Pickering Castle — Attraction in England

Pickering castle is impressive. Originally built in 1069 during the reign of William 1st,(Conquerer) as a Motte & bailey castle with wooden ramparts & outer defence, these were replaced by stone in the 13th century in the reign of Henry lll, the curtain wall with its 3 towers, were the last addition to the the castle, these were added in the 1320s by Edward ll. Built for defence against a Scottish invasion which never came, it was also used as a Royal hunting lodge, although when the royals were not in attendance, a constable had stewardship of the castle & the surrounding land. Eventually, the castle was abandoned & fell into ruin. Over time, a fair amount of stonework was removed by local people for other building purposes. The curtain wall is virtually complete, along with it's towers, the stone building atop the mound has been drastically reduced, but enough is left to give visitors a sense of what it was like. The mound itself is solid & complete with its defensive ditch. There is a stone chapel within the castle, there are info panels in here giving the history of the castle, also, there are medieval style clothes that children can dress up in & wear around the castle, of course, they must be returned. There is a shop where you can get refreshments/souvenirs, this is also where you pay your entry fee unless you're ab English Heritage member who enter for free. The land is sill owned by the Royals, but managed by E heritage. The views from the top of the mound/motte, are impressive, I thoroughly recommend a visit when visiting the beautiful town...

English Heritage Member

In the market town of Pickering, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, Pickering Castle offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The castle is easily accessible by car and public transport,

The 13th-century castle stands as a testament to medieval architecture. Its well-preserved structures, including the keep, towers, and chapel, provide a fascinating glimpse into the past. The castle’s history as a royal hunting lodge, holiday home, and stud farm for medieval kings adds a rich cultural layer to the visit.

The castle grounds are well-maintained, featuring informative visitor centres that offer insights into the castle’s storied past. Restrooms are clean and accessible, ensuring comfort for all visitors. Parking is available nearby, making it convenient for those traveling by car.

The panoramic views from the top of the keep are breathtaking, and the surrounding wildflower meadows and unique wildlife create a serene atmosphere. The castle’s story is brought to life through well-placed information boards and interactive displays.

I would recommend Pickering Castle to travelers interested in history, architecture, and nature. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful day out, Pickering Castle is a must-visit attraction that promises an enriching experience.

Pickering Castle is a true gem in Yorkshire, offering a blend of history, a culture, and natural beauty that is sure to enchant...

Beautiful & picturesque ruined Castle situated in the North Yorkshire Market Town of Pickering. The site is not very vast but there is a lovely walk around to enjoy where you can see a number of informative & interesting information displays/board detailing the different features and their history. There are a couple of places you can go into such as The Chapel and The Bailey Tower where you can marvel at the wonderful architecture and stonework. The Chapel in particular has a small exhibition detailing the history of the Castle and its standing in the local which is very informative and makes for an interesting read. Visitors can climb up to the top of The Motte and see picturesque and magnificent panoramic views of The Castle and the surrounding area and whilst walking you can hear noises of trains from The North Yorkshire Moors Railway departing from the station which is in close proximity to the site. There is also a lovely circular walk around the outside where you can marvel at further brilliant stonework and architecture. There is a small gift shop at the site selling a nice range of souvenirs at reasonable prices and the shop also sells a small number of refreshments such as drinks and ice creams at affordable prices. Overall this place makes for an enjoyable and enthralling day out to see a fine example of a...