Pocklington

Why Choose Pocklington?

So, what does Pocklington have to offer?

Here at Relocate North we’ve settled several families in the market town of Pocklington.
  • Pocklington is a civil parish situated at the foot of the Yorkshire Wolds in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
  • The 2011 Census recorded its population as 8,337. It is 12.5 miles east of York and 22 miles northwest of Hull.

You get a feel of the sense of community in this little Yorkshire market town as soon as you park up and wander.

Not a particularly bright and sunny Tuesday morning, but there is a hustle and bustle as the market traders set up for the day. A tradition that has been going for years.

There are several unique coffee shops in the town, but we went to the Hide, a lovely little gem of a place that has seating outside. A great spot for watching people passing by it has windows on to the market, and to the church from the back. It is often busy on a morning with mums catching up, and people working on their laptops, but we found a seat upstairs with a beautiful view of the church and cherry blossom trees. 

One of the best things about this place is that it is proper coffee, made with love, served with care, a chat, and a smile… and the food and cakes here are delicious too if you have time to stop and stay a little longer. Proper café culture in the heart of Pocklington.

The nice thing about being in Yorkshire is that the people are friendly and open. Chatting to Nina, our waitress we were told about the excellent night life, and the great evenings out she has had locally… she was saying that she loves to eat and drink in the bars and restaurants of Pocklington as it has a great atmosphere, rather than heading over to York. Why go to York when you have everything you need for a night out in Pocklington?

Having finished our coffees we wandered outside, to find that the market had set up. Pocklington is lucky to have a great selection of tradespeople, offering a range of local produce from homemade jams and chutneys to handmade artisan breads, cheeses, pies, fruit, and vegetables… even wood fired pizzas. Where to start?…

The high street is closed off for market days on Tuesdays and walking down the street you get a feel of the local spirit, there seems to be a lot of chatter of people catching up. With a range of customers from young mums with pushchairs and toddlers, to those enjoying their retirement. There appears to be a lot of local support and repeat customers which is lovely to see.

Walking past the Amos & Welsh Bakery, which is found in a beautifully converted horsebox, we are told by a customer that these are the best donuts she has tasted … and that she comes down each week for a treat, when buying her bread. Ashley the owner tells us that the donuts and sour dough bread is always a huge success… we can see why, it all looks delicious.

We also got talking to Martin, owner of stall Helbrows: The Foodie Folk, about his amazing variety of homemade chutneys, jams and cakes and the local area. He tells us that Pocklington is a great place to be, and that the scenery driving from Bridlington, on the east coast, where he is based is beautiful with is so much nature around. We certainly are lucky to be able to have nature and the country on our doorstep.

Having wandered down the high street through the market, we explored some of the unique shops. 

We popped into the homewares store Dilly Dally. Located in the centre of the town in a charming shop on the corner of the high street. The windows are carefully curated, displaying an array of inspirational homewares and one-off pieces, both on the inside and out.  You can find anything here from antiques sourced from France to hand made décor… things that you won’t find anywhere else. Whilst in the store we started chatting to Chris, one of the employees about the local area. She tells us how much she loves Pocklington, as it has something for everyone, and that the people here are so friendly. From our experiences this morning this is something that we would agree with.

We also visited Root, which is a wonderful independent plant and homewares store. A treasure trove of beautiful and unusual houseplants and unique accessories. You are welcomed with a sense of tranquillity and calm as soon as you walk through the door. This little green oasis in Yorkshire, is owned by Sue and Jodie, a mother and daughter team. Talking about our morning in Pocklington Sue sums the feel of the area up perfectly …  “It feels like a community should feel…it’s a great place to live and work, a thriving and supportive community”.

There is no doubt that this historic and pretty market town offers a fabulous range of unique independent stores, offering a wide range of products from food, fashion, floristry, interiors, and gifts.

One of the things that we love about Pocklington is the wide variety of independent shops that are on your doorstep. Hidden gems that you wouldn’t expect to find in a market town in the North. For example, did you know that the town is lucky to have an award winning zero waste shop “I love zero” … where you can shop green, and vegan, buying all your dry goods, body care items and eco household products. It is fantastic that Pocklington has such diverse range of shops, on your doorstep, almost like city living life.

The final place we had to visit was the Pocklington Arts Centre, to find out what was going on. It is an amazing place, and centre to the community for culture and entertainment. Not only being a cinema hosting big block busters, independent films, and live broadcasts, but a thriving art and culture hub which hosts a diverse range of exhibitions. 

You are struck by the most amazing mural as soon as you walk in… and posters of all the events that are running. The art centre is on the network as a warmup round for big acts… if you are lucky enough to get a ticket you can see comedy Sarah Millican, or John Bishop or music from Opera North… or many more big names in intimate surroundings from seats better than you can get at the big arena tours. Its set up and interior gives that proper almost retro feel; with comfy seats, popcorn, and drinks… what more could you want?

You can understand why the centre has gained a national reputation and won so many awards for its facilities.

Chatting to Chis who works here, we can understand why she has stayed in Yorkshire since moving from the Wirrel. It has everything, she says, … from the art centre, the walks around the beautiful Burnby hall gardens … shops and the gym on your doorstep. Everything you could want in walking distance.

This lovely market town in Yorkshire has so much to offer, as we discovered on a short morning walk down the market street, it is not just a place to do your weekly shop, but a place to enjoy. We only explored a small selection of the unique places that you will find in Pocklington. Even so, we were left with an overwhelming sense of community and positivity. 

We need to come back to explore more, and perhaps a wander around the beautiful Burnby Hall gardens. We would love to see the tulips in bloom in the annual tulip festival, … and whilst we remember we must book those tickets for the comedy.

Who better to ask than the residents themselves?

“I love Pocklington’s social life. It has it all & there is a great atmosphere. There is a lot coffee shops where you can sit and watch the world go by.” Nina from The Hide. Originally from Hessay near Poppleton, Nina moved to Barmby Moor with her partner in 2020.
 
Chris from Pocklington Arts Centre, “Originally from the Wirral, I moved here 24 years ago to be part of the Pocklington community and enjoy the culture and entertainment provided by the Arts Centre, which is friendly with a vintage feel. Pocklington has so much to offer including lovely walks, beautiful churches, good public transport and Burnby Hall Gardens, which are lovely all year around. Everything is within a walkable distance. In Pocklington everyone smiles and says hello. It is a real community providing a safe environment for families. Single people are comfortable going to the theatre on their own. There is something for everyone. I love it here.”
 

Martin owner of stall Helbrows: The Foodie Folk, “The business sells homemade cakes, jams & chutneys. What started out as a hobby when I worked at Woldgate School has become a thriving business. My 12 year old daughter named the company and we love it. Pocklington provides a lot of support, with repeat customers. Although I live in Bridlington, I love Pocklington. The people are friendly and it is readily accessible being only 10 miles to York and 10 miles to Beverley. It takes less than an hour to reach to coast taking in the beautiful scenery. I particularly enjoy the birds or prey that I see on my journey to Pocklington including red kites and buzzards.”
 
Ashley owner of Amos & Welsh Bakery, “I established the business 7 years ago and been to Pocklington every Tuesday on market day for the last 6 years. I have a great client base here with a lot of repeat customers. My donuts and sour dough bread is always a huge success. I love the area as there is a bit of everything. Close to the seaside, culture and city life.”
 
Janet from Mouse House floral designs, “Everyone is very friendly and helpful. I love it here!”
 
Steve customer of Laverack & Son Butchers & Bakers, “Pocklington has a great selection of fresh meat & produce, locally sourced.”
 
June shopping, “Pocklington has a wide variety of independent shops. I do all my shopping here.”
 
Chris from Dilly Dally, “originally from Buckingham I cam to the area as it was friendly and people are more open. Pocklington has something for everyone.”
 
Sue and Jodie, mother and daughter team owners of Roots, “Having grown up in Pocklington since I was 12 years old, I know the place very well and the people. It feels like a community should feel. Everyone is friendly and supportive. Its a great place to live and work.”
 
Theresa and Tom, father and son team owners of I Love Zero, “Pocklington is perfect for unique shops. I Love Zero has won business of the year for the concept of no waste. Our business receives a lot of support from the community. It is thriving.”
 
Jo from Ma Maison Interiors, “Pocklington is friendly and inspiring.”
 
Nick pedestrian, “Why live anywhere else, when you have it all here?!”
 
Angela owner of Peppercorn Health Store, ”Pocklington and surrounding areas are great for families as it is safe and pleasant. I am originally from West Sussex, I brought my family up here. This is my home.”
 
 
Carol walking her dog, “Everyone gets pampered in Pocklington. My little terrier loves a being treated by Wuff Groom.”
 
Joy from the Peace Cafe at the Madhyamaka KMC, “I love it here. Rest, recoup, walk, meditate, learn & meet at the Madhyamaka KMC.
 
Parent of Pocklington School, “Pocklington School provides a family feel education, balancing academic learning with social skills”.

Education

Pocklington offers outstanding educational opportunities

  • Pocklington has a great range of schools; including Pocklington Junior School and Pocklington Church of England Infant School (both rated “Good” at its last Ofsted inspection), and several local primaries in surrounding villages including Melbourne, Water, Wilberfoss and Barmby Moor Primary Schools. These all feed into the Woldgate School and Sixth Form College
  • Pocklington School is an excellent Independent School, for boys and girls, offering both primary and secondary education, and boarding.
  • The University of York and York St John University, both of which are highly regarded internationally, are commutable easily from Pocklington.

Transport Links

  • Pocklington has excellent transport links, by rail car and air. It is located approximately halfway between Edinburgh and London.
  • 35 minutes/ 15 miles from York station, you can reach London via rail in under 2 hours, and there are about 25 trains per day on this route. Also, the financial centres of Manchester (1 hour 19 minutes), Birmingham (1 hour 51 minutes), and Liverpool (2 hours 3 minutes).
  • Pocklington is within easy driving distance of Leeds Bradford Airport and Manchester Airport. Providing easy and frequent access to most major European cities as well New York. There are also smaller local airports such as Doncaster Robin Hood Airport, and Humberside Airport.
  • For driving and commuting Pocklington is connected by the A1079, to all the main traffic routes. It is located between York (29 minutes, 13 miles) and Hull (38 minutes, 25 miles). Leeds and the coast are accessible via the A64. The North and South of the country is easily accessible as Pocklington is located close to the main transport routes the A1 and M1, and the West via the M62.

Useful Links

Sunday Times Article
Jorvik Viking Machine
Jorvik Viking Museum
National Railway Museum
National Railway Museum
The York Dungeon
The York Dungeon
York Castle Museum
York Chocolate Story
Yorks’s Chocolate Story
York Art Gallery
York Art Gallery
York Theatre Royal
Grand Opera House
York Barbican
York Barbican
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