Tavistock vs Wallingford

Tavistock and Wallingford are both charming market towns in the UK, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and amenities. While Tavistock is known for its picturesque setting on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, Wallingford boasts a riverside location and a rich heritage dating back to the Saxon era.

General information

Tavistock
Wallingford
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.
Introduction :
Wallingford, a historic market town in Oxfordshire, is nestled along the River Thames and boasts a rich heritage dating back to the Saxon era. With its charming streets lined with independent shops, cafes, and traditional pubs, Wallingford offers a quintessential English experience. Visitors can explore the town's medieval architecture, including the iconic Wallingford Castle ruins, and enjoy the vibrant market held weekly in the town square. With its picturesque setting and welcoming community, Wallingford is a must-visit destination in the UK.

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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
Advantages :
  • Wallingford has a low crime rate, making it a safe town.
  • The town offers excellent educational facilities for residents.
  • Wallingford is surrounded by beautiful countryside, perfect for outdoor activities.
  • The town has a strong sense of community, with plenty of local events.
  • Wallingford is conveniently located with good access to major transport links.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living
  • Higher crime rates compared to surrounding areas
  • Limited educational opportunities
  • Lack of tourist attractions
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living compared to nearby towns
  • Higher crime rates than national average
  • Limited educational opportunities for higher education
  • Lack of major tourist attractions or cultural events
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.
Points of interest :
Wallingford is a charming market town in Oxfordshire, known for its rich history and picturesque surroundings. Key points of interest include the historic Wallingford Castle ruins, the beautiful River Thames offering opportunities for boating and riverside walks, the Wallingford Museum showcasing the town's heritage, the annual Bunkfest music and beer festival, and the Agatha Christie Trail highlighting locations linked to the famous author. Visitors can also explore the traditional market square, browse the independent shops and cafes, and enjoy the stunning views from the nearby Castle Gardens.


Facts and figures

Tavistock
Wallingford
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.
Type : Town.
Wallingford is a historic market town in the UK, known for its charming streets, local shops, and vibrant community. With a range of amenities and a rich cultural heritage, it offers a quintessential English town experience.
⚪ 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 : Unknown.
The population size of Wallingford is unknown. Further research or data collection may be needed to determine the exact population of the town.
⚪ 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.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
House prices in Wallingford vary depending on the size, location, and condition of the property. It is recommended to consult with local real estate agents or websites for current market trends.
🟡 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.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Wallingford has an average level of crime, with occasional incidents reported. The town generally maintains a safe environment, but residents should still take standard precautions to ensure their safety.
🟢 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.
🟢 Education : Good.
Wallingford has a strong education system with well-performing schools and a variety of educational opportunities for students. The town is known for its supportive community and high academic standards.
🟡 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.
🟡 Employment : Average.
Wallingford offers a mix of employment opportunities, with some local businesses and retail stores providing job options. Additionally, residents can easily commute to nearby cities like Oxford for more diverse employment prospects.


Geographical features

Tavistock
Wallingford
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.
Elevation : 240 feet
Wallingford's elevation above sea level is approximately 240 feet, providing a picturesque setting for the town and offering scenic views of the surrounding area.
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.
Topology : Hilly and undulating
Wallingford is characterized by its hilly and undulating terrain, offering picturesque views and charming landscapes throughout the area.
🔴 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.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Wallingford is not a coastal town. It is located inland in Oxfordshire, England, along the River Thames. The nearest coast is approximately 50 miles away to the south on the English Channel.
⚪ 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.
🟢 River : Yes.
Wallingford has the River Thames flowing through it, providing a picturesque waterfront and opportunities for leisure activities such as boating and riverside walks.
⚪ 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.
🟢 Lake : Yes.
Wallingford is located near the River Thames, which offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities. The town also has a nearby reservoir called the Goring Gap, providing additional recreational options.
🟢 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.
⚪ Water ways : Unknown.
Wallingford's waterways are primarily natural, with the River Thames running through the town. There is no definitive information on man-made waterways such as reservoirs or canals in the area.
🟢 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.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Wallingford has experienced flooding in the past, notably during severe weather events such as Storm Dennis in 2020. The town is situated near the River Thames, making it susceptible to flooding.


Local facilities

Tavistock
Wallingford
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.
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Wallingford has a train station located in the town center, providing convenient access to nearby cities and towns. The station offers regular services on the Great Western Railway line.
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.
Transport links :
Wallingford has good transport links to other areas with the A4074 providing access to Oxford and Reading. The M40 motorway is also easily accessible for travel to London and Birmingham.
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.
Primary school : .
Wallingford has several primary schools, including St. Nicholas Church of England Primary School and Fir Tree Junior School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings for their academic performance and student well-being.
🟢 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.
Secondary school : .
Wallingford has one secondary school called Wallingford School. It has a good reputation and has received positive Ofsted observations in recent years.
🟢 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.
🟢 College : Yes.
Wallingford has a college called The Henley College Oxfordshire, which offers a range of A-level and vocational courses. There is also a 6th form at Wallingford School for post-16 education.
🟢 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.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Wallingford has a tourist information facility located in the town center, providing visitors with information on local attractions, events, accommodations, and more to enhance their experience in the area.
⚪ 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.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Wallingford has a post office located in the town, providing postal services to residents and businesses in the area.
🟢 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.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Wallingford 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.
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.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Wallingford has a police station located in the town, providing law enforcement services and ensuring public safety for residents and visitors.
🟢 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.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Wallingford has an NHS hospital, providing healthcare services to the residents of the town and surrounding areas. This facility ensures access to essential medical care for the 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.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Wallingford has an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential healthcare services to the town and surrounding areas.


When deciding between Tavistock and Wallingford, consider your preference for a tranquil countryside setting versus a riverside town with a strong historical background. Both towns offer a range of attractions and amenities, so the choice ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and lifestyle needs.