Pickering
Pickering is a typical small English market town on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. To the west of the town lie Kirkbymoorside and Helmsley, to the east Thornton le Dale and Scarborough. It is ideally placed for exploring the moors; enjoying a trip to the seaside or shopping in York which is only an hour away.
Like many market towns, the streets are lined with local shops catering for the community and the tourists. There are outdoor clothing shops; chemists; newsagents; bric-a-brac shops; restaurants and cafes and one supermarket. Pickering is also home to the North York Moors Railway; the station is a short walk from the town centre. Steam trains run during the summer all the way to Grosmont and there is even a connection through to Whitby.
The Beck Isle Museum is located very close to the NYMR station and is an opportunity to learn more about life in the rural countryside over the last two centuries. Overlooking the town is a 13th century castle which is still largely intact. Eden Camp, a World War 2 history museum, is on the Malton to Pickering road and was once a prisoner of war camp.
Flamingo Land Theme Park is located less than 5 miles south of Pickering and provides entertainment; accommodation in holiday homes and log cabins and a zoo - all in one! A little more up market is Castle Howard, reputed to be Yorkshire's finest country house and estate which is located near Malton.
Each year in August there is a steam traction rally held in the same field as the car boot sales, just outside of Pickering. There are lots of working exhibits, a fair and plenty of excitement for all the family.
Accommodation is varied and plentiful with local hotels; bed and breakfasts; holiday cottages; holiday homes and touring caravan sites. All offer a friendly welcome and good value.
