Pickering campsites

Begin your stay with a visit to Pickering Castle. This English Heritage site is nestled in the heart of the beautiful North York Moors National Park with stunning views over the town from the top of the castle ruins dating back to the 13th century.

For more incredible scenery, hop on board a steam train at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Ride through 24 miles of breathtaking Yorkshire countryside on a vintage train taking you through the moors. Harry Potter fans may recognise one of the stops, Goathland, as Hogsmeade Station from the very first film of the series!

Or spend your day on the exhilarating rides at Flamingo Land. Try racing on the park’s track, see the dinosaurs at Dino-Stone Park or get on the rollercoasters for thrilling rides on Mumbo Jumbo, Kumali, Velocity and more.

While you’re there, why not meet the animals at the theme park’s zoo? Here, you’ll find African giraffes, penguins and sea lions among others. For keen animal lovers, try out the ‘Be A Zookeeper’ experience for a hands on, behind the scenes opportunity to learn more about the zoo’s inhabitants as you help the staff out with day to day activities.

Nature lovers should head to Dalby Forest with many trails to explore the lush greenery -either by foot or bike. Take the little ones along the Zog Activity Trail and complete the activities along your journey through the forest. Find the hidden signs and keep an eye out for some of the characters in the trail’s story.

There are also 13 walking trails and 6 cycle trails to choose from as well as a Go Ape Tree Top Adventure where kids can release some energy as they swing from tree to tree. On lower ground, little ones can have fun mucking about in the play area.

Afterwards, take a trip to Eden Camp. Soak up some wartime history as you explore the interior of a U-Boat and admire the large collection of photos and artefacts before a quick cuppa in the WinStan’s Bunker Café. For the younger family members, try tackling the obstacles on the two part junior assault course - one part for the little commandos and the other for potential SAS members.

Continue your history tour with a visit to Pickering’s Beck Isle Museum. Walk through some of the Victorian themed rooms from the blacksmith’s forge to a printer’s workshop. The museum has many exhibits displaying collections of old photos, industry artefacts as well as clothing from the 1800s!

When you’ve finished exploring the town’s main attractions, stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding Castle Howard or spend the day at the Howardian Hills AONB, just over half an hour away. You’re also less than an hour away from the bustling city of York.