The lively market town of Pickering lies between York and the North Yorkshire Coast and midway between Scarborough, Whitby, Helmsley and Malton. Known as the official gateway to the North Yorkshire National Park, Pickering makes an excellent base for holidays in the area, although the town itself has plenty to keep visitors entertained too.

One of the main visitor attractions in the area is the North Yorkshire Moors railway line, which runs from Pickering to the seaside resort of Whitby. The steam train journey from Pickering to Whitby takes around an hour and a half and gives travellers the opportunity to take in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside as well as some quaint old stations along the way.

Pickering is a great destination for nature-lovers and walkers, thanks to its close proximity to the North Yorkshire National Park and Dalby Forest. Both offer plenty of outdoor activities for anyone looking for an active break, such as walking, cycling and horse riding.

The area also has plenty to entertain anyone with an interest in history. Key historical attractions include Pickering Castle which was built in Norman times and the Beck Isle Museum. Other reasons to visit Pickering include a bustling weekly market and a great choice of local restaurants and shops.