Henley-on-Thames vs Tavistock

Henley-on-Thames and Tavistock are both charming market towns in the UK, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Henley-on-Thames is known for its picturesque riverside setting and annual regatta, while Tavistock boasts a rich heritage as a former stannary town on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.

General information

Henley-on-Thames
Tavistock
Introduction :
Nestled along the banks of the River Thames, Henley-on-Thames is a picturesque market town known for its historic charm and stunning riverside setting. Home to the world-renowned Henley Royal Regatta, the town attracts visitors from far and wide to watch rowing races on the river. With a rich history dating back to the 12th century, Henley-on-Thames offers a delightful mix of boutique shops, cozy cafes, and traditional pubs for visitors to explore.
Introduction :
Tavistock is a historic market town located in West Devon, England. With a rich history dating back to the 10th century, Tavistock is known for its bustling Pannier Market, charming architecture, and stunning natural surroundings including Dartmoor National Park. The town offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants for visitors to enjoy, as well as a range of outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. Tavistock is a vibrant and picturesque town that attracts both locals and tourists alike.

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Advantages :
  • Henley-on-Thames offers a picturesque setting along the River Thames.
  • The town has a strong sense of community and a variety of local events.
  • Henley-on-Thames has excellent schools and educational opportunities.
  • There are plenty of recreational facilities and outdoor activities available.
  • The town is well-connected with good transport links for easy access.
Advantages :
  • Tavistock has a low crime rate, making it a safe place to live
  • The town offers a range of educational facilities for all ages
  • Tavistock is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and countryside
  • The town has a variety of amenities and facilities for residents
  • Tavistock is a popular tourist destination with historic attractions
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living
  • Higher crime rates compared to surrounding areas
  • Limited educational opportunities
  • Lack of diverse cultural and entertainment facilities
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living
  • Higher crime rates compared to surrounding areas
  • Limited educational opportunities
  • Lack of tourist attractions
Points of interest :
Henley-on-Thames is known for its annual Royal Regatta, a prestigious rowing event. The town also boasts a beautiful riverside setting along the River Thames, perfect for scenic walks and boat trips. Visitors can explore the historic Henley Bridge, browse the shops and cafes on Market Place, or visit the River and Rowing Museum. Henley is home to the Kenton Theatre, one of the oldest working theatres in the UK, and the Chantry House, a Tudor building housing a local history museum. The town's charming streets and traditional pubs add to its appeal for tourists.
Points of interest :
Tavistock is a charming market town in Devon, known for its historic architecture, including the iconic Pannier Market and the ancient abbey ruins. Visitors can explore the beautiful Tavistock Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Tavy. The town is also famous for being the birthplace of Sir Francis Drake. Tavistock offers a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great destination for shopping and dining. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the town's proximity to Dartmoor National Park for hiking and exploring the stunning natural surroundings.


Facts and figures

Henley-on-Thames
Tavistock
Type : Town.
Henley-on-Thames is a historic market town known for its picturesque setting along the River Thames. It offers a range of amenities, shops, and cultural attractions, making it a popular destination for visitors.
Type : Town.
Tavistock is a historic market town in Devon, known for its bustling market, independent shops, and picturesque surroundings. It offers a range of amenities and a vibrant community atmosphere.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Henley-on-Thames is currently unknown. It may vary over time due to factors such as migration and urban development.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Tavistock is not provided in the data available for comparison. Further research may be needed to determine the exact population of this market town in the UK.
🟢 Population : Yes.
The average house price in Henley-on-Thames is £800,000, making it a high-end market town with properties often exceeding this figure. Prices have been steadily increasing in recent years.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The average house price in Tavistock is currently unknown. It would be advisable to consult local real estate websites or agencies for the most up-to-date information on housing prices in the area.
🟢 Crime : Good.
Henley-on-Thames has a relatively low crime rate compared to other towns in the UK. The community is tight-knit and there is a strong police presence, contributing to a safe environment for residents and visitors.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Tavistock has an average level of crime compared to other market towns in the UK. While there are occasional incidents, overall the town is considered relatively safe for residents and visitors.
🟢 Education : Good.
Henley-on-Thames has a strong education system with a variety of primary and secondary schools, as well as a renowned independent school. The town also hosts the prestigious Henley Business School, known for its quality education.
🟢 Education : Good.
Tavistock offers a high standard of education with well-regarded schools and a strong sense of community support for learning. The town has a reputation for academic excellence and a variety of educational opportunities.
🟢 Employment : Good.
Henley-on-Thames offers a range of employment opportunities, with a mix of local businesses, retail shops, hospitality sector, and professional services. Additionally, its proximity to major cities like Oxford and Reading provides further job prospects.
🟡 Employment : Average.
Tavistock offers a mix of employment opportunities, with a variety of businesses and shops in the town center. Additionally, the proximity to Plymouth provides access to more diverse job options in a larger city.


Geographical features

Henley-on-Thames
Tavistock
Elevation : 190 feet
Henley-on-Thames has an elevation of approximately 190 feet above sea level, offering picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and the River Thames.
Elevation : 850 feet
Tavistock is situated at an elevation of approximately 850 feet above sea level, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and contributing to its unique charm and character.
Topology : Hilly and surrounded by countryside
Henley-on-Thames is situated in a hilly area with the town itself nestled along the River Thames. The surrounding countryside offers picturesque views and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Topology : Rolling hills and valleys
Tavistock is characterized by its rolling hills and valleys, creating a picturesque and scenic landscape. The town is nestled within this topography, offering stunning views and outdoor recreational opportunities.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Henley-on-Thames is not a coastal town. It is located inland along the River Thames in Oxfordshire, known for its picturesque setting and annual regatta. The nearest coast is approximately 50 miles away to the south.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Tavistock is not a coastal town. However, it is located near the south-west coast of England, approximately 25 miles from the nearest coastline.
🟢 River : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames is situated on the River Thames, with the town center located right by the river. The river plays a significant role in the town's history, culture, and economy.
⚪ River : Unknown.
Tavistock is not known to have a river running through or very near it. However, it is located approximately 20 miles from the south coast of England and about 40 miles from the north coast.
🟢 Lake : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames is situated on the banks of the River Thames, which is often referred to as a 'lake' due to its width and calm waters. The town hosts the annual Henley Royal Regatta, a prestigious rowing event.
⚪ Lake : Unknown.
Tavistock is not known to have a lake within the town limits. However, there are several lakes and reservoirs in the surrounding area, such as Siblyback Lake and Burrator Reservoir, which are a short drive away.
🟢 Water ways : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has man-made waterways in the form of the River Thames, which runs through the town, as well as the Henley Reach section of the river that is used for rowing events.
🟢 Water ways : Yes.
Tavistock has man-made waterways in the form of reservoirs and canals, adding to the town's charm and providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has experienced flooding in the past, notably during severe weather events such as the Thames flooding in 2014 and 2020. The town is situated along the River Thames, making it vulnerable to flooding.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Tavistock has experienced flooding in the past, particularly during severe weather events such as Storm Emma in 2018. The River Tavy has been known to overflow, causing localized flooding in the town.


Local facilities

Henley-on-Thames
Tavistock
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has a train station located in the town center, providing convenient access to and from the town for both residents and visitors. The station is served by regular train services to London and other destinations.
Train station : .
Tavistock has a train station located on Station Road, providing easy access to and from the town for commuters and visitors. The station offers regular services to nearby towns and cities.
Transport links :
Henley-on-Thames has good transport links to other areas, with the A4130 providing easy access to major roads such as the M4 and M40. The town also has a train station with regular services to London and other nearby towns.
Transport links :
Tavistock has good transport links to other areas with the A386 providing access to Plymouth, the A30 connecting to Exeter and the M5 motorway, and regular bus services to surrounding towns and villages.
Primary school : .
Henley-on-Thames has several primary schools, including Trinity CofE Primary School, Badgemore Primary School, and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings.
Primary school : .
Tavistock has several primary schools, including Tavistock Community Primary School and Gulworthy Primary School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings and offer a range of educational opportunities for local children.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has multiple secondary schools, including The Henley College and Gillotts School. Both schools have received positive Ofsted ratings and offer a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for students.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Tavistock has a secondary school called Tavistock College, which has a good reputation and offers a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for students.
College : .
Henley-on-Thames is home to The Henley College, offering a range of A-levels, vocational courses, and apprenticeships. The college has received positive Ofsted ratings for its teaching and student support.
🟢 College : Yes.
Tavistock has a college, Tavistock College, which offers post-16 education. Additionally, there is a 6th form provision at the college for students to continue their studies.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has a tourist information office located in the town center, providing visitors with information on local attractions, events, and accommodations to enhance their stay in the area.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Tavistock has a tourist information facility where visitors can gather information about local attractions, events, and accommodations to enhance their experience in the town.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has a post office located in the town, providing postal services to residents and visitors. It is a convenient facility for mailing letters and packages.
⚪ Post office : Unknown.
There is no definitive information available regarding the presence of a post office in Tavistock. Further research or local inquiries may be necessary to confirm this detail.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has a public library that offers a variety of resources and services for residents and visitors to enjoy, providing a valuable community space for learning and leisure.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Tavistock has a public library that offers a range of resources and services for residents and visitors to enjoy, providing a valuable hub for learning and community engagement.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has a police station located in the town center, providing security and law enforcement services to residents and visitors. The station offers a visible police presence in the community.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Tavistock has a police station located in the town center, providing a visible presence and ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors. It offers a range of services and support to the community.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has the Townlands Hospital, which is part of the NHS. It provides a range of healthcare services to the local community, including outpatient clinics and a minor injuries unit.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Tavistock has an NHS hospital, providing healthcare services to the residents of the town and surrounding areas. The hospital plays a crucial role in ensuring access to medical care for the community.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Henley-on-Thames has the Townlands Hospital which includes an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential healthcare services to the local community.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Tavistock has an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential healthcare services to the local community and visitors in need of urgent medical attention.


When choosing between Henley-on-Thames and Tavistock, consider whether you prefer a riverside location with a lively events calendar or a town steeped in history near stunning natural landscapes. Both towns offer a high quality of life and a strong sense of community, making either a wonderful choice for those seeking a quintessential market town experience.