Pickering

Pickering is a market town on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. It serves as a gateway to the national park and is a popular starting point for exploring the surrounding countryside. The town has a long history, with origins that date back to at least the medieval period. Today, it attracts visitors with its historical sites, scenic landscapes and connections to heritage rail travel.

Pickering has a rich past, with evidence of settlement dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. The town grew around Pickering Castle, which was originally built by the Normans in the late 11th century. The castle played a strategic role throughout the medieval period but fell into ruin after the English Civil War. Another significant historical site is St Peter and St Paul’s Church, known for its medieval wall paintings that were rediscovered in the 19th century after being whitewashed during the Reformation.

The town is home to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a heritage railway running between Pickering and Whitby. The railway attracts visitors interested in steam trains and offers scenic journeys through the moors. Pickering’s station has been restored to reflect its 1930s appearance, adding to the historical character of the experience.

Beyond the railway and historical sites, Pickering has a selection of independent shops, traditional pubs and local markets. The Beck Isle Museum provides further insight into the town’s history, with exhibits covering rural life, local industries and Victorian-era developments.

The town is also a convenient base for visiting nearby attractions, such as the coastal towns of Whitby and Scarborough, and the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey and Helmsley Castle.

Sights and activities in Pickering