How far is Pickering Castle from Thornton-le-Dale?

About three miles along the A170, around five minutes by car, or a short bus ride on the Coastliner 840 or service 28.

Who built Pickering Castle?

Historic England records that William the Conqueror built the first castle, of earth and timber, during or shortly after the Harrying of the North in 1069 to 1070. It was later rebuilt in stone.

Can you take dogs to Pickering Castle?

Yes. English Heritage says well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

How long do you need at Pickering Castle?

An hour or two is enough for most visitors to climb the motte, walk the walls and see the chapel exhibition.

Is Pickering Castle wheelchair accessible?

Partly. When we checked, the footbridge near Coleman's Tower was closed and the alternative route had steps. Speak to staff on arrival and check English Heritage's access page first.

English Heritage

Pickering Castle

Pickering Castle is a Norman motte and bailey castle on the edge of Pickering, about three miles from Thornton-le-Dale, cared for by English Heritage. You can climb the motte for views over the town and the Vale of Pickering, walk the walls between three towers and see the finds in the chapel exhibition. Allow an hour or two.

By Jon Cosson · Last checked 6 November 2026

The motte and towers of Pickering Castle from the bailey.

At a glance

Address: Castlegate, Pickering, North Yorkshire YO18 7AX
Telephone: 01751 474989
Cared for by: English Heritage; members go free
Tickets: Valid all day. Booking online by midnight the day before saves 15%
Dogs: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome
Facilities: Parking 75m from the entrance, toilets, picnic benches, and a shop selling gifts and hot and cold drinks

From Thornton-le-Dale

By car. Pickering is about three miles west along the A170, around five minutes on a clear road. English Heritage says the castle car park is 75m from the entrance, on loose gravel, with some spaces for disabled visitors nearer the entrance.

By bus. The Coastliner 840 and the service 28 both run from the village to Pickering. The castle is a short walk uphill from the Market Place. Times are on our getting here page.

With the train. The steam railway station is a short walk from the castle, so the two fit into one day.

The castle's story

Historic England records that the first castle was built by William the Conqueror during or shortly after the Harrying of the North in 1069 to 1070: an earth motte with a timber palisade, flanked by two baileys. The motte is about 20 metres high. English Heritage describes Pickering as a clear example of how early earth and timber castles were rebuilt in stone. The motte was later crowned by a stone shell keep, and during the 13th and 14th centuries the wooden outer defences were replaced by stone curtain walls.

The castle remained a royal possession until it was granted to Edmund, Earl of Lancaster, in 1267.

What to see

The motte. Climb the motte stairway for views over the surrounding countryside.
The towers. Three towers on the curtain wall stand almost to full height. The Mill Tower once housed a prison.
The chapel exhibition. Finds on display include medieval arrowheads, a knife blade, spurs and manacles.
Wildlife. English Heritage says kestrels sometimes nest here, and more than 45 species of wildflower grow on the site.

Access

When we checked, English Heritage said the footbridge near Coleman's Tower was closed for repairs. The alternative route includes uneven ground and steps and is unsuitable for wheelchair users. If you have restricted mobility, speak to staff on arrival about accessible areas and alternative routes, and check the access page before you travel.

Opening times and tickets

The castle opens seasonally, and English Heritage sets the days and hours each year. Check the prices and opening times page before you go. Tickets are valid all day, booking online by midnight the day before saves 15%, and English Heritage members go free.

Making a day of it

Pickering has the parish church with its medieval wall paintings and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Back in the village there is Beck Isle Cottage, the beck and the Mathewsons motor museum of Bangers & Cash. Our eating and drinking page covers supper.

Common questions

How far is Pickering Castle from Thornton-le-Dale?: About three miles along the A170, around five minutes by car, or a short bus ride on the Coastliner 840 or service 28.
Who built Pickering Castle?: Historic England records that William the Conqueror built the first castle, of earth and timber, during or shortly after the Harrying of the North in 1069 to 1070. It was later rebuilt in stone.
Can you take dogs to Pickering Castle?: Yes. English Heritage says well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
Is there parking at Pickering Castle?: Yes. English Heritage says the car park is 75m from the entrance, on loose gravel, with some spaces for disabled visitors nearer the entrance.
How long do you need at Pickering Castle?: An hour or two is enough for most visitors to climb the motte, walk the walls and see the chapel exhibition.
Is Pickering Castle wheelchair accessible?: Partly. When we checked, the footbridge near Coleman's Tower was closed and the alternative route had steps. Speak to staff on arrival and check English Heritage's access page first.