About
Pickering Castle shows how a Norman earth-and-timber stronghold grew into a stone fortress, with a steep motte, a shell keep and towers that still stand almost to their full height. Climbing the mound gives you views over the market town and surrounding countryside, while the Mill Tower recalls the castle's use as a prison. In the chapel, archaeological finds including arrowheads, spurs and manacles give the bare walls a more personal history. The grassy enclosures are good picnic territory, and visitors often recommend the guidebook to help explain what survives. Allow time for the uneven ground and stairways rather than expecting a level circuit of the ruins. Ask staff about the route available around the moat if you have limited mobility, as access can be affected by repair work. The small car park and toilets are near the entrance. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads.
OpenSee all times
- Pickering Castle10:00 – 17:00
Opening times may change at short notice.
Open daily 10:00-17:00 until 24 October 2026, then daily 10:00-16:00 from 25 October to 1 November. From 2 November to 2026-12-20, closed. Check the official calendar for holiday and later dates.
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Accessibility: The footbridge near Coleman's Tower is closed for repairs. The alternative moat route has uneven ground and two sets of stairs, preventing wheelchair access to the chapel side; ask staff about accessible areas. No reopening date is given.
Parking: Free gravel car park about 75 metres from the entrance; the access page confirms free parking for all visitors.
PricingFree with English Heritage membershipEH memberFree entryNon-member£9
Free entry with English Heritage membership
Entry
Non-member prices
Adult£9.00
Child (5-17)£4.50
Concession£8.10
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children)£22.70
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children)£13.60
Pricing details
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £8.10 off-peak and £10.00 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £4.00 off-peak and £5.00 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £7.20 off-peak and £9.00 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £20.40 off-peak and £25.00 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
Standard-day walk-up price without voluntary donation. Dates vary: this tier is £12.20 off-peak and £15.00 peak. Book by midnight the day before to save up to 15%. Children under five enter free. EH members receive free standard admission with a valid membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Ordinary advance booking is optional; special events can have separate arrangements.
ParkingFree parkingFree for all visitors
No charge for anyone.
Parking details
Free gravel car park about 75 metres from the entrance; the access page confirms free parking for all visitors.
Follow current signs and any operator conditions.
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