Premier Inn Pickering

Yes, Pickering is well worth a visit – especially if you’re looking for a mix of history and countryside. It’s known as the gateway to the North York Moors, so it’s perfectly placed for exploring this stunning national park. But Pickering itself has a lot going for it too: there’s a medieval castle to climb around, a heritage steam railway to ride and a lively market town feel with independent shops. Whether you’re into walking, history, scenic drives or relaxed mooching, you’ll easily find something to enjoy here. It’s also ideal as a base if you want to visit nearby spots like Whitby, Dalby Forest or the coast.

No, Pickering isn’t on the coast – it’s actually set inland, on the southern edge of the North York Moors National Park. But it’s still a great base for coastal trips. You can reach seaside towns like Whitby, Scarborough and Robin Hood’s Bay in around 30–45 minutes by car or, you can use the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a scenic steam train ride to the coast. So, while you won’t get sea views from Pickering itself, the beach is never too far away.

Pickering is best known for being the southern terminus of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway – one of the most popular heritage steam railways in the UK. It’s also home to Pickering Castle, a 13th-century fortress that still has its stone towers and curtain walls. Visitors also come for the stunning countryside around it, with the Moors right on the doorstep and Dalby Forest just a short drive away. The town’s history stretches back centuries – from Norman times to medieval murals in St Peter and St Paul’s Church that were hidden for 500 years before being rediscovered.

Pickering is one of those rare towns where history and nature come together in really memorable ways. You’ve got a working steam railway that still runs through the countryside, a medieval castle with towers you can explore, and the North York Moors right on your doorstep for walks and adventures. One of its standout features is the 15th-century wall paintings inside the local church – they're well preserved and pretty unusual to see in the UK. Whether you’re climbing castle walls, catching a steam train or heading out into nearby forests, everything feels close by and easy to enjoy.

There’s loads to keep you busy in and around Pickering. The big highlights are Pickering Castle – which is great for a wander and has fantastic views – and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, where you can ride steam trains through beautiful countryside to places like Goathland (famous from Heartbeat and Harry Potter). Dalby Forest is just down the road and packed with trails, cycling routes and play areas. History lovers should pop into the Beck Isle Museum, which is full of interesting artefacts and old-world exhibits. You can also shop in the market on select days, enjoy a coffee in a cosy cafe, or head out walking on the nearby moors.

Pickering’s high street has a mix of independent shops and practical places for everyday needs. You’ll find gift shops, bookshops, sweet shops, outdoor gear stores and places selling local crafts and artwork. There’s also a couple of small supermarkets, bakeries and butchers, plus places to grab a coffee. It’s the kind of town where you can enjoy a relaxed browse and pick up something a bit different – whether it’s a handmade souvenir, a new walking jacket or something tasty for a picnic.

Yes, Pickering has a compact and lively town centre that’s easy to explore on foot. Most of the shops, cafes and local businesses are based along Market Place and the surrounding streets. There’s also a regular outdoor market, which brings extra buzz to the area with stalls selling fresh produce, clothing, home goods and more. You’ll find the train station, castle and several pubs and tearooms all within a short walk, making the town centre a great spot to base yourself for the day.

Entry to Pickering Castle is reasonably priced, with concessions available for families, children, and seniors. If you're a member of English Heritage, you can usually get in without paying extra. Your ticket gives you access to the full site, including the towers, outer walls and some great viewpoints across the surrounding countryside. There are also displays and information boards to help bring the history to life. It's a good idea to check ahead for the latest details, especially during school holidays or peak times.

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.