Pickering offers an excellent selection of shops, pubs and restaurants along with a busy market in the centre each Monday with a Farmers market on the first Thursday of each month. The very popular North York Moors Steam train starts it’s journey at Pickering and meanders through the scenic moorland villages of Levisham, Goathland (better known as Aidensfield in the TV series of Heartbeat) and Grosmont, before coming to rest in the lively fishing port of Whitby. Centrally placed, the cottages are ideal for exploring the area with the historic City of York, the coastal resorts of Whitby, Scarborough and Bridlington all within a half hour drive. For the children, Flamingo Land hosting a theme park and zoo set in over 300 acres is easily accessible and well worthy of a days outing.