Pickering is a vibrant market town with a good number of local pubs. We have compiled a handy guide to some of the best pubs in Pickering for you to try.
Pickering is a charming market town nestled on the border of the North York Moors National Park. Pickering is approximately 35 minute drive from Whitby over The Moors. Pickering is a great place to spend a few hours or as a base for exploring the North York Moors. Market day is every Monday and is popular with tourists and locals alike. Pickering has a great selection of local pubs, many of which serve home cooked food. Below is our handy guide to the best pubs in Pickering.
The Station Hotel
FREE Whitby Mini-Guide
"Get the best from your stay in Whitby."
Everything you need to know about Whitby into a free mini-guide!
The Station Hotel is directly opposite the Pickering branch of the North York Moors Railway. This Pickering pub is dog-friendly, with treats and water bowls available on request. The restaurant serves delicious home cooked food with daily specials with an emphasis on local, seasonal produce. There are outdoor benches for gathering for a round of refreshing beverages after a trip along the iconic steam railway.
You can be sure of a crisp, delicious pint. Expect to find a selection of premium lagers, including San Miguel and Prahva on draught. John Smiths, Wainwright, Doom Bar and Guinness are permanent residents, with guest ales appearing on rotation. Find more information here.
The Sun Inn
The Sun Inn, situated on Westgate, is a traditional Pickering pub with a large beer garden to the rear – perfect for those sunny summer afternoons. This award-winning authentic ale pub serves CAMRA-certified ales and proper cider and guarantees a warm Yorkshire welcome. The pub hosts regular events, including live music, charity fundraisers and quiz nights. Scarborough CAMRA has named The Sun Inn Best Rural Pub of the Year and Best Cider Pub of the Year.
The Sun Inn welcomes families and dogs. There is no food served, but the landlord invites you to bring your fish and chips into the beer garden for a delicious picnic with your refreshing pint! A BBQ is available for use by customers with prior arrangements – ideal if you’re planning a tasty family feast alfresco. The ‘Garden Room’, an extension of the main pub building, is a great place to spend a few hours supping ale and reading a book or gathering with friends to enjoy light conversation. The ‘Garden Room’ can also be booked for private occasions and events. Find more information here.
The Bay Horse Inn
The Bay Horse Inn has been said to have had stables, brewhouse, cottages, and even an orchard and has long been associated with the town’s fishermen. Dining is top of the menu at the Bay. With meals available throughout the week, including the legendary Sunday roast. The extensive menu features pub classics such as Rump, Sirloin, and Gammon steaks alongside a selection of fish dishes. The mighty and very special Bay Horse Steak and Ale Pie is a popular choice. Children’s meals are available here too.
The bar presents a decent selection of ales and lagers, including Pravha, Carlsberg Export and San Miguel. John Smiths, Timothy Taylors, and Camerons Strongarm deliver the bitter goods. This historic country pub features a fair selection of wines, spirits and soft drinks too. Find more information here.
The Rose Inn
You’ll find the Rose Inn nestling atop the banks of Pickering Beck on Bridge Street, just opposite the Beck Isle Museum. The North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway is nearby for those cheeky pints while you wait on the next connection to Whitby. This Grade II-listed Pickering pub provides rustic charm for patrons as they sip ales in the low-ceilinged bar and dining areas. There is an extensive outdoor space with plenty of benches for the summer months and smokers. Children are allowed in the venue until 9 pm. Expect to find Tetley’s and Black Sheep on the regular and one changing guest ale. The Rose Inn is one of many dog-friendly pubs in Pickering. Find more information here.
The Black Swan
This 17th-century coaching inn has something for everyone. The Black Swan has a fantastic restaurant, provides rooms for guests wishing to stay the night in delightful and historical surroundings, and has a tremendous bar stocked with premium beverages from around the world and the best of the region. The historic premises has hosted many important events, including celebrations of the inaugural journey of the Pickering to Whitby Railway (along the North Yorkshire More Railway line), has been a Masonic Lodge and also HQ of the Cycle Touring Club with one of only nine plaques in the country house at the pub. Charles Dickens is reputed to have stayed at the Black Swan, as is the artist Rex Whistler, while paintings can still be seen on some walls. Find more information here.
The White Swan Inn
Since the sixteenth century, The White Swan Inn has been serving delicious food and fine ales and providing comfy beds for patrons on the cusp of the stunning North York Moors. Centrally located in the heart of Pickering at Market Place, The White Swan Pub is a beacon for quality and service. Expect to have your every need met as the helpful staff cater to your high standards.
As you’d expect, the bar at The White Swan is well stocked and finished to a high standard. With real ales on tap, including the perennially popular Timothy Taylor’ Landlord’ and ‘Golden Best’ or Yorkshire favourite, ‘Black Sheep’. There are plenty of gins for those seeking a hit of juniper berry with tonic, a decent range of whiskies and at least eight wines on the menu for those seeking a fine accompaniment to a tasty meal. Champagne and prosecco are also available. Families are welcome, as are dogs – expect fresh water and a doggy treat from the dog tuck jar. Find more information here.
We hope you enjoyed our handy guide to some of the best pubs in Pickering. If you would like to comment on any of the pubs listed in this article then please comment below. If you would like to suggest a Pickering pub to include in this article then please also comment below.
