Pickering Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Pickering Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Pickering sits in a brilliant spot for exploring North Yorkshire. The town itself has loads to see, starting with Pickering Castle (YO18 7AX, open daily 10am-5pm). This well-preserved motte and bailey fortress gets 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and offers fantastic views across the town.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (YO18 7AJ) is a must-visit with its steam trains running through stunning moorland to Whitby. It scores an impressive 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. I've heard the tearoom at the station serves excellent scones!

Beck Isle Museum (YO18 7AE, open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm) houses a fascinating collection of local history items and gets 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. The recreated Victorian shops are particularly good.

St Peter's Church contains some of the best medieval wall paintings in Britain - they were whitewashed during the Reformation and only rediscovered in 1852. They're free to view whenever the church is open.

Dalby Forest (YO18 7LT) is just 15 minutes away by car with walking trails, cycling routes and Go Ape treetop adventures. We think it's worth spending a full day here if the weather's good.

Pet Friendly

Many cottages in Pickering welcome dogs, often providing bowls, beds and even treats. The town is brilliant for pet owners with plenty of walks straight from your door.

Dalby Forest has miles of dog-friendly paths where your four-legged friend can run off-lead in designated areas. The visitor centre provides water bowls and there's even a dog wash station if things get muddy!

For eating out, The Black Swan (YO18 7AA) and The White Swan Inn (YO18 7AA) both welcome dogs in their bar areas. The Willowgate Bistro (YO18 7AE) even offers a special menu for dogs - honestly!

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway allows dogs on standard service trains for a small fee (£3 as of 2023). They can't go in the dining cars though.

If you're heading to the coast, Cayton Bay near Scarborough has no dog restrictions year-round and the beach is perfect for a good run around.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Pickering

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is Pickering's crown jewel. This heritage railway runs steam and diesel trains through 24 miles of stunning moorland to Whitby. The station itself is a treat with its 1930s appearance - look out for the original tea rooms and vintage posters. The journey takes about 2 hours each way with stops at pretty villages like Goathland (which was Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter). Tickets start at £38 for adults for a full-line return.

Pickering Castle offers a fantastic glimpse into medieval life. Built by William the Conqueror, this motte and bailey castle has stood for over 900 years. The exhibition explains its history from royal hunting lodge to Civil War stronghold. Kids love running around the walls and climbing the mound where the original wooden tower stood. One visitor called it "the best £7 I've spent" in their TripAdvisor review.

The Beck Isle Museum houses over 27 themed rooms showing life in rural Yorkshire through the ages. The Victorian print works is particularly good - it's still operational and sometimes gives demonstrations. The pharmacy and costume gallery get lots of praise from visitors. One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: "We expected to spend an hour here but ended up staying for three - so much to see!"

Is Pickering good for walking holidays?

Yes! Pickering sits at the southern edge of the North York Moors National Park with countless walking routes. The 110-mile Cleveland Way passes nearby and there are shorter circular walks for all abilities. After a day's hiking, your cottage hot tub will feel even better!

How far is Pickering from the coast?

Scarborough is 18 miles away (about 30 minutes by car). Whitby is 24 miles (40 minutes) or you can take the scenic route on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Both offer great beaches, shops and restaurants.

What's the best time of year to visit Pickering?

Pickering is lovely year-round. Summer brings warmer weather for exploring the moors, while autumn offers spectacular colours. The railway runs special events including dining experiences and Santa Specials in December. Spring is quieter but the countryside looks beautiful.

Are there good places to eat in Pickering?

Yes, loads! The White Swan Inn serves excellent locally-sourced food. Willowgate Bistro offers fine dining in a relaxed setting. For casual meals, try Botham's Café or the Whistlestop Café at the railway station.

Can I get to Pickering without a car?

It's possible but tricky. The nearest train station is Malton (30 minutes by bus). Coastliner buses connect Pickering to York, Malton, Scarborough and Whitby. Once in Pickering, you can use the Moorsbus service to explore the national park.

What should I pack for a hot tub cottage break in Pickering?

Bring walking boots, waterproofs (Yorkshire weather is unpredictable!), swimwear for the hot tub and binoculars for wildlife spotting. Most cottages provide towels but check before you travel.

1. North Yorkshire Moors Railway - Official Website
2. Pickering Castle - English Heritage
3. Beck Isle Museum
4. North York Moors National Park
5. Yorkshire Coast Tourism