Pickering, Yorkshire travel guide and Pickering information

Visit Pickering

Pickering is a traditional Yorkshire market town to the south of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, at the head of the Vale of Pickering. It is a common gateway town for exploring the southern part of the Yorkshire Moors.

The town has a history dating back at least to Roman times and much of the character of the current town comes from the buildings constructed from the 16th century onwards.

The heart of this bustling town is around the Market Place, with the many fine buildings here now being part of a protected conservation area, enhanced further by the broad stream that passes through Pickering and provides a scenic backdrop. Among the highlights, be sure to go into the 12th century Church of saints peter and Paul to see the numerous 15th century frescoes that adorn the walls. Most of Pickering's shops and facilities (which are numerous and varied) are also found in and around Market Place, as is the weekly market, held each Monday.

Pickering Castle, poised above the town itself, was built at the end of the 12th century as a Norman motte and bailey castle, then further reinforced during the first half of the 13th century and again in the early 14th century.

Beck Isle Museum in Pickering is a regency mansion that relates the local history of the region using various recreations of traditional shops and businesses such as cobblers and blacksmiths.

Pickering local attractions

A popular attraction is the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a traditional steam railway that starts from Pickering and travels north through attractive scenery to Levisham, Noton Dale, Goathland and Grosmont.

There are ample chances to enjoy the scenery of the region nearby, on foot, bike or by car. One particular local highlight is the short scenic drive through Dalby Forest - enthusiasts might also like to try the 'high wire tree top adventure' in Dalby Forest.

You can find more local travel ideas in the Yorkshire Moors guide and the North Yorkshire guide.