Pickering vs Whitby

Pickering and Whitby are two charming market towns in the UK that offer a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Both towns have their own unique appeal and attractions, making them popular destinations for visitors looking to explore the Yorkshire region.

General information

Pickering
Whitby
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 :
Whitby is a picturesque seaside town located on the northeast coast of England. Known for its historic abbey, charming cobbled streets, and stunning views of the North Sea, Whitby is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The town has a rich maritime history, with connections to Captain Cook and Bram Stoker's Dracula. Whitby also boasts a vibrant fishing industry, delicious seafood restaurants, and a variety of shops and attractions for visitors to enjoy.

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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 :
  • Whitby has a rich history and picturesque coastal setting
  • The town offers a range of amenities and facilities for residents
  • Whitby has a lower crime rate compared to larger cities
  • The town has good schools and educational opportunities for families
  • Whitby is a popular tourist destination with plenty to see and do
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 compared to surrounding areas
  • Higher crime rates than national average
  • Limited educational opportunities compared to larger cities
  • Lack of major facilities and amenities for residents
Points of interest :
Points of interest :
Whitby is a picturesque town on the North Yorkshire coast, known for its historic Abbey which inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula. Other key points of interest include the 199 steps leading up to the Abbey, Whitby Harbour with its fishing boats and seafood restaurants, the Captain Cook Memorial Museum celebrating the famous explorer's connections to the town, Whitby Beach for seaside fun, the annual Whitby Goth Weekend attracting alternative music and fashion enthusiasts, and the Whitby Regatta, one of the oldest sea regattas in England. The town also offers charming shops, cafes, and stunning coastal walks.


Facts and figures

Pickering
Whitby
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.
Whitby is a historic seaside town in North Yorkshire, known for its picturesque harbour, Abbey ruins, and connections to Captain Cook and Bram Stoker's Dracula. It offers a mix of traditional charm and modern amenities.
Population : .
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Whitby is not specified in the provided information. Further research or data collection may be needed to determine the exact population of the town.
⚪ 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.
House prices in Whitby can vary depending on the specific location, size, and condition of the property. It is recommended to research current listings and consult with local real estate agents for accurate pricing information.
🟡 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.
Whitby has an average level of crime, with occasional reports of petty theft and anti-social behavior. Overall, it is a relatively safe town, but residents should still take precautions.
🟢 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.
Whitby offers a strong education system with well-regarded schools and a variety of educational opportunities. The town has a reputation for high academic standards and a supportive learning environment.
🟢 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.
Whitby offers a mix of employment opportunities in various sectors such as tourism, fishing, and retail. While there are some notable employers in the area, residents may need to commute to larger cities for more diverse job options.


Geographical features

Pickering
Whitby
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 : 187 feet
Whitby is approximately 187 feet above sea level, offering scenic views of the surrounding area and the North Sea. The town's elevation adds to its 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 : Coastal town with cliffs and beaches
Whitby is a picturesque coastal town situated on cliffs overlooking sandy beaches. The town is known for its stunning views of the North Sea and its rugged coastline.
🔴 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 : Yes.
Whitby is a coastal town located on the North Yorkshire coast of England. It is known for its picturesque harbor, sandy beaches, and historic abbey ruins overlooking the North Sea.
🟢 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 : Yes.
The town of Whitby has the River Esk running through it, providing a picturesque waterfront and opportunities for activities like boat tours and fishing. The river adds to the charm and character of the town.
🟢 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 : Yes.
Whitby is situated on the coast of the North Sea and is also located near the beautiful Whitby Harbour, which is connected to the North Sea. The town offers stunning views of the water and surrounding cliffs.
🟢 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.
Whitby has man-made waterways in the form of reservoirs and canals. These waterways add to the town's charm and provide 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.
Whitby has experienced flooding in the past, notably during severe weather events such as Storm Desmond in 2015. The town is vulnerable to flooding due to its proximity to the River Esk and North Sea.


Local facilities

Pickering
Whitby
🟢 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 : Yes.
Whitby 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 connections to various destinations across the UK.
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 :
Whitby has good transport links to other areas, with the A171 providing access to nearby towns and cities. The A169 also connects Whitby to Pickering and the North York Moors National Park.
🟢 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 : Yes.
Whitby has several primary schools serving the local community, including Whitby Community Primary School and Airy Hill Primary School. These schools provide education for children in the town.
🟢 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.
Whitby has several secondary schools, including Whitby Community College and Caedmon College Whitby. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings and offer a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
🟢 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.
Whitby has a college called Whitby Sixth Form, offering post-16 education and a range of courses. It provides a pathway to higher education or employment for students in the area.
🟢 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.
Whitby has a tourist information facility to assist visitors with information about local attractions, events, accommodations, and more. It serves as a valuable resource for tourists exploring 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 : Yes.
Whitby 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.
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.
Whitby has a public library that offers a range of books, resources, and services to the local community and visitors. It is a valuable hub for learning and leisure activities.
🟢 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.
Whitby has a police station to serve the local community and ensure public safety. Residents and visitors can access law enforcement services and assistance when needed in 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.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Whitby has an NHS hospital, providing healthcare services to the local community and visitors. The hospital offers a range of medical treatments and facilities for residents 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.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Whitby has an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential healthcare services to residents and visitors in case of emergencies or medical needs.


When deciding between Pickering and Whitby, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Pickering offers a quaint atmosphere and easy access to the North York Moors, while Whitby boasts stunning coastal views and a rich maritime history. Whether you prefer exploring historic castles or relaxing on the beach, both towns have something special to offer.