Pickering Castle

Situated on the edge of the picturesque market town of Pickering, the 13th-century Pickering Castle welcomes visitors to uncover its multifaceted history. Having served as a royal hunting lodge, holiday home, and stud farm, this is a fascinating site within the North York Moors National Park.

Discover the Castle’s Storied Past

In dry weather and with sturdy footwear, it is recommended to traverse the footpaths encircling the castle’s outer curtain wall. You can even venture into the wide, now dry moat to fully appreciate the formidable curtain wall and its protruding towers.

Unique Architectural Features

Pickering Castle stands out for two distinctive reasons:

• The castle has undergone minimal alterations since its initial construction in wood was replaced with stone.
• The layout diverges from the traditional Norman motte-and-bailey design, featuring not one, but two baileys, with a prominent motte and stone keep nestled between them.

The motte itself is a sight to behold, soaring 20 metres in height and spanning a diameter of 60 metres.

Highlights Not to Miss at Pickering Castle:

• The educational exhibition within the chapel.
• Panoramic views of the sweeping North Yorkshire countryside.
• The historical keep, also known as the King’s room.

Plan Your Visit

Advance booking is not required, yet purchasing tickets online guarantees the best price and entry. Although tickets can be booked up to 8.45am on the day of the visit, discounts apply only to online purchases. Members of English Heritage enjoy complimentary access but are advised to reserve tickets in advance.

Best Times and Additional Information

Visitors might find the site busier during Bank Holidays. The best visiting times are before 11am and after 2pm. Please note that the ticket provides access only to the site or event, and parking may incur an additional fee. For detailed accessibility information, please visit the Pickering Castle Accessibility Page.