The Moors and Ryedale are located a short distance from Pickering and for many are the main reason to holiday in this part of the world. For those new to the area, the natural beauty of the scenery is truly breathtaking. A good place to start your exploration is in the North York Moors National Park . From there you can amble around Dalby Forest , climb The Bridestones or trek into The Hole of Horcum.

If you prefer your pastimes to be a little less strenuous, then we would heartily recommend a trip around Nunnington Hall with its delightful house and walled gardens and for a well-rounded cultural experience of North Yorkshire why not visit the Ryedale Folk Museum. If you’re fascinated by castles, then look no further than wonderful Castle Howard . Still privately owned, its 300 year history is still being added to. What’s more, visitors are free to wonder around the house and gardens at their own will. Even closer are the impressive Duncombe Park House & Gardens and also Scampston Hall .

Heading slightly further south, one comes to the unique Eden Camp Museum. As the guide says, it’s “Not just another military museum”. And indeed it isn’t. For more general historic interests, then you can also try Malton Museum . If you prefer flora and fauna then the musts for you are Helmsley Walled Garden , or buy some of your own at Hartoft wild flower and herb nursery – or experience the beauty and then buy your own at Yorkshire Lavender . Golfers in the meantime will head straight for Rosedale Abbey golf course and beer fans for The Cropton Brewery . For the young, the young at heart or those who just can’t say no, there is Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo .