Pickering Castle

Name: Pickering Castle
Address: Castlegate, Pickering, YO18 7AX, GB
Telephone: 01751 474989

Pickering

Courtesy of Pickering Castle

WHERE

Pickering

What it’s like

A motte-top stone castle with three towers to explore and a trail that turns the ruins into a story to build.

The main event here is the climb. A stairway takes you up the motte to the top, where you get views right across the countryside that make the walk up worth the moan halfway there. From up top you can pick your way round three stone towers, all still standing enough to give a proper sense of the place rather than just a pile of rubble with a plaque.

There's a World Builder Challenge trail as well, which has kids inventing their own legend as they go round rather than just reading signs about someone else's. It's a decent way to keep younger explorers moving without them clocking that they're being taught something.

Opening's 10am to 5pm daily, with last entry at 4:30pm, so you've got a proper stretch of the day to do it in without having to rush. Booking isn't required, you can turn up and buy on the day, but the site knocks 15% off if you book online by midnight the night before, which is worth doing if you already know you're going.

One thing to flag: the footbridge near Coleman's Tower is shut for repairs, and the alternative route has uneven ground and steps. That's not going to work for wheelchair users.

Need to know

Last entry: 4:30pm
Booking: Book online by midnight the day before to save 15%
Wheelchairs: Limited access. Speak to staff on arrival for advice on accessible areas and alternative routes

Book online by midnight the day before for 15% off; on the day it's full price
The footbridge near Coleman's Tower is closed, with steps and uneven ground on the detour
Concession tickets need proof of eligibility on the day, so bring your card

Plan your visit

Do we need to book ahead?

No, you can just turn up and buy on the day. Booking online by midnight the day before gets you 15% off though, so it's worth it if your visit's planned.

How long does a visit take?

It's open 10am to 5pm daily with last entry at 4:30pm, so you've got a good few hours to play with if you want to do the climb and the trail properly.

Is it accessible for wheelchairs?

Access is limited, and the footbridge near Coleman's Tower is currently closed for repairs. The alternative route has uneven ground and steps, so it's best to speak to staff on arrival about which routes will work.