Things to Do In Pickering
Pickering is a vibrant market town situated on the A170 between Thirsk and Scarborough. Lying on the edge of the North York Moors National Park and with lots of things to do around the town, it’s a great place to visit for a day, a week or even longer!
Popular Attractions in Pickering
For a relatively small town, Pickering offers some great family attractions.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a firm favourite. All the family – whatever age – can enjoy the stunning scenery of the moors as they ride between Pickering and Whitby. However, you don’t need to catch a train to enjoy the station. For a small price, you can purchase a platform ticket and watch the trains as they come and go to and from the station. There is also an impressive list of special events throughout the year on their website.
If your family needs to let off a bit of steam, head to Pickering Castle where kids can have a good run about and imagine themselves as brave knights defending the keep. At the top of the tower, there are lovely views over the local countryside and a good exhibition inside the chapel. If you are a Pickering resident, you can get a free Pickering Castle pass. Take proof of address and passport photo to the Town Council office and they will do it for you! Great TOP TIP!
Don’t forget the Kirk Theatre with the ever popular annual pantomime
Kids’ Activities in Pickering
If you don’t want to pay to get into Pickering Castle, there are some lovely walks around it and in the woods just beyond, which is called Newbridge Park. There are some biking trails in here too, so walkers beware. If you keep following the trails upwards you will eventually reach some fields and you may find your way to Pickering Community Park which is a really well equipped park for all ages, and is situated within a large green space, with lots of picnic benches, and toilets too. This would make a great free activity for young families.
For a real step back in time, visit Beck Isle Museum located just off Bridge Street; it gives a fascinating window into the social and cultural life of Pickering and surrounding area with lots for the children to see and do.
Pickering Library has a large children’s section (including a great Lego table) and runs a good programme of events throughout the week and during school holidays. Humpty Dumpty’s, Pickering and Pickering Pre-School provide childcare.
If you are in need of some relaxation, The Balance Rooms is highly recommended. Friendly and knowledgeable practitioners run an extensive programme of yoga for parents (ante natal and post natal), tots, children, teens and adults and there are a good range of other holistic therapies on offer too.
A little further afield, Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Cafe will delight little and big kids alike with its miniature railway and good quality, local produce.
For those looking for adventure, Dalby Forest is located just off the A169 out of Pickering. There is loads to do for all ages, including two large play areas for children with areas for BBQs and waymarked walking and cycling trails for different abilities. Dalby Forest Cycle Hub hire bikes, Dalby Activity Centre, Go Ape Dalby, and some kid friendly trails for younger children.
Forest Holidays Cropton & Keldy is a great place for free activities. Lovely parks, lovely walks and a place to ride your bike with free parking! Great cafe to enjoy coffee and cake plus you can do pottery painting too!
Located just outside Kirby Misperton, Flamingo Land is a holiday resort, theme park and zoo. The Zoo remains open during the winter months and is a great day out, as is the leisure centre, complete with water slides!
Photograph with thanks to JuneF2012
Eating Out
There is something for every taste in Pickering! If you’re after a cup of coffee or a light bite, there are plenty of coffee shops and tea rooms.
On the Market Place, Feast is a delicatessen and café packed with local produce and offers vegetarian and gluten free options. There are cream cakes and tea loaves galore as well as freshly baked bread at Elizabeth Botham of Whitby which has a café and bakery shop opposite the NYMR railway station.
For a larger meal, there are two very good fish and chip shops (Capplemans Fish & Chips located on Market Place and Eastgate Fisheries), Indian, Chinese and a number of pubs. Figaro’s Restaurant is a great for an Italian.
For something a bit more special, Willowgate Bistro offers English Bistro style food and a good selection of wines and other drinks all in relaxed surroundings.
A little further afield is a nice Garden Centre, Steam & Moorland with a great cafe serving lovely cake (plus all your garden needs)!
**This blog was written by one of our local Mummies and everything was known to be correct at the time of publishing. Nov ‘ 19 and then updated August 2020
