Visitor Left Scratching Head Over 'Coolest' Village Title
A travel journalist has expressed bewilderment after visiting a North Yorkshire village recently named among the coolest postcodes to move to in the UK. Potto, with its population of just 324 residents, found itself featured in a prestigious national newspaper list, prompting curiosity about what exactly qualifies this quiet settlement for such contemporary acclaim.
The Village That Time Forgot?
Nestled within the North York Moors landscape, Potto presents as a quintessentially traditional English village rather than a hip destination. Its name originates from the Old English word for 'pot', and its amenities are notably sparse. The community lacks any shop, its primary school closed years ago when pupil numbers dwindled to just fourteen, and its Victorian-era village hall stands as one of the few communal buildings.
The village's historical railway line, established in the nineteenth century, ceased operations in 1954 after buses began offering more direct routes to Middlesbrough. Potto's character has been further shaped by local lore surrounding the Dog and Gun pub, whose mid-century landlord gained notoriety for scrutinising potential patrons from his window before deciding whether they appeared respectable enough to enter, earning the establishment the nickname 'The Pub That Never Opens'.
Contrast Between Promotion and Reality
The publication that included Potto on its '11 coolest postcodes to move to in 2023' list praised the village as a well-kept secret perfect for burnt-out city dwellers seeking escape. It highlighted the beautiful North York Moors surroundings, the absence of main pathways creating a feeling of seclusion, and recommended walks to nearby Whorlton Castle and the Cleveland Hills.
Journalist Megan Banner, who grew up in nearby Darlington and considers herself an admirer of Yorkshire's picturesque spots, decided to investigate the village's cool credentials firsthand. Her experience left her with a simple three-word summary of her visit: 'is this it?'
Questioning the 'Cool' Designation
"This tiny Yorkshire village, praised as the ideal getaway for those seeking to truly escape the hustle and bustle, houses the first branch of Tomahawk Steakhouse alongside several appealing glamping pods and camping locations," Banner noted. "Yet, considering its absence of a shop or main thoroughfare, I couldn't help but wonder, 'is this all there is?'"
She acknowledged the village's idyllic homes and breathtaking panoramic views that make it excellent for countryside walks. The Tomahawk Steakhouse, renowned for its Himalayan salt dry-aged beef, represents a significant dining attraction for the area. However, Banner questioned whether scenic beauty alone justifies the 'coolest postcode' designation.
"The sweeping, picturesque vistas that envelop this quaint village make it a sanctuary for countryside strolls," she observed. "However, in my view, an appealing postcode should offer more than just scenic walks. Its proximity to the North York Moors enhances its allure for outdoor enthusiasts, and it's certainly a hotspot for Instagram aficionados. But for me, a village needs to provide more."
A Matter of Perspective
Banner concluded with a balanced assessment, recognising why some might find Potto appealing while maintaining her skepticism about its 'cool' status. "I can see why people might be drawn to relocate here; it's a charming little village, but I believe it doesn't offer much beyond its natural beauty," she added.
The disconnect between Potto's traditional, quiet character and its designation as one of Britain's coolest places to live raises interesting questions about how we define desirability in rural communities and what modern home-seekers truly value when considering a move away from urban centres.
