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3-star hotels in Pickering
A shortlist of the 3-star hotels we cover in and around Pickering, the market town below the North York Moors and the terminus of the steam railway. It is for couples, families and walkers who want a known standard of guest rating rather than a guess.
Staying in Pickering
Pickering is a working market town that also happens to be the best-value gateway to the North York Moors and the terminus of the steam railway. St Peter and St Paul stands above Market Place up a flight of steps, and its fifteenth-century wall paintings, whitewashed at the Reformation and uncovered in 1852, are free to see and rarely queued for. The town has a real life underneath the tourism: Market Place and the station area fill from around 10am to 4pm through July and August, and parking on the square goes first.
The properties on this shortlist sit both in the town and out in the villages around it. In Pickering itself are The Old Cartway on Westgate, The Black Bull Inn and Best Western Forest & Vale Hotel on Malton Road, and Laurel Bank Bed and Breakfast on Swainsea Ln, with Platform 5 & 3 4 and Station Hotel on Park Street. Further out are Middlehead Cottages at Cropton Forest, White Horse Farm Inn at Rosedale Abbey, Grange Farm Cottages also at Rosedale Abbey, Tasman Bed & Breakfast at Middleton and Argyll Cottage at Lockton. Couples and short-break visitors do best in the town; families and anyone wanting space, gardens and a pool or jacuzzi are better served by the cottages and country inns.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
The Old Cartway
The Old Cartway 88 Westgate, Pickering, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereA self-catering option for families or groups who want their own kitchen, with a dishwasher, oven and washing machine in the property. Guests rate it 4.8 from 117 reviews, one of the strongest scores among Pickering's 3-star stays. Pets are allowed, and free car parking means you can leave the car and explore. The garden and fireplace add to the relaxed, homely feel for longer visits.
See The Old CartwayThe Black Bull Inn
Malton Road, Pickering, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereAn inn with its own bar and restaurant, so you can eat and drink without leaving the building. Free Wifi and free car parking are useful for guests touring the area by car. With 1222 reviews and a 4.6 rating, it is a well-established choice for couples and travellers who prefer a lively, sociable base in Pickering.
See The Black Bull InnBest Western Forest & Vale Hotel
Malton Road, Pickering, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereA larger 3-star hotel with a restaurant, bar and lounge, plus breakfast served in the room if you prefer. Free Wifi and free car parking suit guests arriving by car. The garden, terrace and picnic area give you somewhere to sit outdoors. Rated 4.6 from 380 reviews, it works well for couples and business travellers who want full hotel services.
See Best Western Forest & Vale HotelMiddlehead Cottages at Cropton Forest
Cropton Forest Lodge Stape, Pickering, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Swimming pool
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereCottages in a forest setting for families or groups wanting space and self-catering facilities, including a kitchen, dishwasher and washing machine. A swimming pool and jacuzzi are among the on-site features, and pets are allowed. The 4.8 rating from 65 reviews reflects strong guest satisfaction. Free car parking and a terrace make it a practical countryside base near Pickering.
See Middlehead Cottages at Cropton ForestCottage Lea's Country Hotel & Restaurant
Cottage Lea's Hotel, Pickering, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast in room
- Lounge
Why stay hereA country hotel and restaurant in one, with a bar and lounge alongside room service and breakfast in the room. Free Wifi and free car parking cover the essentials, and pets are welcome. Special diets can be catered for. With 126 reviews and a 4.5 rating, it appeals to couples and travellers who want dining on site without giving up the informality of a smaller property.
See Cottage Lea's Country Hotel & RestaurantWhite Horse Farm Inn
Gill Lane Rosedale Abbey, Pickering, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereA farm inn with a bar and restaurant, plus a golf course nearby for guests who want to play. Rooms include family options and balconies. Free Wifi and free car parking are provided, and pets are allowed. Rated 4.3 from 330 reviews, it suits couples, families and walkers looking for a rural base with meals and drinks available on site.
See White Horse Farm InnPlatform 2 & 3 4
Pickering England Gb, Pickering, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA self-catering apartment with a kitchen, so guests can prepare their own meals. Free Wifi and free car parking are included, and housekeeping is provided. Non smoking rooms throughout. With a 4.6 rating from 24 reviews, it is a straightforward choice for couples or small groups who want independence and their own space in Pickering.
See Platform 2 & 3 4Platform 5 & 3 4
5 Park Street, Pickering, United Kingdom
Why stay hereA compact self-catering option with cleaning and sheets provided, plus a safe for valuables. It suits travellers who want a simple, no-frills base rather than hotel services. Guests rate it 4.2 from 104 reviews. The Park Street address places it centrally in Pickering, convenient for exploring the town on foot.
See Platform 5 & 3 4Station Hotel
11 Park St Yo18 7Aj Pickering United Kingdom, Pickering, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Internet access
Why stay hereA hotel with its own restaurant, so breakfast and meals are available without leaving. Internet access and parking are provided on site. Rated 4.2 from 104 reviews, it is a practical choice for guests who want a traditional hotel setup on Park Street in the centre of Pickering, whether travelling alone, as a couple or with family.
See Station HotelThe Old Post Office
The Old Post Office, Pickering, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereFishing is available for guests, and there is a playground for children, making this a good fit for families. Free Wifi and free car parking are included. The 4.9 rating from 10 reviews is exceptionally high, though based on a small number of stays. A quiet, activity-focused option for those who want outdoor pursuits close at hand.
See The Old Post OfficeArgyll Cottage
Main Street Lockton Pickering Yo18 7Pz Pickering Yo18 Uk, Pickering, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
Why stay hereA cottage in Lockton with a garden and free car parking, and credit cards accepted. It offers a simple, private base for guests who want their own space rather than hotel facilities. Suited to couples or small groups exploring the countryside around Pickering by car, with the garden providing outdoor space to relax in.
See Argyll CottageBridgefoot Guest House
Chestnut Ave Thornton Dale Pickering North Yorkshire Yo18 7Rr Uk, Thornton Dale, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA guest house in Thornton Dale with family rooms, express check in and luggage storage. Free Wifi and free car parking are provided, along with housekeeping and laundry service. Non smoking rooms throughout. It suits families and travellers who want a hosted stay with practical services, using Thornton Dale as a quieter base near Pickering.
See Bridgefoot Guest HouseLaurel Bank Bed and Breakfast
Swainsea Ln Pickering Yo18 8Ap Uk, Pickering, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA bed and breakfast with a garden and terrace, plus free Wifi and free car parking. Housekeeping and laundry service are available, and special diets can be accommodated. Non smoking rooms, with a smoking area provided. It appeals to couples and solo travellers who value personal hosting and outdoor space in Pickering.
See Laurel Bank Bed and BreakfastGrange Farm Cottages
Rosedale Abbey Pickering North Yorks Yo18 8Rd, Pickering, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Parking
- Internet access
Why stay hereCottages at Rosedale Abbey for guests who want a self-contained stay in the countryside. Internet access and parking are provided. It is a low-key choice for couples or families with a car, looking to explore this part of the North York Moors from a quiet village base rather than a town centre location.
See Grange Farm CottagesTasman Bed & Breakfast
Carr Lane Middleton Pickering North Yorkshire Yo18 8Pd Gb, Pickering, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA bed and breakfast in Middleton with a garden, free Wifi and free car parking. Housekeeping is provided and rooms are non smoking, with a smoking area available. It suits couples or solo travellers who prefer a small, personal guest house and a village setting within reach of Pickering by car.
See Tasman Bed & Breakfast
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Old Cartway | ★★★ | 4.8 | 117 | Yes | – | Yes |
| The Black Bull Inn | ★★★ | 4.6 | 1,222 | Yes | – | – |
| Best Western Forest & Vale Hotel | ★★★ | 4.6 | 380 | Yes | Yes | – |
| Middlehead Cottages at Cropton Forest | ★★★ | 4.8 | 65 | Yes | – | Yes |
| Cottage Lea's Country Hotel & Restaurant | ★★★ | 4.5 | 126 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| White Horse Farm Inn | ★★★ | 4.3 | 330 | Yes | – | Yes |
| Platform 2 & 3 4 | ★★★ | 4.6 | 24 | Yes | – | – |
| Platform 5 & 3 4 | ★★★ | 4.2 | 104 | – | – | – |
| Station Hotel | ★★★ | 4.2 | 104 | Yes | Yes | – |
| The Old Post Office | ★★★ | 4.9 | 10 | Yes | – | – |
| Argyll Cottage | ★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – |
| Bridgefoot Guest House | ★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – |
| Laurel Bank Bed and Breakfast | ★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – |
| Grange Farm Cottages | ★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – |
| Tasman Bed & Breakfast | ★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
Middlehead Cottages at Cropton Forest has family rooms, a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a garden and a picnic area. White Horse Farm Inn also lists family rooms, plus a garden and terrace. Bridgefoot Guest House in Thornton Dale adds family rooms, a garden and luggage storage. All three give children room to move.
Middlehead Cottages at Cropton Forest · White Horse Farm Inn · Bridgefoot Guest House
Pets welcome
The Old Cartway, Middlehead Cottages at Cropton Forest, Cottage Lea's Country Hotel & Restaurant and White Horse Farm Inn all state that pets are allowed. Of these, the two cottages and the two country hotels also have gardens, so dogs are not confined to a single room.
The Old Cartway · Middlehead Cottages at Cropton Forest · Cottage Lea's Country Hotel & Restaurant · White Horse Farm Inn
Highest rated
The Old Post Office scores 4.9 out of 5 from 10 reviews, The Old Cartway 4.8 from 117, and Middlehead Cottages at Cropton Forest 4.8 from 65. The Old Post Office has the smallest review base of the three, so weigh that when you compare them.
The Old Post Office · The Old Cartway · Middlehead Cottages at Cropton Forest
Food and a drink on site
The Black Bull Inn and Best Western Forest & Vale Hotel both have restaurants and bars and free parking. Cottage Lea's Country Hotel & Restaurant and White Horse Farm Inn also run restaurants and bars, with room service, so you can eat without driving back into Pickering.
The Black Bull Inn · Best Western Forest & Vale Hotel · Cottage Lea's Country Hotel & Restaurant · White Horse Farm Inn
Where to stay in Pickering
Rosedale Abbey
A village out in the moorland, away from the town's daytime pressure points. White Horse Farm Inn on Gill Lane has a restaurant, bar, garden and terrace, and Grange Farm Cottages offers parking. This suits visitors who want quiet and moorland rather than the market square on their doorstep.
Our picks here: White Horse Farm Inn · Grange Farm Cottages
Cropton Forest
Middlehead Cottages at Cropton Forest sit among the trees at Stape, with a swimming pool, jacuzzi, garden, terrace and picnic area, plus a beach nearby and fishing. It is the pick here for families and longer stays who want facilities on site rather than a town address.
Our picks here: Middlehead Cottages at Cropton Forest
Thornton Dale
Bridgefoot Guest House is on Chestnut Ave in Thornton Dale. The village has the beck running along the main street and Beck Isle Cottage, the most photographed thatched cottage in Yorkshire, by the bridge, with a good butcher, a chocolate shop and a tea room.
Our picks here: Bridgefoot Guest House
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
From the region, Malton is 20 minutes away for its food halls and Eden Camp, and Scarborough is 45 minutes for the Rotunda and the indoor pool. Pickering is the terminus of the steam railway, which runs whatever the weather with warm carriages. Thornton Dale is two and a half miles east of Pickering on the A170 and can be walked from the town on the field path in about fifty minutes. Parking on Market Place fills first, so arrive early.
When to go
Go outside the pressure points. Market Place and the station area are busy from around 10am to 4pm through July and August, and parking on the square fills first. The worst days are NYMR gala weekends, the traction engine rally in August and the 1940s wartime weekend in October, when the town is effectively full. At other times of year an early start puts you ahead of almost everyone, and the steam railway runs whatever the weather with warm carriages.
Things to do near Pickering
- Family Autumn Walks Near Pickering: Where to Base Yourself
- Five-Star Stays on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway: Luxury Bases in Pickering, Grosmont and Goathland
- One day in the North York Moors: Pickering to Whitby, hour by hour
- Pickering with Kids: A Practical Guide for Families
- Where to Sleep on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway: Pickering, Grosmont and Goathland Compared
- Where to stay in Pickering: a base for the Moors railway and Dalby
Questions, answered
Which of these hotels is closest to the centre of Pickering?
The Old Cartway on Westgate, and Platform 5 & 3 4 and Station Hotel on Park Street, are the most central addresses on this shortlist, with The Black Bull Inn and Best Western Forest & Vale Hotel a little further out on Malton Road. All are in Pickering itself.
Do any of the hotels allow pets?
Yes. The Old Cartway, Middlehead Cottages at Cropton Forest, Cottage Lea's Country Hotel & Restaurant and White Horse Farm Inn all list pets allowed. Check with the property when you book, as policies and any conditions vary between them.
Which hotels have free parking?
Free car parking is listed at The Old Cartway, The Black Bull Inn, Best Western Forest & Vale Hotel, Middlehead Cottages at Cropton Forest, Cottage Lea's Country Hotel & Restaurant and White Horse Farm Inn, among others on this list. In town, Market Place parking fills first, so an early arrival helps.
Is there a hotel with a pool or a jacuzzi?
Middlehead Cottages at Cropton Forest is the one on this shortlist with a swimming pool, and it also lists a jacuzzi, a garden, a terrace and fishing. It sits at Stape, in Cropton Forest, rather than in Pickering town.
Which hotel is best for families?
Middlehead Cottages at Cropton Forest lists family rooms plus a pool, jacuzzi, garden and picnic area. White Horse Farm Inn and Bridgefoot Guest House in Thornton Dale also list family rooms, and both have gardens.
Which hotel has the best guest rating?
The Old Post Office scores 4.9 out of 5, but from only 10 reviews. The Old Cartway and Middlehead Cottages at Cropton Forest both score 4.8, from 117 and 65 reviews respectively, so they rest on a larger base of guests.
Where can I eat without leaving the hotel?
The Black Bull Inn and Best Western Forest & Vale Hotel both have restaurants and a bar, and Cottage Lea's Country Hotel & Restaurant and White Horse Farm Inn also run restaurants and bars with room service. Middlehead Cottages have full kitchen facilities if you would rather cook.
Are there hotels within walking distance of the steam railway?
Platform 5 & 3 4 on Park Street and Station Hotel on Park Street are the closest town addresses to the station area. The Old Cartway on Westgate is also in the town centre, a short walk away.