Cockermouth vs Helmsley

Cockermouth and Helmsley are both charming market towns in the UK, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. While Cockermouth is nestled in the picturesque Lake District, Helmsley boasts a rich heritage and stunning architecture.

General information

Cockermouth
Helmsley
Introduction :
Nestled in the picturesque Lake District National Park, Cockermouth is a charming market town known for its rich history and stunning scenery. With a history dating back to Roman times, visitors can explore historic sites such as Cockermouth Castle and Wordsworth House. The town is also famous for its annual food festival, showcasing the best of Cumbrian cuisine. With a vibrant market square and a range of independent shops and cafes, Cockermouth offers a delightful blend of tradition and modernity.
Introduction :
Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, Helmsley is a charming market town with a rich history dating back to medieval times. Known for its picturesque surroundings, including the stunning ruins of Helmsley Castle and the peaceful River Rye, the town offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Visitors can explore the quaint shops, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the vibrant community atmosphere that defines Helmsley.

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Advantages :
  • Cockermouth has a low crime rate, making it a safe town.
  • The town offers a range of educational facilities for residents.
  • Cockermouth is surrounded by beautiful scenery, perfect for outdoor activities.
  • The cost of living in Cockermouth is relatively affordable compared to other towns.
  • The town attracts tourists with its historic attractions and cultural events.
Advantages :
  • Helmsley has a low crime rate, making it a safe town
  • The town offers a range of facilities for residents and visitors
  • Helmsley has a strong sense of community and local pride
  • The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside and scenic views
  • Helmsley has good access to education and healthcare facilities
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • Higher cost of living compared to surrounding areas
  • Higher crime rate than national average
  • Limited educational opportunities
  • Lack of major tourist attractions
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living
  • Above average crime rate
  • Lack of top-rated schools
  • Limited recreational facilities
Points of interest :
Cockermouth is a charming market town in Cumbria, known for its picturesque setting on the River Cocker and its proximity to the Lake District National Park. Key points of interest include the historic Cockermouth Castle, Wordsworth House and Garden (the birthplace of poet William Wordsworth), Jennings Brewery for beer enthusiasts, the Kirkgate Centre for arts and culture, and the annual Cockermouth Agricultural Show. The town also offers a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for tourists exploring the Lake District region.
Points of interest :
Helmsley is a charming market town in North Yorkshire known for its historic attractions such as Helmsley Castle and Duncombe Park. Visitors can explore the picturesque Helmsley Walled Garden, enjoy scenic walks in the surrounding countryside, and browse the local shops and cafes. The town also hosts regular markets and events, showcasing local produce and crafts. Helmsley is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, and fishing in the nearby North York Moors National Park. The town's rich history and beautiful surroundings make it a must-visit destination in Yorkshire.


Facts and figures

Cockermouth
Helmsley
Type : Town.
Cockermouth is a historic market town in Cumbria, known for its picturesque setting on the edge of the Lake District National Park. It offers a range of amenities, cultural attractions, and a vibrant community.
Type : Town.
Helmsley is a charming market town in North Yorkshire, UK. Known for its historic buildings, picturesque surroundings, and vibrant market square, Helmsley offers a range of amenities and a strong sense of community.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Cockermouth is not provided in the information available. Further research or data collection may be needed to determine the exact population of the town.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Helmsley is unknown and not readily available for comparison with other market towns in the UK.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The average house price in Cockermouth 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.
House prices in Helmsley vary depending on the type of property and location within the town. It is recommended to consult local real estate listings or agents for accurate pricing information.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Cockermouth has an average level of crime, with occasional incidents reported. Overall, the town is considered safe, but residents are advised to take normal precautions to ensure their safety.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Crime in Helmsley is relatively low compared to larger towns, but there have been occasional incidents of theft and vandalism. The community is vigilant and works together to maintain safety.
🟢 Education : Good.
Cockermouth 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.
🟢 Education : Good.
Helmsley offers a high standard of education with well-equipped schools and dedicated teachers. The town has a strong focus on academic achievement and provides a supportive learning environment for students.
🟡 Employment : Average.
Cockermouth offers a mix of employment opportunities, with a range of businesses in the town center and surrounding areas. While not as abundant as in larger cities, there are opportunities available for various skill sets.
🟢 Employment : Good.
Helmsley offers a variety of employment opportunities both in town and in nearby major cities. There are notable employers in the area, providing a strong job market for residents.


Geographical features

Cockermouth
Helmsley
Elevation : 105 meters
Cockermouth has an elevation of approximately 105 meters above sea level, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside and nearby Lake District National Park.
Elevation : 200 meters
Helmsley is situated at an elevation of approximately 200 meters above sea level, offering picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.
Topology : Hilly and surrounded by rivers
Cockermouth is situated in a hilly area with the River Cocker and River Derwent flowing nearby, creating a picturesque and scenic landscape for the town.
Topology : Hilly
Helmsley is located in the hilly region of the North York Moors National Park, offering picturesque views and challenging terrain for outdoor enthusiasts.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Cockermouth is not a coastal town. It is located inland in Cumbria, near the Lake District National Park. The nearest coast is approximately 10 miles away at the Solway Firth.
⚪ Coastal : Unknown.
Helmsley is located inland in North Yorkshire, so it is not a coastal town. The distance to the nearest coast would depend on which direction you travel from Helmsley.
🟢 River : Yes.
Cockermouth has the River Cocker running through it, providing a picturesque feature in the town. The river adds to the town's charm and offers opportunities for riverside walks and activities.
🟢 River : Yes.
Helmsley has the River Rye flowing through it, adding to the town's picturesque charm. The river provides a tranquil setting for visitors to enjoy while exploring the town's historic attractions and natural beauty.
🟢 Lake : Yes.
Cockermouth is located near the beautiful Lake District National Park, which is home to several stunning lakes including Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake. Visitors can enjoy a range of water activities and scenic views.
🟢 Lake : Yes.
Helmsley is situated near the picturesque Lake Gormire, a tranquil and scenic spot perfect for leisurely walks and enjoying nature. The lake is approximately 6 miles away from the town center.
🟢 Water ways : Yes.
Cockermouth 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.
Helmsley's man-made waterways status is currently unknown. Further research is needed to determine if the town has reservoirs or canals as part of its infrastructure.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Cockermouth has a history of flooding, notably during the severe storms of November 2009 when the River Derwent burst its banks, causing significant damage to the town.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Helmsley has experienced flooding in the past due to heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers. The town has faced challenges during severe weather events, causing damage to properties and infrastructure.


Local facilities

Cockermouth
Helmsley
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Cockermouth has a train station located on the Cumbrian Coast Line, providing connections to major cities such as Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness. The station is situated in the town center, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors.
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Helmsley has a train station, providing convenient access for residents and visitors. The station offers connections to other towns and cities, making travel easy and efficient.
Transport links :
Cockermouth has good transport links to other areas with the A66 running through the town, providing easy access to major cities like Carlisle and Penrith. The town is also close to the M6 motorway for further connections.
Transport links :
Helmsley has good transport links to other areas with easy access to major roads such as the A170 and A19. The town is also close to the A1(M) motorway, providing convenient connections to nearby cities and towns.
🟢 Primary school : Yes.
Cockermouth has several primary schools, including Fairfield Primary School and All Saints' CofE Primary School. Both schools have received positive Ofsted ratings for their teaching and learning environment.
🟢 Primary school : Yes.
Helmsley has a primary school called Helmsley Community Primary School, providing education for young children in the town. The school has received positive Ofsted ratings for its teaching and facilities.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Cockermouth School is the main secondary school in the town, providing education for students aged 11-18. It has received positive Ofsted ratings and offers a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Helmsley has a secondary school called Ryedale School, which serves the town and surrounding areas. The school has received positive Ofsted ratings and offers a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
🟢 College : Yes.
Cockermouth has a college called Cockermouth School which offers post-16 education through its sixth form. The school has received positive Ofsted ratings for its academic standards and student support.
🟢 College : Yes.
Helmsley has a college and a 6th form, providing educational opportunities for students in the town and surrounding areas. The institutions offer a range of courses and support services.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Cockermouth has a tourist information facility to assist visitors with information on local attractions, accommodations, and events happening in the area.
Tourist information : .
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Cockermouth 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.
⚪ Post office : Unknown.
Helmsley's post office status is unclear. Further research or local inquiry is recommended to confirm the presence of a post office in the town.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Cockermouth has a public library that offers a wide range of books, resources, and services for the community to enjoy. It is a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Helmsley has a public library available for residents and visitors to enjoy. It serves as a valuable resource for literature, research, and community events in the town.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Cockermouth has a police station located in the town center, providing essential law enforcement services and ensuring public safety for residents and visitors alike.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Helmsley has a police station located in the town, providing security and law enforcement services to residents and visitors. It serves as a vital resource for maintaining public safety in the area.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Cockermouth has an NHS hospital known as the West Cumberland Hospital, providing healthcare services to the local community and surrounding areas.
⚪ Hospital : Unknown.
Helmsley's healthcare facilities are not explicitly stated to include an NHS hospital. Further research or local inquiry is recommended to confirm the presence of such a facility in the town.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Cockermouth has an NHS hospital, the West Cumberland Hospital, which includes an accident and emergency department to provide medical care for residents and visitors in need of urgent treatment.
⚪ A&E : Unknown.
Helmsley's healthcare facilities are not specified. Further research or local inquiries are recommended to determine if the town has an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department.


When choosing between Cockermouth and Helmsley, consider whether you prefer the tranquil beauty of the Lake District or the historic charm of Helmsley. Both towns offer a delightful experience for visitors, making it a tough decision to pick just one. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and what type of atmosphere you are seeking in a market town.