Historic market town and gateway to the North York Moors National Park, with heritage attractions, countryside adventures and easy access to Dalby Forest and Go Ape Dalby.
The North York Moors and Yorkshire Coast offer a wide range of things to do, from open moorland walks and historic villages to traditional seaside towns and coastal scenery. Located in the north-east of England, the North York Moors National Park stretches across North Yorkshire, bounded by Helmsley and Thirsk to the west, Sutton Bank to the south-west, and the coastal towns of Whitby and Scarborough to the east. This compact area allows visitors to experience moorland, countryside, and coast within a short distance.
From Pickering, the landscape quickly opens into wide expanses of heather moorland, wooded valleys, and quiet rural roads. One of the most recognisable locations is the Hole of Horcum, a vast natural amphitheatre carved into the moors, popular for walking and photography. Villages such as Goathland and Hutton-le-Hole offer traditional stone cottages, village greens, and access to surrounding footpaths and countryside. The central moors are defined by open views and seasonal colour, particularly in late summer when the heather is in bloom.
To the east, the landscape drops towards the Yorkshire coastline, where cliffs, bays, and beaches define the scenery. Whitby is known for its harbour, abbey ruins, and maritime history, while Scarborough offers a more traditional seaside experience with promenades and sandy bays. Smaller coastal villages such as Robin Hood’s Bay and Staithes provide a quieter setting, with narrow streets and strong fishing heritage. The coastline offers a contrast to the moors, making it easy to combine both in a single visit.
Pickering acts as the main southern gateway to the North York Moors and is a practical base for exploring the wider area. The town is home to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, where steam trains run through the moors towards Goathland and Whitby—see our heritage railways guide. Pickering Castle provides a well-preserved example of a medieval fortress with views across the town, detailed on our Pickering Castle page. St Peter and St Paul’s Church is known for its medieval wall paintings, which you can read about in our Pickering Church guide. Alongside these attractions, Pickering offers shops, cafes, and direct access into the national park.
