Devizes vs Pickering

Devizes and Pickering are both charming market towns in the UK, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and community. While Devizes boasts a rich heritage with its historic market square and impressive medieval castle, Pickering is known for its picturesque setting on the edge of the North York Moors National Park and the famous North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

General information

Devizes
Pickering
Introduction :
Located in the heart of Wiltshire, Devizes is a charming market town with a rich history dating back to the 11th century. Known for its bustling weekly market, historic landmarks such as the 19th-century Wiltshire Museum and the impressive Devizes Castle, the town offers a mix of traditional charm and modern amenities. With its picturesque canal, vibrant town center, and friendly community, Devizes is a delightful destination for visitors and residents 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.

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Advantages :
  • Devizes has a rich history and heritage to explore
  • The town offers a variety of shops and amenities
  • There are good transport links to nearby cities
  • Devizes has a strong sense of community spirit
  • The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside for outdoor activities
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 make it difficult to get around.
  • High cost of living compared to other towns in the area.
  • Higher crime rates than national average, particularly in certain areas.
  • Limited educational opportunities and lower performing schools.
  • Lack of major tourist attractions or cultural amenities.
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 :
Devizes is a charming market town in Wiltshire, known for its historic landmarks such as the 11th-century Devizes Castle and the Wadworth Brewery, offering tours and tastings. The town is home to the famous Caen Hill Locks, a flight of 29 locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal, a popular spot for canal boat enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the award-winning Devizes Museum, showcasing the town's rich history. The annual Devizes International Street Festival brings vibrant entertainment to the town, while the weekly market offers a variety of local produce and crafts. The town also boasts a range of independent shops and cafes to explore.
Points of interest :


Facts and figures

Devizes
Pickering
Type : Town.
Devizes is a historic market town in Wiltshire, known for its bustling market, independent shops, and rich heritage. With a vibrant community and range of amenities, it offers a quintessential English town experience.
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 Devizes is not specified. Further research or data collection is needed to determine the exact population figure for this market town in the UK.
Population : .
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The average house price in Devizes is currently unknown. It is recommended to consult a local real estate agent or online property websites 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.
Devizes has an average level of crime, with some reports of petty theft and anti-social behavior. However, overall it is considered a relatively safe town compared to others in the UK.
🟡 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.
Devizes offers a strong education system with a variety of schools and educational opportunities for students. The town has a reputation for high academic standards 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 : Average.
Devizes offers a mix of employment opportunities, with a variety of businesses in the town center and surrounding areas. There are also commuting options to larger cities nearby for additional job prospects.
🟢 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

Devizes
Pickering
Elevation : 394 feet (120 meters)
Devizes has an elevation of approximately 394 feet (120 meters) above sea level, providing picturesque views of the surrounding countryside in Wiltshire.
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 : Devizes is situated in a valley surrounded by hills and farmland.
The town is nestled in a picturesque setting with rolling hills and agricultural land, creating a scenic and tranquil environment.
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.
Devizes is not a coastal town. It is located inland in Wiltshire, England, approximately 50 miles away from the nearest coast. Despite its lack of coastal location, Devizes offers a charming market town atmosphere with historical attractions and scenic countryside surroundings.
🔴 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.
Devizes has the River Avon running through it, providing a scenic waterway for residents and visitors to enjoy. The river adds to the town's charm and offers opportunities for leisure activities.
🟢 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.
Devizes does not have a lake within the town itself, but there are several lakes and reservoirs in the surrounding area. The closest lake is likely to be a short drive away.
🟢 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 : Yes.
Devizes has man-made waterways such as the Kennet and Avon Canal, which runs through the town, providing a picturesque setting for boating and walking along the towpath.
🟢 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.
Devizes has experienced flooding in the past, notably during severe weather events such as Storm Angus in 2016. The town is situated near the River Avon, which can contribute to flooding.
🟢 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

Devizes
Pickering
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Devizes has a train station located on the Westbury to Swindon line, providing convenient access to surrounding areas. The station offers regular services for commuters and visitors alike.
🟢 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 :
Devizes has good transport links to other areas with the A361 and A342 providing easy access to nearby towns and cities. The M4 motorway is also within a short drive for connections to Bristol and London.
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.
Devizes has several primary schools, including Southbroom Infants School and Wansdyke Primary School. Both schools have received positive Ofsted ratings for their teaching and learning standards.
🟢 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.
Devizes has a secondary school named Devizes School, which has received positive Ofsted observations and offers a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for students in the area.
🟢 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 : Yes.
Devizes has a college and a 6th form, providing post-16 education options for students in the town. The institutions offer a range of courses and qualifications for further study.
🟢 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.
Devizes has a tourist information facility to assist visitors with information on local attractions, accommodations, and events, making it easier for tourists to explore the town and surrounding areas.
🟢 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.
Devizes has a post office located in the town, providing postal services and other related amenities for the local community 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.
Devizes has a public library that offers a range of books, resources, and services to the community. It serves as a hub for learning, research, and leisure activities 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.
Devizes has a police station located in the town, providing law enforcement services and support to the local community. Residents can access police assistance and resources within the area.
🟢 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.
Devizes does have an NHS hospital, the Devizes Community Hospital, providing healthcare services to the local community. Residents have access to a range of medical facilities and treatments within the town.
⚪ 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.
Devizes has an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential healthcare services to the town and surrounding areas in times of urgent medical need.
⚪ 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 choosing between Devizes and Pickering, consider whether you prefer a town steeped in history like Devizes or a town surrounded by stunning natural beauty like Pickering. Both towns have their own distinct appeal, so the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and what you value most in a community.