Pickering vs Tavistock

Pickering and Tavistock are both charming market towns in the UK, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. While Pickering is known for its historic castle and steam railway, Tavistock boasts a rich mining heritage and stunning moorland landscapes.

General information

Pickering
Tavistock
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.
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.

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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
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
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
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living
  • Higher crime rates compared to surrounding areas
  • Limited educational opportunities
  • Lack of tourist attractions
Points of interest :
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.


Facts and figures

Pickering
Tavistock
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.
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.
Population : .
⚪ 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 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.
⚪ 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.
🟡 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.
🟡 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.
🟢 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.
🟢 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.
🟢 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.
🟡 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.


Geographical features

Pickering
Tavistock
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.
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.
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.
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.
🔴 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.
🔴 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.
🟢 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.
⚪ 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.
🟢 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.
⚪ 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.
🟢 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.
🟢 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.
🟢 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.
🟢 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.


Local facilities

Pickering
Tavistock
🟢 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.
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.
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.
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.
🟢 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.
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.
🟢 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.
🟢 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.
🟢 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.
🟢 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.
🟢 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.
🟢 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.
🟢 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.
⚪ 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.
🟢 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.
🟢 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.
🟢 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.
🟢 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.
⚪ 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.
🟢 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.
⚪ 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.
🟢 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.


When deciding between Pickering and Tavistock, consider your preferences for historical sites versus natural scenery. Pickering’s castle and railway appeal to history buffs, while Tavistock’s mining history and moorland vistas cater to nature lovers. Both towns offer a delightful market town experience, so choose based on your interests and desired activities.