farnham College, offering a range of A-level and vocational courses. There is also a 6th form at Weydon School, providing post-16 education for students.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Dorchester has a tourist information facility where visitors can obtain information about local attractions, events, and accommodations to enhance their experience in the town.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Farnham has a tourist information office located in the town center, providing visitors with information on local attractions, events, and accommodations to enhance their experience in the area.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
There is a post office in Dorchester, providing postal services to residents and visitors in the town. It is a convenient location for sending and receiving mail and packages.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Farnham 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 packages.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Dorchester has a public library that offers a wide range of books, resources, and services for the community to enjoy and benefit from.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Farnham 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.
The Dorchester police station is located in the town center, providing law enforcement services and support to the local community. Residents can easily access police assistance when needed.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Farnham has a police station located in the town center, providing security and law enforcement services to the local community and ensuring public safety in the area.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Dorchester has an NHS hospital, providing healthcare services to the town's residents and surrounding areas. The hospital plays a crucial role in the local community's healthcare needs.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Farnham has 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.
Dorchester has an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential medical services to the town and surrounding areas in times of urgent need.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Farnham has an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential healthcare services to the town and surrounding areas in times of urgent medical need.


When deciding between Dorchester and Farnham, consider whether you prefer a town steeped in history or one with a thriving arts community. Both offer a high quality of life and a range of amenities, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whichever town you choose, you’re sure to find a welcoming community and plenty to explore.