Stow-on-the-Wold vs Wimborne Minster

Stow-on-the-Wold and Wimborne Minster are both charming market towns in the UK, each offering its own unique character and attractions. Stow-on-the-Wold is known for its historic buildings and picturesque Cotswold setting, while Wimborne Minster boasts a stunning minster church and a vibrant arts scene.

General information

Stow-on-the-Wold
Wimborne Minster
Introduction :
Stow-on-the-Wold is a charming market town located in the Cotswolds, known for its picturesque streets lined with historic buildings and traditional stone cottages. The town dates back to the medieval period and is famous for its biannual sheep fairs, which have been held since the 12th century. Visitors can explore the quaint shops, cafes, and galleries, as well as enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside from the town's elevated position.
Introduction :
Wimborne Minster is a charming market town located in Dorset, England. With a history dating back to the Saxon era, the town is known for its beautiful Minster church, quaint streets lined with independent shops, and vibrant market held every Friday and Saturday. Visitors can explore the historic architecture, enjoy a stroll along the River Stour, or attend one of the many events and festivals that take place throughout the year.

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Advantages :
  • Stow-on-the-Wold has a charming and picturesque market square.
  • The town offers a variety of quaint shops and local businesses.
  • Stow-on-the-Wold is located in the heart of the Cotswolds.
  • The town has good access to public transportation links.
  • Stow-on-the-Wold has a strong sense of community and local events.
Advantages :
  • Wimborne Minster has a rich history and stunning architecture.
  • The town offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and amenities.
  • Wimborne Minster has good schools and educational opportunities.
  • The town has a low crime rate, making it a safe place.
  • Wimborne Minster is surrounded by beautiful countryside and nature.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living compared to surrounding areas
  • Higher crime rates compared to nearby towns
  • Limited educational facilities and opportunities
  • Overcrowding and congestion during peak tourist seasons
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living compared to surrounding areas
  • Higher crime rates than national average
  • Limited educational opportunities for higher education
  • Limited tourist attractions and activities
Points of interest :
Stow-on-the-Wold is a charming market town in the Cotswolds known for its historic market square, lined with quaint shops, cafes, and inns. Key points of interest include St Edward's Church, a beautiful medieval church with stunning stained glass windows, and the ancient stocks on the village green. The town is also famous for its annual Gypsy Horse Fair, attracting visitors from far and wide. Visitors can explore the surrounding countryside on scenic walks and enjoy traditional English pubs serving local ales and hearty meals. Stow-on-the-Wold offers a quintessential Cotswolds experience.
Points of interest :
Wimborne Minster is known for its stunning Minster church, a fine example of Norman architecture. The town also boasts the historic Wimborne Model Town, a 1/10th scale model of the town in the 1950s. Visitors can explore the Priest's House Museum, housed in a 16th-century building, and enjoy the scenic walks along the River Stour. The annual Wimborne Folk Festival attracts music and dance enthusiasts from far and wide. Other points of interest include the quirky Tivoli Theatre, the picturesque Wimborne Market, and the beautiful countryside surroundings perfect for outdoor activities.


Facts and figures

Stow-on-the-Wold
Wimborne Minster
Type : Town.
Stow-on-the-Wold is a charming market town located in the Cotswolds known for its historic buildings, quaint shops, and traditional market square. It attracts visitors with its picturesque setting and vibrant community.
Type : Town.
Wimborne Minster is a historic market town in Dorset, known for its medieval Minster church and traditional market. It offers a mix of shops, cafes, and cultural attractions, making it a vibrant town for residents and visitors alike.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Stow-on-the-Wold is not readily available. Further research or contacting local authorities may be necessary to obtain this information.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Wimborne Minster is not provided in the available data. Further research or contacting local authorities may be necessary to obtain this information.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The average house price in Stow-on-the-Wold is currently unknown. It is recommended to consult local real estate websites or agencies for the most up-to-date information on property prices in the area.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The average house price in Wimborne Minster 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.
Stow-on-the-Wold has an average level of crime compared to other market towns in the UK. While crime rates are not particularly high, residents should still take standard precautions for safety.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Wimborne Minster has an average level of crime, with occasional incidents reported. Overall, it is considered a relatively safe town compared to larger urban areas.
🟢 Education : Good.
Stow-on-the-Wold has a strong education system with well-regarded schools and high academic standards. The town is known for its supportive community and opportunities for students to excel in various subjects.
🟢 Education : Good.
Wimborne Minster has a strong education system with well-regarded schools and a variety of educational opportunities. The town is known for its high academic standards and supportive learning environment.
🟡 Employment : Average.
Stow-on-the-Wold offers a mix of employment opportunities in retail, hospitality, and tourism sectors. While there are some job prospects within the town, many residents commute to larger cities like Cheltenham or Oxford for work.
🟡 Employment : Average.
Wimborne Minster offers a mix of employment opportunities, with some local businesses and shops in town. There are also opportunities in nearby cities like Bournemouth and Poole, which are easily accessible for commuters.


Geographical features

Stow-on-the-Wold
Wimborne Minster
Elevation : 800 feet
Stow-on-the-Wold has an average elevation of approximately 800 feet above sea level, offering visitors stunning views of the surrounding Cotswold countryside.
Elevation : 82 meters
Wimborne Minster is situated at an elevation of approximately 82 meters above sea level, offering scenic views and a unique perspective of the surrounding area.
Topology : Rolling hills and valleys
Stow-on-the-Wold is situated in the Cotswolds, known for its picturesque rolling hills and valleys. The town itself is located on top of a hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Topology : Hilly and surrounded by countryside
Wimborne Minster is located in a hilly area with picturesque countryside surrounding the town, providing a scenic backdrop for residents and visitors alike.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Stow-on-the-Wold is not a coastal town. It is located inland in the Cotswolds, known for its picturesque countryside and historic market square. The nearest coast is approximately 50 miles away.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Wimborne Minster is not a coastal town. However, it is located approximately 8 miles north of the coastal town of Poole in Dorset, making it a short drive to the coast.
🔴 River : No.
Stow-on-the-Wold does not have a river running through or very near it. However, the town is located approximately 20 miles east of the River Severn, which flows into the Bristol Channel on the west coast of England.
🟢 River : Yes.
The River Stour runs through Wimborne Minster, adding to the town's picturesque charm. The river provides a tranquil setting for leisurely walks and boat trips, enhancing the town's appeal to visitors and residents alike.
⚪ Lake : Unknown.
Stow-on-the-Wold does not have a lake within the town itself. However, there are several picturesque lakes and reservoirs in the surrounding Cotswolds area, such as the nearby Bourton-on-the-Water.
⚪ Lake : Unknown.
The town of Wimborne Minster does not have a lake within its immediate vicinity. However, there may be lakes located a short distance away, but the exact distance is unknown.
⚪ Water ways : Unknown.
Stow-on-the-Wold does not have any well-known man-made waterways such as reservoirs or canals. Further research may be needed to confirm the presence of any smaller-scale water features in the town.
⚪ Water ways : Unknown.
Wimborne Minster's waterways are not well-documented, and it is unclear if the town has man-made waterways such as reservoirs or canals. Further research may be needed to confirm this information.
⚪ Flooded : Unknown.
There is no clear information available on whether Stow-on-the-Wold has suffered flooding due to weather in the past. Further research may be needed to determine the town's history with flooding.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Wimborne Minster has experienced flooding in the past, particularly during severe weather events such as Storm Angus in 2016. The town has taken measures to mitigate future flood risks.


Local facilities

Stow-on-the-Wold
Wimborne Minster
⚪ Train station : Unknown.
There is no train station in Stow-on-the-Wold. The nearest train stations are Moreton-in-Marsh and Kingham, both located approximately 4-5 miles away from Stow-on-the-Wold.
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Wimborne Minster has its own train station, providing convenient access to and from the town for both residents and visitors. The station is located in the town center, making it easily accessible for all.
Transport links :
Stow-on-the-Wold is well-connected by major roads including the A429 and A424, providing easy access to nearby towns and cities. The M40 motorway is also within reach for longer journeys.
Transport links :
Wimborne Minster has good transport links to other areas, with easy access to major roads such as the A31 and A35. The town is also close to the M27 motorway, providing connections to Southampton and Portsmouth.
Primary school : .
Stow-on-the-Wold has a primary school called Stow-on-the-Wold Primary School, which provides education for children in the local area. The school has received positive Ofsted ratings in recent years.
🟢 Primary school : Yes.
Wimborne Minster has several primary schools in the town, including Allenbourn Middle School and St John's Church of England First School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Stow-on-the-Wold has one secondary school called The Cotswold School, known for its strong academic performance and positive Ofsted ratings. It offers a range of subjects and extracurricular activities for students.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Wimborne Minster has several secondary schools, including Queen Elizabeth's School and St. Michael's Church of England Middle School. Both schools have received positive Ofsted ratings in recent years.
⚪ College : Unknown.
There is no clear information available about the presence of a college or 6th form in Stow-on-the-Wold. Further research may be needed to determine educational options in the town.
🟢 College : Yes.
Wimborne Minster has a college called Queen Elizabeth's School, which offers post-16 education. The school has a good reputation and offers a range of A-level courses for students.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Stow-on-the-Wold has a tourist information facility to assist visitors with information, maps, and recommendations for exploring the town and surrounding areas.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Wimborne Minster has a tourist information facility where visitors can get information about local attractions, events, and accommodations to enhance their experience in the town.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Stow-on-the-Wold has a post office located in the town, providing postal services and other related amenities for residents and visitors.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Wimborne Minster 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.
Stow-on-the-Wold has a public library that offers a variety of books, resources, and services for residents and visitors to enjoy. It is a valuable community resource for learning and leisure.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Wimborne Minster has a public library that offers a variety of resources and services for the community, making it a valuable asset for residents and visitors alike.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Stow-on-the-Wold has a police station to serve the local community and ensure public safety. Residents and visitors can rely on law enforcement presence in the town.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
There is a police station located in Wimborne Minster, providing security and law enforcement services to the local community.
⚪ Hospital : Unknown.
Stow-on-the-Wold does not have an NHS hospital within the town itself. Residents may need to travel to nearby towns for hospital services, but specific information on healthcare facilities in the area is unclear.
⚪ Hospital : Unknown.
Wimborne Minster does not have an NHS hospital within the town itself. Residents may need to travel to nearby towns for hospital services, but specific information on healthcare facilities is unclear.
⚪ A&E : Unknown.
Stow-on-the-Wold does not have an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department. Further research is needed to determine the nearest healthcare facilities for emergency medical care.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Wimborne Minster has an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential healthcare services to the town and surrounding areas.


When choosing between Stow-on-the-Wold and Wimborne Minster, consider whether you prefer the quaint charm of a Cotswold town or the cultural offerings of a bustling market town. Both destinations have their own appeal, so the right choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and interests.