The Things to do on a Family Holiday in Pickering

Pickering is the ideal base for exploring this beautiful part of Yorkshire, with so many great family days out just a short drive away! Here are the five best things to do around Pickering with children.

Dalby Forest

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh who doesn’t love a good forest?! This one is beautiful, and on Pickering’s doorstep, with a number of walking and biking trails to choose from. The visitor centre has a good cafe, a big play area and somewhere to paddle! If you fancy something a bit more than a potter on the shorter children’s trails, how about the Woodcock Way Trail which gives some great views!

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A viewpoint from the Woodcock Way Trail

Grosmont to Goathland Rail Trail

Take the North York Moors Railway from Goathland (Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter) to Grosmont, and walk the beautiful rail trail back. If you have train-loving children it’s just perfect, and the path is suitable for buggies. Read more here.

Please be aware of timetable changes post-covid of the North York Moors Railway.

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A steam engine passes by on the Grosmont to Goathland Rail Trail

Wolds Way Lavender

If you haven’t heard about this place, you’re in for a pleasant surprise! There’s lots for young children to get involved with and discover, with play that has an emphasis on nature. Read more here.

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Rockpooling at Robin Hood’s Bay

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When the tide rolls out, the beach at Robin Hood’s Bay is huuuuuuge! And there are absolutely loads of rock pools left behind, perfect for a spot of crab and shell searching. With a sandy beach at the coastline, it’s the perfect place to grab some fish and chips and spend an afternoon on a fantastic Yorkshire Beach. If you fancy a bit more of a treat, try the crab light lunch at Bramblewick. You wont regret it!

Top Tip: Make sure you check tide times before your visit, at high tide the beach area is small and difficult to social distance.

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A crab light lunch at Bramblewick


May Beck to Falling Foss Walk

I genuinely think that there is nothing not to love about this truly beautiful walk. I mean we go on a lot of walks, but this one has woodland, a waterfall, paddling annnnnnd the AMAZING Falling Foss Tea Room to enjoy. Honestly, make the effort to visit. Read more about this fab walk here.

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Other places to visit around Pickering with children

  • The nearest theme park is Flamingo Land, which also has a zoo included and is a great day out.
  • Castle Howard is situated in the most idyllic of locations, and has so much to see (without even having to go in the house). Skelf Island is a favourite for children; a play area based on rope bridges!
  • Head to Whitby to explore this fantastic quirky town seeped in history, there’s also plenty of amusements so save those two pence pieces! Get a crabbing net and see how many you can catch from Kiddie’s corner!
  • If you’ve fallen in love with Robin Hood’s Bay and fancy something even more quaint and quiet, head up the coast to Staithes. Just beautiful!

For anyone who is a seasoned UK vacationer, make sure you look at this collection of travel posts for more inspiration!

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