Pickering Castle - A Hidden Gem
Posted on 6th September 2019 at 16:49
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Pickering Castle … did you know this Ryedale market town has a 13th century monument standing proudly above it?
Located in a quiet part of the town and overlooking the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, this splendid castle is looked after by English Heritage, so members can get in for free with parking provided.
The remains include some spectacular stone steps, majestic walls and amazing views, all of which can help you imagine how this fantastic location was a hub of activity in medieval England.
The site also has a chapel with an exhibition area, a fabulous castle keep and panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside that allow you to see for miles and miles on a clear day.
Parts of the motte and bailey construction were originally built by the Normans during the Conquest in the eleventh century.
During the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the castle had a series of upgrades including significant stonework, some of which still stands today.
Its location meant it wasn’t the centre of much military action; however it was close to the Royal Forest so a number of English Kings stayed there.
There was also some good hunting nearby (deer and boar).
The chapel, which is within the Castle grounds, was once used as a legal court and has retained its roof and now features some fascinating insights into castle’s history.
The castle wasn’t used much after the Civil War and remained a ruin until the 20th Century.
Now looked after by English Heritage, it is one of several properties the have retained the ‘look and feel’ of a royal building. Scarborough and Helmsley being two that are very much of the same ilk and have a long and interesting history.
Pickering is also home to the heritage railway, the North Yorkshire Moors, along with St Peter’s Church and its stunning frescos. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway also hosts its Wartime Weekend in mid-October.
Add into the mix the sloping high street, the Kirk Theatre, the independent shops and businesses and its pretty beck or stream, then Pickering is hard to beat.
We also have a branch of Station Taxis in the town, so remember we can help you get around this lovely market town.
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