Pickering is a thriving, historic market town on the edge of the  North York Moors National Park and the Vale of Pickering. It is an ideal centre for exploring the locality. There is a local tourist information centre (01751 473791) and further information can be found at www.yorkshiremoorsandcoast.com.  Pickering has been awarded fairtrade status and is a Walkers are Welcome town.

Town Council

There are twelve  councillors who work together to promote the best interests of the community. The Council liaises with the other Ryedale town councils and Renaissance Market Towns about common interests and with both Ryedale District Council and North Yorkshire County Council on strategic issues. The Council uses the Pickering Beacon and the Annual Report to keep in touch with residents, and local meetings and the Discussion Forum to find out about residents’ views. Its office is housed in the Memorial Hall, Pickering’s community hall.

Local Interest

The range of activities and organisations in the town is an important reason for its thriving atmosphere. The quarterly community newsletter, the Pickering Beacon, distributed free of charge to all residents, keeps them informed about issues, events and services. The Town Guide, a Plus Publishing Services publication in partnership with the Council, distributed to every household and tourist enterprise in the parish, provides local information too. The main heritage attractions are the castle, the churches and the North York Moors Railway. The town participates in the National Civic Trust’s celebration of local heritage.