Dunster vs Richmond-upon-Thames

Dunster and Richmond-upon-Thames are both charming market towns in the UK, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. While Dunster boasts a medieval castle and picturesque streets, Richmond-upon-Thames is known for its riverside setting and elegant Georgian architecture.

General information

Dunster
Richmond-upon-Thames
Introduction :
Nestled in the heart of Somerset, Dunster is a charming market town with a rich history dating back to medieval times. Known for its picturesque setting at the foot of Exmoor National Park, Dunster boasts a stunning castle, historic buildings, and a bustling market square. Visitors can explore the quaint shops, enjoy traditional pubs, and immerse themselves in the town's vibrant community spirit. With events throughout the year, Dunster offers a delightful blend of heritage and modern amenities.
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 :
  • Dunster Castle offers historical tours and stunning views
  • Low crime rate provides a safe environment for residents
  • Excellent schools and educational opportunities for children
  • Charming shops and local amenities cater to residents’ needs
  • Close proximity to Exmoor National Park for outdoor activities
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
  • Higher crime rates compared to surrounding areas
  • Limited educational opportunities
  • Lack of tourist attractions and amenities
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 :
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

Dunster
Richmond-upon-Thames
Type : Village.
Dunster is a picturesque village located in Somerset, UK. Known for its historic castle and charming streets, it offers a quaint and peaceful setting for residents and visitors alike.
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 Dunster is currently unknown. Further research or data collection 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 Dunster is currently unknown. It is recommended to consult local real estate listings or agencies for the most up-to-date information on property 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.
Dunster has an average level of crime, with occasional incidents reported. Overall, the town is considered safe but residents should still take normal precautions to ensure their safety.
🟢 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.
Dunster boasts a strong education system with well-performing schools and dedicated teachers. The town values education, offering a variety of extracurricular activities and resources for students to excel academically.
🟢 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 : Average.
Dunster offers a mix of employment opportunities, with some local businesses and tourism-related jobs available. Residents may also commute to nearby cities like Taunton or Bristol for more diverse job options.
🟢 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

Dunster
Richmond-upon-Thames
Elevation : 500 feet
Dunster is situated at an elevation of approximately 500 feet above sea level, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coast.
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 : Hilly terrain
Dunster is characterized by its hilly terrain, with the village nestled in the rolling hills of Exmoor National Park. The surrounding landscape offers stunning views and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Topology :
⚪ Coastal : Unknown.
Dunster is located inland in Somerset, England. While it is not directly on the coast, it is situated relatively close to the Bristol Channel. The exact distance to the coast may vary.
🔴 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.
Dunster has the River Avill running through it, adding to the picturesque charm of the town. The river provides a tranquil setting for locals and visitors to enjoy.
🟢 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.
Dunster does not have a lake within the town limits. However, the town is located near the beautiful Exmoor National Park, which features several lakes and reservoirs for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
⚪ 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.
Dunster's waterways are not well-documented, so it is unclear if the town has man-made waterways such as reservoirs or canals. Further research may be needed to confirm this information.
🟢 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.
Dunster has experienced flooding in the past, particularly during severe weather events such as Storm Emma in 2018. The town is situated near the River Avill, which can overflow during heavy rainfall.
🟢 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

Dunster
Richmond-upon-Thames
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Dunster has a train station, providing convenient transportation options for residents and visitors. The station offers connections to nearby towns and cities, enhancing the town's accessibility and connectivity.
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 :
Dunster has good transport links to other areas, with the A39 running through the town providing easy access to nearby towns and cities. The M5 motorway is also easily reachable for longer journeys.
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 : .
Dunster has a primary school called Dunster First School, which provides education for children aged 4-9. The school has received positive Ofsted ratings for its teaching and learning environment.
🟢 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.
Dunster has one secondary school called West Somerset College. The school has received positive Ofsted ratings and offers a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for students in the town.
🟢 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 : Yes.
Dunster has a college and 6th form for students to further their education. The institutions offer a range of courses and opportunities for academic and personal development.
🟢 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.
Dunster 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.
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.
Dunster 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.
🟢 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.
Dunster has a public library that offers a variety of books, resources, and services for the community to enjoy. It serves as a hub for learning and exploration in the town.
🟢 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.
Dunster has a police station located in the town, providing security and law enforcement services to the local community.
🟢 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 : Unknown.
Dunster's healthcare facilities are not explicitly stated as an NHS hospital. Further research or local inquiry is recommended to confirm the presence of an NHS hospital in the town.
🟢 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 : Unknown.
Dunster's healthcare facilities require further verification to confirm the presence of an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department. Additional research is recommended for accurate information.
🟢 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.


When choosing between Dunster and Richmond-upon-Thames, consider whether you prefer a quaint village atmosphere or a riverside town with easy access to London. Both towns have their own distinct charm, so the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of lifestyle you are seeking.