Pickering might be small, but it is packed with things to do!
Whether you're staying in the town or passing through on your way to Whitby, stop and enjoy one of the many things to do in Pickering. Highlights include the Beck Isle Museum, Cropton Forest, Cawthorn Roman Camp, and, of course, Pickering Castle, to name a few. Here is a selection of the best things to do in Pickering. Make the most of your visit!
Visit Beck Isle Museum
- Great for families: Kids and adults will enjoy exploring the hands-on exhibits here.
- Learn about Pickering’s past: Discover how people lived and worked in the town over 100 years ago.
No visit to Pickering is complete without a trip to the excellent Beck Isle Museum. Set in a beautiful Grade II listed Regency mansion, the museum offers a glimpse into Pickering’s past.
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They have 27 areas of display, covering aspects of local history. Thousands of objects are thoughtfully displayed in re-created period shops throughout the buildings. They have a number of outside exhibits and additional outbuildings to explore. There’s also an impressive collection of historic costumes and early photography that paints a picture of days gone by.
Throughout the year, the museum hosts a variety of family-friendly events. They feature a number of working craftspeople, demonstrating printing, rag-rugging, lacemaking, quilling, spinning, and butter making. Children can get hands-on in the Activities Room with a range of Victorian games and creative activities. They recommend a 2-hour visit to make the most of the museum.
Beck Isle Museum, Beck Isle, Pickering YO18 8DU
Explore Pickering Castle
- Fun for all ages: Explore the open-air ruins and let kids’ imaginations run wild as they play knights and castles.
- Discover local history: Learn about Pickering’s role in medieval times and how the castle was used over the centuries.
- Enjoy stunning views: Climb the towers for beautiful views over the town and the North York Moors.
Sitting proudly on a hill overlooking the town, Pickering Castle is a must-visit for anyone interested in Yorkshire’s rich history. Initially built by the Normans on the orders of William the Conqueror, this impressive motte-and-bailey castle was later strengthened with stone by Henry III and Edward II.
Today, you can wander through the castle’s well-preserved stone walls, climb the towers, visit the gatehouse, and explore the small chapel with its exhibition. The high Norman motte is a real highlight. Climb to the top for beautiful views across the surrounding countryside and moorland.
Pickering Castle is an excellent example of how early timber castles were later rebuilt in stone. Three of its towers still stand nearly to their full height, including the Mill Tower, which once served as a prison.
It’s a peaceful spot to explore. There is plenty of space to enjoy a quiet walk and imagine what life was like in medieval Yorkshire. Keep an eye out for local wildlife too, kestrels often nest here!
Pickering Castle, Castlegate, Pickering YO18 7AX
Ride the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- Perfect family day out: Ride a real steam train through the beautiful North York Moors countryside.
- Step back in time: Vintage carriages and heritage stations make you feel like you’re in a different era.
- Explore along the way: Stop off at charming villages like Goathland and Grosmont for walks, shops, and cafes.
Riding on an NYMR steam train is one of our favourite things to do in Pickering. Originally known as the Whitby and Pickering Railway, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a preserved line that has become a popular tourist attraction.
It was planned by George Stephenson in 1831 as a means of opening up trade routes inland from Whitby. From 2007, it has run regular services over the six-mile stretch (North of Grosmont to Whitby) through the Esk Valley.
Pickering Station is, of course, just one of the places that the North Yorkshire Moors Railway services pass through. This station was restored to its 1937 glory recently with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, you can visit Lewisham, Grosmont, Dale Halt, Whitby, Goathland (home of TV’s Heartbeat and Harry Potter’s Hogsmeade station), as well as Pickering!
Special events also take place throughout the year, including Halloween trains, winter excursions, Santa specials, and the Northern Lights Express. Many of these are run on either steam or diesel trains.
Pickering Station, Park St, Pickering YO18 7AJ
Take your time shopping and of course, eating!
No market town would be complete without having its fair share of shops and, of course, a market and Pickering is no different.
It has a lot of lovely places to spend your money, many of which are vintage in style. There is also a fabulous market where you can buy items such as crystals, aromatherapy, antiques and gifts. It’s quaint, a hidden shopping gem, and full of the old and new.
For food, it would be fair to say Pickering has something for everyone. From tearooms specialising in traditional recipes to Indian, Chinese, and, of course, fish and chips.
There is also a good selection of pubs, cafes, bakeries, and delis for you to choose from. Pickering certainly won’t leave you hungry. We recommend The Bay Horse Inn for fantastic, homely pub food.
The Bay Horse Inn, 8 Market Pl, Pickering YO18 7AA
Spend time in Rosedale Abbey
- Ideal for a peaceful day out: Enjoy the charm of this quiet village surrounded by stunning moorland scenery.
- Learn about its history: Discover the story of the old Cistercian priory and Rosedale’s mining past.
- Great for walking and views: Set off on scenic walks with breathtaking views across the North York Moors.
Just 8 miles from Pickering and once home to over 5,000 ironstone miners, today Rosedale Abbey is a peaceful, close-knit village brimming with community spirit and natural charm. Tucked away in the stunning Rosedale Valley, where the rivers Seven and Rye gently weave through steep, heather-covered hills, this picture-perfect spot is perfect for lovers of the great outdoors.
Cistercian priory that once stood on the site. Today, only a stone pillar and a sundial remain, quietly marking where it once was on the village green.
Rosedale Abbey has a strong connection to the ironstone mining boom of the 19th century. If you’re interested in local history, you’ll find old ruins and remains of the iron works scattered across the surrounding countryside. Some have been carefully preserved, and there are walking routes that guide you through this fascinating part of the area’s past.
Rosedale Abbey, YO18
Visit Cawthorn Roman Camp
- Great for a short walk: Follow easy trails around the ancient earthworks in a peaceful woodland setting.
- Step into Roman history: Learn about the Roman forts and what they reveal about life nearly 2,000 years ago.
- Lovely views of the moors: Enjoy panoramic views over the North York Moors from this quiet historic site.
Cawthorn Roman Camp is well worth a visit, as it is a short drive from Pickering. This fascinating site offers a unique glimpse into Roman Britain.
The remains here include two Roman forts, one with an extension and a temporary camp. The earthworks date from the late 1st or early 2nd century AD. It has been suggested that they were built for practice rather than military use.
While only the earthworks survive today, the raised banks and ditches are still clearly visible and easily accessible for exploration on foot. Information boards around the site help bring the history to life.
The views from the camp are also something special. Sweeping across moorland and forests, it's a peaceful place to pause and imagine what life might have been like for the Roman soldiers once stationed here.
It’s free to visit, and the circular walking route is perfect for a short, scenic stroll with a side of ancient history.
Roman Camps, Cawthorn, Pickering YO18 8QQ
Visit The New Inn, Cropton Brewery
- Fabulous for food and drink fans: At the family‑run New Inn in Cropton, enjoy freshly prepared meals made with locally sourced North Yorkshire ingredients, alongside award‑winning ales brewed in its very cellars.
- Brewery tour experience: Book in for an informal guided tour of Cropton Brewery, learn how traditional beers are made, and taste fresh samples.
Cropton Brewery has been crafting award-winning ales for over 25 years, but the village’s brewing roots go back even further, all the way to 1613.
The story of the modern brewery began in 1984, when brewing returned to Cropton in the cellars of the New Inn. Their first beer, ‘Two Pints’, was such a hit with locals that demand quickly grew, and soon they were supplying pubs across the region.
By 1994, a purpose-built brewery was set up at Woolcroft, just behind the pub. Production doubled within a year, and they proudly introduced their first bottle-conditioned beer. Since then, Cropton Brewery has continued to grow from strength to strength, expanding its facilities while remaining true to its traditional brewing roots.
Today, it’s one of North Yorkshire’s best-kept secrets and home to favourites like Monkman’s Slaughter and Blackout, with plenty more to discover.
Want to see how it’s all made? Join a Cropton Brewery tour and get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process. Friendly, knowledgeable guides will walk you through each step, from grain to glass, giving you a genuine appreciation for the craft that goes into every pint.
The New Inn, Cropton Lane, Pickering YO18 8HH
Discover the stunning wall paintings at St Peter and St Paul’s Church
- Free and peaceful to visit: A quiet spot to explore at your own pace, with plenty of local history.
St Peter and St Paul’s Church is one of Pickering’s true gems. With roots dating back to Saxon and Norman times, the church is steeped in history. It’s best known for its incredible 15th-century wall paintings.
These vibrant murals were uncovered in the 1800s after being whitewashed during the Reformation. They cover the walls with striking images of saints, Biblical stories, and medieval legends, and are thought to be some of the finest surviving examples in England.
Quiet, peaceful, and full of atmosphere, it’s a wonderful place to pause and take in a unique piece of Yorkshire’s past.
St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hall Garth, Pickering YO18 7AW
Test your nerve at Dalby Forest and Go Ape
- Perfect for families: Enjoy easy walking trails, themed Gruffalo and Stick Man adventures, play areas, and plenty of space to burn off energy together.
- Get active or unwind: With cycle hire, a fantastic range of trails (from gentle green routes to expert mountain‑bike loops), plus Go Ape treetop courses and forest‑based activities, there's something for every interest.
- Spot wildlife and stargaze: Keep an eye out for roe deer, badgers, nightjars, and woodland orchids, and if you stay late, the forest’s Dark Sky status means you can gaze up at the Milky Way in all its glory.
Just a short drive from Pickering, Dalby Forest is the perfect spot for anyone who loves the outdoors. Set within the beautiful North York Moors National Park, this vast woodland offers miles of scenic trails for walking, cycling, and running.
There’s something here for everyone: peaceful picnic areas, family BBQ spots, a welcoming visitor centre, and even a Go Ape adventure course with thrilling zip lines and treetop challenges. It’s a great day out for families, nature lovers, and adrenaline-seekers alike.
Whether you’re in the mood for a gentle stroll beneath the trees or a full day of action and adventure, Dalby Forest is a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Dalby Forest, Scarborough YO13 0LW
Step back in time at Eden Camp
- Great for families: Enjoy immersive displays, play areas for kids, puppet shows, and hands-on history!
- Step into wartime life: With around 30 themed huts, these bring the Blitz, the Home Front, POW camps, and post-war conflicts vividly to life, using sounds, smells, and lifelike scenes.
- Plan for a full day out: Allow at least 3–4 hours (or more if you include the café, gift shop, and outdoor events). Free parking, dog-friendly grounds, and café facilities make it a relaxed and memorable visit.
Just a short journey from Pickering, Eden Camp Modern History Museum offers a unique and immersive look at Britain’s wartime past. Family-owned and proudly independent, the museum first opened its doors over 30 years ago and has since become one of the UK’s leading military history museums.
Set on the site of an original World War II prisoner-of-war camp, Eden Camp brings history to life with atmospheric huts, interactive displays, and a timeline that spans from World War I to the present day.
You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time; there’s a lot to see and experience. It's easy to spend a few hours exploring. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year, making each visit unique.
Eden Camp isn’t your typical museum. It’s hands-on, engaging, and perfect for all ages. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just looking for a fascinating family day out, this is one place you won’t want to miss.
Eden Camp, Malton YO17 6RT
Enjoy Flamingo Land
- A full day of fun for families: Flamingo Land combines a zoo, theme park, water rides, shows, and play areas across more than 365 acres. Perfect for all ages.
- Perfect for a full day out: Enjoy live keeper talks and family-friendly shows throughout the day. Free parking, numerous picnic spots, and food options throughout the park make things easy. Aim to arrive early and allow for a full day.
There is so much fun you can have at Flamingo Land. It has all the highlights of a theme park and a zoo. You can even have a short break or holiday and stay here.
With animal encounters, thrilling rides, inspiring shows and lots of photo opportunities, Flamingo Land is a well-loved place for a family day out.
Take a picnic and enjoy food on the grounds here, or try one of Flamingo Land's fantastic choice of restaurants.
They often hold special events here. Check out their website if you fancy celebrating with them.
Flamingo Land Resort, Kirby Misperton, Malton
Take a tasty trip to Malton, Yorkshire’s foodie hotspot
One of our favourite day trips from Pickering is a visit to the nearby market town of Malton. It’s just a short 15-minute drive away. Yorkshire’s food capital! Malton is packed with independent shops, cafés, and eateries that celebrate the best of local produce.
Be sure to stop by the Talbot Yard Food Court. Sample fresh pastries from Bluebird Bakery, indulge in award-winning desserts and macaroons from Florian Poirot, the UK Pastry Champion, or cool down with a scoop of something special from Groovy Moo Gelato. Their Bakewell tart flavour is a must-try!
If you love great food and a welcoming atmosphere, Malton is a must-visit during your stay in Pickering.
Talbot Yard Food Court, Yorkersgate, Malton YO17 7FT
With its rich history, beautiful countryside, and welcoming atmosphere, Pickering is the perfect Yorkshire base. Whether you're wandering through castles, enjoying local ales, or setting off on a scenic walk, there’s something here for everyone.
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