Pickering
Gateway to the North Yorkshire Moors
Pickering is an historic market town on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. Situated between York and the North Yorkshire Coast it's a perfect base for visitors to the region.
Serving as the main gateway to the North York Moors National Park, Pickering is a popular holiday base especially with families, walkers and cyclists.
The town itself features an excellent choice of restaurants, cafes and pubs, serving a wide variety of dishes - much of it loally produced.
England's longest steam railway - The North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway - starts its journey from Pickering. The full journey time (without stops) from Pickering to Whitby takes just over one and a half hours.
Another local attraction is Pickering's 12th century castle. This fine example of a motte and bailey castle can be found just north of Pickering Centre. Considerable sections have survived through time, including the keep, towers and walls. The castle is managed by English Heritage.
With castles, stately homes, museums, galleries, Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo all nearby there's plenty to keep the family occupied. And you'd be mad not to explore the nearby moorland, forests, and Yorkshire Coast.