Henley-on-Thames vs Thame

Henley-on-Thames and Thame are both charming market towns in Oxfordshire, known for their picturesque settings and historic architecture. While Henley-on-Thames is famous for its annual regatta and riverside location, Thame boasts a thriving market square and a rich history dating back to the medieval times.

General information

Henley-on-Thames
Thame
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 :
Thame is a charming market town located in Oxfordshire, England. With a history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era, Thame boasts a picturesque town center filled with historic buildings, independent shops, and a vibrant market. The town is known for its annual Thame Show, a popular agricultural event that attracts visitors from far and wide. With its rich history and bustling market scene, Thame is a must-visit destination in the UK.

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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 :
  • Thame has a low crime rate, making it a safe town
  • The town offers excellent educational facilities and schools
  • Thame is easily accessible by road and public transport
  • The town has a variety of amenities and shopping options
  • Thame’s historic architecture and picturesque surroundings attract tourists
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 make commuting difficult.
  • High cost of living compared to surrounding areas.
  • Higher crime rates than national average.
  • Limited educational opportunities for higher education.
  • Lack of tourist attractions and amenities.
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 :
Thame is a charming market town in Oxfordshire, known for its historic architecture, including the 15th-century St. Mary's Church and the picturesque Thame High Street. The town hosts a popular weekly market, offering a variety of local produce and goods. Thame is also home to the annual Thame Food Festival, showcasing the best of local food and drink. Visitors can explore the town's rich history at the Thame Museum or enjoy a leisurely walk along the Phoenix Trail, a former railway line turned scenic walking route. Other points of interest include the historic Thame Park and the beautiful Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve.


Facts and figures

Henley-on-Thames
Thame
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.
Thame is a vibrant market town in Oxfordshire, known for its historic architecture, weekly markets, and independent shops. It offers a mix of amenities and a strong sense of community.
⚪ 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 Thame is currently unknown. Further research or data collection 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 Thame 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 : 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.
Thame has an average level of crime, with occasional incidents reported. Overall, the town is considered safe but residents should still take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.
🟢 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.
Thame has a strong educational system with reputable schools and high academic standards. The town also offers a variety of educational opportunities for all ages, making it an attractive place for families.
🟢 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.
Thame offers a mix of employment opportunities, with a range of local businesses, shops, and services. Additionally, its proximity to Oxford and Aylesbury provides access to further job opportunities in larger cities.


Geographical features

Henley-on-Thames
Thame
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 : 302 feet
Thame is approximately 302 feet above sea level, offering a picturesque setting with gentle elevation for residents and visitors to enjoy.
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 : Thame is located in a valley surrounded by low hills.
Thame is situated in a valley with gentle hills surrounding the town, providing a picturesque and sheltered setting for the area.
🔴 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.
Thame is not a coastal town. It is located inland in Oxfordshire, approximately 50 miles northwest of London. The town is known for its historic market and traditional architecture.
🟢 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 : Yes.
Thame has the River Thame running through it, adding to the town's picturesque charm and providing a tranquil setting for residents and visitors to enjoy.
🟢 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.
Thame does not have a lake within the town itself. However, there are several lakes and reservoirs within a short driving distance, such as Horseshoe Lake and College Lake.
🟢 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.
Thame has man-made waterways in the form of the Thame Reservoir, providing a scenic and recreational area for locals and visitors to enjoy. The reservoir adds to the town's charm and natural beauty.
🟢 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.
Thame has experienced flooding in the past, notably during the severe floods of 2007 which affected many parts of the UK, including this town.


Local facilities

Henley-on-Thames
Thame
🟢 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 : Yes.
Thame has a train station called Thame railway station, providing connections to London Marylebone, Oxford, and other nearby towns. It is located in the town center, making it convenient for residents and visitors.
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 :
Thame has good transport links to other areas with easy access to major roads including the M40 motorway. The town is also served by regular bus services connecting to nearby towns and cities.
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 : .
Thame has several primary schools, including Barley Hill Primary School and John Hampden Primary School. Both schools have received positive Ofsted ratings and offer a high standard of education.
🟢 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.
Thame has one secondary school called Lord Williams's School, which has a good Ofsted rating 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.
Thame has a college and a 6th form. The college offers a range of courses and the 6th form provides A-level education for students in the area.
🟢 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.
Thame has a tourist information facility located in the town center, providing visitors with helpful guides, maps, and information about local attractions, events, and accommodations.
🟢 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 : Yes.
Thame has a post office located in the town, providing postal services and other related amenities for the local community and visitors.
🟢 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.
Thame has a public library that offers a variety of resources and services for the community, including books, digital resources, and events for all ages.
🟢 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.
Thame has a police station located in the town center, providing local law enforcement services and support to the community. Residents can access police assistance and resources easily.
🟢 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.
Thame has an NHS hospital, providing healthcare services to the local community and surrounding areas. Residents can access a range of medical treatments and facilities within the town.
🟢 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 : Unknown.
Thame does not have an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department. Further research is needed to determine the nearest facility for emergency medical care.


When deciding between Henley-on-Thames and Thame, consider your preference for riverside activities versus a bustling market square. Henley-on-Thames offers a more scenic and water-centric experience, while Thame provides a vibrant town center with a strong sense of history. Both towns have their unique charm, so choose based on your personal interests and lifestyle preferences.