Beach campsites near Pickering with campfires

Situated minutes from North York Moors National Park, Pickering provides seriously easy access to some of North East England's most beautiful scenery. There are plenty of holiday parks where motorhomes can park for a night, as well as rustic camping parks with tent pitches, private wood cabins, and fully-equipped stone cottage rentals in the region. Then, find scenic walks, sandy beaches, and ancient fossils to keep as souvenirs at North York Moors National Park. Or, watch for whales, dolphins, and migratory sea birds from the lofty chalk cliffs of Flamborough Outer Headlands Nature Reserve. And get the royal treatment at Castle Howard after horseback riding throughout Howardian Hills AONB.

Where to go

North York Moors National Park

The entrance to North York Moors National Park is less than five minutes from Pickering. However, there are dozens of camping accommodations within the park as well, including campervan holiday parks with water and electric hookups, bell tents with wood-fire hot tubs, and wooden camping pods with private picnic tables. After reserving a spot, take a train ride in a restored steam engine, head to the coast to scavenge for fossils and dinosaur footprints, go whale watching in fall, or hike Cleveland Way National Trail for coastal cliff-top views of the sea. Make sure to stop for a pint in Whitby, a traditional seaside town with cobblestone streets and a long sandy beach.

Howardian Hills Area of Natural Beauty

Find a mixture of valleys, forested hills, and farmland in Howardian Hills Area of Natural Beauty—just 30 minutes southeast of Pickering. The diverse landscape draws campers to its unique hiking, biking, and equestrian paths. Besides the stunning scenery, campers can visit Castle Howard, which boasts stately baroque architecture and a sprawling estate. Rent a traditional stone cottage with modern amenities and log-burning stoves to enjoy a cosy camping trip in winter. Or spend warm summer days at nearby caravan parks that have pitches with electrical hookups.

Flamborough Outer Headlands Nature Reserve

The 100-ft high chalk cliffs of Flamborough Outer Headlands Nature Reserve are a sight to behold. A variety of seabirds call the cliffs home—including puffins! The surrounding chalk grasslands are a prime spot to view wildflowers in spring and early summer, while migratory birds cycle through the area year-round. For even more views, visit the lighthouse and climb over 100 steps to the top. Campers are able to choose from dog-friendly caravan sites with full hookups, wood cabin rentals and holiday homes equipped with kitchenettes, and luxury glamping yurts offering sumptuous queen beds and private hot tubs.

When to go

Pickering is a blast to visit year-round, but some months are better suited for certain activities. The warm weather in July and August creates the perfect environment for splashing in the water at Whitby Beach. Puffins are best spotted from March until mid July in Flamborough Outer Headlands Nature Reserve. Late summer and early autumn bring dolphins and whales to the coast of North York Moors National Park along with heather flowers that brighten rolling hills. Campers can expect temperatures to drop in October to around 12°C, with rainier days through February.