Bury St Edmunds vs Pickering

Bury St Edmunds and Pickering are both charming market towns in the UK, each with its own unique character and attractions. Bury St Edmunds boasts a rich history and stunning architecture, while Pickering offers a picturesque setting in the North York Moors National Park.

General information

Bury St Edmunds
Pickering
Introduction :
Bury St Edmunds is a historic market town in Suffolk, England, known for its picturesque medieval architecture and rich heritage. The town dates back to the Saxon era and is home to the impressive St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Abbey Gardens, and a bustling market that has been operating for over a thousand years. Visitors can explore the town's charming streets lined with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike.
Introduction :
Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, Pickering is a charming market town with a rich history dating back to Roman times. Known for its picturesque landscapes, historic buildings, and bustling market square, Pickering offers a quintessential English countryside experience. Visitors can explore attractions such as Pickering Castle, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, and the stunning North York Moors National Park. With a vibrant community and a variety of shops and eateries, Pickering is a delightful destination for locals and tourists alike.

This website is not affiliated with any product, service or brand. Data has been gathered from a variety of sources. It is provided "as is" without warranty. Please do your own research and check with primary information sources before making decisions.

Advantages :
  • Bury St Edmunds has a rich history dating back centuries.
  • The town offers a variety of cultural attractions and events.
  • Bury St Edmunds has good transport links to other major cities.
  • The town has a range of educational facilities and schools.
  • Bury St Edmunds has a vibrant market and shopping scene.
Advantages :
  • Pickering has a low crime rate, making it a safe town
  • The town offers excellent educational opportunities for residents
  • Pickering has a variety of facilities including shops, restaurants, and leisure options
  • The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside, perfect for outdoor activities
  • Pickering attracts tourists with its historic attractions and events
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living compared to surrounding areas
  • Higher crime rates than national average
  • Limited educational opportunities beyond secondary level
  • Lack of major tourist attractions or cultural events
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living compared to surrounding areas
  • Higher crime rates than national average
  • Limited higher education institutions nearby
  • Lack of major tourist attractions or cultural landmarks
Points of interest :
Bury St Edmunds is a historic market town in Suffolk, known for its stunning cathedral, Abbey Gardens, and medieval architecture. Visitors can explore the ruins of the 11th-century Abbey of St Edmund, enjoy a show at the Theatre Royal, or take a stroll along the charming streets lined with independent shops and cafes. The town also hosts a popular Christmas market and the annual Bury St Edmunds Festival. History buffs can delve into the town's past at the Moyse's Hall Museum, while beer enthusiasts can tour the Greene King Brewery. Bury St Edmunds offers a mix of culture, history, and charm.
Points of interest :


Facts and figures

Bury St Edmunds
Pickering
Type : Town.
Bury St Edmunds is a historic market town in Suffolk, known for its medieval architecture, bustling market, and cultural attractions. It offers a mix of amenities and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Type : Town.
Pickering is a charming market town in North Yorkshire, known for its historic buildings, traditional market, and scenic surroundings. It offers a range of amenities and a strong sense of community.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Bury St Edmunds is not provided in the information available for comparison on market towns in the UK. Further research may be needed to determine the exact population figure.
Population : .
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The average house price in Bury St Edmunds 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.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The average house price in Pickering is currently unknown. It is recommended to consult local real estate listings or agencies for the most up-to-date information on housing prices in the area.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Bury St Edmunds has an average level of crime compared to other market towns in the UK. While there have been some incidents, overall the town is considered relatively safe.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Pickering has an average level of crime, with occasional incidents reported. Overall, the town is considered safe but residents should still take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
🟢 Education : Good.
Bury St Edmunds has a strong education system with a variety of schools and colleges offering high-quality education. The town has a reputation for academic excellence and a supportive learning environment.
🟢 Education : Good.
Pickering offers a strong educational system with well-regarded schools and opportunities for further education. The town is known for its commitment to providing quality education for its residents.
🟢 Employment : Good.
Bury St Edmunds offers a range of employment opportunities both in town and within commuting distance to major cities like Cambridge and Ipswich. Notable employers include British Sugar, Greene King, and West Suffolk Council.
🟢 Employment : Good.
Pickering offers a range of employment opportunities, with a mix of local businesses, retail outlets, and tourism-related jobs. The town is also close to larger cities like York and Scarborough, providing additional job prospects.


Geographical features

Bury St Edmunds
Pickering
Elevation : 50 meters
Bury St Edmunds has an average elevation of approximately 50 meters above sea level, providing a scenic view of the surrounding area and contributing to its unique charm.
Elevation : 500 feet
Pickering is situated at an approximate elevation of 500 feet above sea level, offering residents and visitors a picturesque setting with views of the surrounding countryside.
Topology : Bury St Edmunds is located on relatively flat terrain with some gentle slopes.
The general geographic topology of Bury St Edmunds is characterized by flat land with occasional slight inclines, providing a relatively easy landscape to navigate.
Topology : Rolling hills and farmland
Pickering is characterized by its rolling hills and surrounding farmland, creating a picturesque and rural landscape for residents and visitors to enjoy.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Bury St Edmunds is not a coastal town. The nearest coast is approximately 40 miles away to the east, with popular seaside destinations such as Felixstowe and Aldeburgh within reach.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Pickering is not a coastal town. However, it is located approximately 30 miles inland from the east coast of England, making it easily accessible for day trips to the seaside.
🟢 River : Yes.
The River Lark flows through Bury St Edmunds, providing a picturesque feature to the town. The river is a popular spot for leisure activities and adds to the town's charm.
🟢 River : Yes.
Pickering has the River Costa running through it, providing a picturesque setting for the town. The river adds to the charm and character of Pickering, offering opportunities for leisurely walks and enjoying the natural surroundings.
⚪ Lake : Unknown.
Bury St Edmunds does not have a lake within the town itself. However, there may be lakes or bodies of water in the surrounding areas, but the exact distance is unknown.
🟢 Lake : Yes.
Pickering is located near the beautiful Pickering Beck, a small river that runs through the town and provides a picturesque setting for residents and visitors to enjoy.
⚪ Water ways : Unknown.
Bury St Edmunds does not have significant man-made waterways like reservoirs or canals. Further research is needed to confirm the presence of any smaller water features in the town.
🟢 Water ways : Yes.
Pickering has man-made waterways in the form of reservoirs and canals. These waterways contribute to the town's scenic beauty and provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Bury St Edmunds has experienced flooding in the past, notably during severe weather events such as Storm Ciara in 2020. The town is susceptible to flooding due to its proximity to the River Lark.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Pickering has experienced flooding in the past, notably during Storm Desmond in 2015 when the River Costa burst its banks. The town has since implemented flood defense measures to mitigate future risks.


Local facilities

Bury St Edmunds
Pickering
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Bury St Edmunds has a train station located in the town center, providing convenient access to and from the town for both residents and visitors. The station offers regular services to various destinations.
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Pickering has a train station located on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, offering scenic steam train rides through the countryside. The station is a popular tourist attraction in the area.
Transport links :
Bury St Edmunds has good transport links to other areas, with the A14 running nearby providing easy access to Cambridge and Ipswich. The town also has a train station with direct services to London and Norwich.
Transport links :
Pickering has good transport links to other areas, with the A169 providing easy access to nearby towns and cities. The A64 motorway is also nearby, connecting Pickering to York and Leeds.
🟢 Primary school : Yes.
Bury St Edmunds has several primary schools, including St Edmundsbury Church of England Primary School and Guildhall Feoffment Primary School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings.
🟢 Primary school : Yes.
Pickering has multiple primary schools, including Pickering Community Junior School and Pickering Infant School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings and offer a range of educational opportunities for young students.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Bury St Edmunds has several secondary schools, including King Edward VI School, County Upper School, and St Benedict's Catholic School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Pickering has one secondary school called Lady Lumley's School. It has a good reputation and has received positive Ofsted ratings in recent years.
College : .
Bury St Edmunds has a college and a 6th form. West Suffolk College offers a range of courses and programs for students looking to further their education in the town.
🟢 College : Yes.
Pickering has a college called Pickering Sixth Form, offering post-16 education. The college provides a range of courses and opportunities for students in the town.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Bury St Edmunds has a tourist information center located in the town, providing visitors with helpful resources, maps, and assistance for exploring the area and its attractions.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Pickering has a tourist information facility to assist visitors with information on local attractions, accommodations, and events. It is a helpful resource for tourists exploring the town.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Bury St Edmunds has a post office located in the town center, providing postal services such as sending mail, parcels, and purchasing stamps for residents and visitors.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Pickering 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.
Bury St Edmunds has a public library that offers a wide range of books, resources, and services to the local community, making it a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Pickering has a public library that offers a 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.
Bury St Edmunds has a police station located in the town center, providing security and law enforcement services to the local community and visitors.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Pickering has a police station located in the town center, providing security and law enforcement services to the local community and visitors. It serves as a vital resource for maintaining public safety.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Bury St Edmunds has an NHS hospital called West Suffolk Hospital, providing healthcare services to the local community and surrounding areas.
⚪ Hospital : Unknown.
Pickering does not have an NHS hospital. Further research is needed to determine the healthcare facilities available in the town and surrounding areas.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Bury St Edmunds has an NHS hospital, West Suffolk Hospital, which includes an accident and emergency department to provide emergency medical care to residents and visitors in the area.
⚪ A&E : Unknown.
Pickering does not have an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department. Further information is needed to confirm the availability of such services in the town.


When deciding between Bury St Edmunds and Pickering, consider whether you prefer a town steeped in history or a scenic location surrounded by natural beauty. Both towns offer a range of amenities and a welcoming community, making either a great choice for those seeking a quintessential English market town experience.