Visit Pickering Castle

Besides being home to some nice pubs, good places to eat, and the Beck Isle Museum; our local traditional market town - Pickering - has its very own historic Castle which is well worth a visit for holiday-makers staying in Rosedale Abbey. 

Pickering makes for an interesting ride-out in the car and a nice place to do some strolling and sight-seeing.

Pickering Castle is well worth a visit.

Pickering Castle is a classic and well preserved example of an early Norman earthwork castle re-fortified in stone during the 13th and 14th centuries.

Raised shortly after the Norman's arrived in this part of the North York Moors, Pickering Castle was initially established in a traditional Norman motte and bailey style.

This involved a simple timber construction built on top of an earthen mound and surrounded by steep-sided banks and ditches.

The stone buildings and stone curtain walls with three surviving towers largely date from the reign of Edward II.

Little survives of the Castle Keep other than a small section of flat, external walling with a circular inner wall, at one time containing several lean-to buildings.

But originally, the Castle Keep had two entrances.

The doorway and steps of the smaller entrance to the east can still be seen.

But the archway to the main entrance to the west has completely disappeared.

Today, the castle is set in nicely tended gardens on a large site on the edge of Pickering.

It's easy to find from Rosedale (input postcode YO18 7AX for GPS navigation) and only about 25 minutes away by car.

Managed for the Nation by English Heritage, it costs £3.90 for an adult admission but members of English Heritage get in for free.

Pickering Castle reopens for the spring on the 29th March 2013.

Rosella Luxury Holiday Cottage

Rosella Cottage is a luxury get-away-from-it-all holiday home in Rosedale Abbey; focussed on the holiday needs of active couples.  We have a cosy lounge, kitchen, a king-size bed in a big bedroom with vaulted-ceiling, and a lovely en-suite.

We've got a village-centre location; and we're easy walking distance to the village shop, cafes, and village pubs with great restaurants.  Built in 1850 but now completely refurbished, Rosella offers luxury in the heart of the North York Moors.  To view availability and for bookings, just click here.