Explore Pickering through three historical perspectives: a railway line, a museum collection of 50,000 objects and medieval art. When planning a stay, this selection can help you choose a focus in advance: would you like to learn more about the steam era and the railway, explore collections in different formats, or follow the history of architecture and art? The steam era, the museum collection and the medieval wall paintings each offer a distinct historical perspective.
Railway line and station
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has its southern terminus in Pickering. From there, the line runs for 24 miles through the National Park landscape to Whitby. This gives the railway connection a clear geographical framework: Pickering is the southern terminus, and Whitby is the named destination at the other end. Pickering Station is designed in the style of the 1930s and evokes the steam era. The roof structure also carries its own layer of history: it was restored to match the original roof, built by G T Andrews in 1847. This makes the station a tangible example of how different historical periods can coexist in a single building.
Museum collection and demonstrations
Beck Isle Museum cares for a collection of 50,000 objects and has 25 gallery rooms. The galleries feature historic shops and interactive exhibitions. On demonstration days, visitors can watch blacksmithing demonstrations and experience the traditional art of printing. These activities are tied to demonstration days, so check the museum’s What’s On information before your visit. This lets you factor the demonstrations into your schedule rather than assume they are offered every day.
Castle and landscape
Pickering Castle also combines a specific setting with a distinct history of preservation. It stands on a limestone promontory on the southern edge of the North York Moors. Its surviving remains are particularly well preserved because Pickering Castle was one of the few castles left untouched by the Wars of the Roses and the 17th-century Civil War.
Medieval wall paintings and church access
St. Peter and St. Paul's Church takes you from architectural history to medieval painting. The wall paintings were probably commissioned in 1450 and painted around 1470. The commission and the painting should therefore not be read as the same date: the first date is probable, while the second is approximate. The paintings are one of about five extensive sets of wall paintings that survive in the country. This offers a distinct way to explore the town’s history, complementing the railway and museum. The church has step-free access from Hallgarth through a passageway, avoiding the steps from Market Place and Smiddy Hill. As access arrangements may change, please confirm the situation before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Aysgarth, Cononley, Burnsall, Northallerton, Cloughton, Newton-Le-Willows, Grassington, Settrington
For the main travel overview: North Yorkshire.
