Places of Interest in Pickering
Pickering is the ideal base for your stay in Ryedale. One day is not nearly long enough to appreciate all there is to do in the area; make sure you book several days at Bramwood! Spend a day in Pickering itself. This small market town, home to less than 7,000 inhabitants, boasts a variety of excellent family run shops offering a friendly personal service which may surprise city dwellers. There are branches of several large banks (with cash machines) a post office and a recently modernised public library offering internet access. There is a daily covered Flea Market and a small street market on Mondays.
The Parish church of St. Peter and St. Paul dates back to Norman times, with the tower being added in the 13th Century. Most importantly, perhaps, it houses “the most complete collection of medieval wall paintings in England” (Nicholas Pevsner) which attract thousands of visitors per year. www.pickeringchurch.com
The Beck Isle Museum with its 27 rooms covers many aspects of local, social and family history & militaria. It is also home to the Sydney Smith photographic collection of photographic equipment and local photography depicting local history and landscapes from the early 20th century. www.beckislemuseum.org
Pickering Castle was originally a wooden structure started by William the Conqueror. It was replaced by a stone version in later years. Subsequently it was a royal hunting lodge and a royal holiday retreat and many of its walls and towers remain today. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/pickering-castle/
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of the longest and most popular heritage railways in the country. It will take you on a journey through some breathtaking scenery. Railway buffs will enjoy the variety of steam trains themselves, the viewing sheds at Grosmont and the lovingly restored and tended stations. Fascinating stuff, and not just for “anoraks”! TV watchers will enjoy Goathland’s association with “Heartbeat” and Hogwarts Station of Harry Potter fame. www.nymr.co.uk