Pick the 840 bus to Pickering for a perfect day out!

Pickering is a historic market town that feels like the perfect balance between past and present – and getting there is half the fun when you’re riding the Coastliner 840. Whether you’re hopping on from Leeds, York, Malton or anywhere in between, the journey up to Pickering is nothing short of scenic. The 840 weaves through lush North Yorkshire landscapes, market towns, and countryside that gets better with every bend in the road. As the bus winds into Pickering, you’re greeted by charming stone buildings, a sense of quiet energy, and the gateway to the North York Moors.

Pickering has been around for a long time – since before the Domesday Book – and it’s still thriving, just in a different way. This is a town that wears its history proudly, from the imposing ruins of Pickering Castle to its steam-powered heritage railway. The vibe here is relaxed and authentic. It’s not dressed up for tourists, but that’s exactly what makes it feel so genuine.

One of the first places people tend to visit is Pickering Castle, perched on a hill just a short walk from the town centre. It’s not just a set of ruins – this motte-and-bailey fortress has been watching over the town for nearly 900 years. You can still see the towers, chapel, and outer walls, and the views from the top are great for spotting trains coming and going from the heritage line just below.

That brings us neatly to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which starts (or finishes, depending on your direction) right in the heart of town. This is proper nostalgia on rails – a full steam railway that takes you through the heather-clad moors, stopping at places like Goathland (aka Hogsmeade in Harry Potter) and Grosmont. It’s a bit of a throwback, sure, but also a beautiful way to see the national park. Even if you don’t take the full ride, seeing the trains up close is a treat.

Back in the town centre, Pickering is all about charming, quaint streets, independent shops, bakeries, pubs, and cafés that feel a world away from high-street chains. Pickering Book Tree is a lovely little indie bookshop, while Feast Deli is the place to stock up on Yorkshire produce or grab a coffee and something fresh from the bakery. There’s a proper market feel to it all, especially on Mondays when the town hosts a traditional street market with everything from local cheese to handmade crafts. Look out too for the delightful cottage with a Hogwarts sign above it in the town!

For something unexpected, there’s Beck Isle Museum, just across the river. It’s set in a beautiful Georgian building and crammed full of local history – think old-fashioned shops, farming tools, vintage bicycles, and even an Edwardian barber’s. It’s one of those places that sounds small but ends up being way more interesting than you think. It gives a good feel for how life used to be around here.

Outdoor lovers are well served too – Pickering is the perfect base for walks and bike rides into the North York Moors National Park. If you’re up for something gentle, Dalby Forest is just a short distance away, offering walking trails, mountain biking routes, and a visitor centre with a decent café. It’s a great place for families too, with Gruffalo-themed trails for the little ones.

Food-wise, Pickering doesn’t go overboard, but it’s good quality and down to earth. The Black Swan is a solid local pub with proper meals and a friendly welcome, while Spice 4U (don’t be put off by the name) is a surprisingly excellent Indian restaurant that locals rate highly. For something sweet, try Russell’s Café and Traditional Sweet Shop, which does homemade cakes and has shelves lined with jars of old-school sweets.

There are also regular events dotted throughout the year that draw people in – like the 1940s Wartime Weekend, where the whole town transforms with period costumes, vintage vehicles, and music. It’s popular, busy, and a bit surreal, but it’s a great time to visit if you’re into history with a bit of fun on the side.

Pickering isn’t trying to be flashy or reinvent itself – it’s just doing what it’s always done, which is probably why it’s so easy to enjoy. It’s friendly, full of character, and surrounded by the kind of countryside that makes you want to slow down a bit. Whether you’re after history, scenery, or just a good walk and a decent cuppa, it’s a place that quietly delivers on all fronts.

And the best part? The journey there is just as much a part of the day out. With the 840 Coastliner, you’re not only getting to Pickering in comfort – you’re getting a front-row seat to some of the finest countryside North Yorkshire has to offer. The Coastliner really lives up to its name, and Pickering is one of its brightest stops. To find out more and plan your fun-packed trip, go to…

Coastliner 840 Leeds – York – Whitby