The Longhouse, Pickering, North Yorkshire, England - Sleeps 7

Pickering is a fantastic location for a visit to North Yorkshire, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy whether it be history and culture, days out and tea shops, excitement or nature, there really is something for everyone. Pickering, founded by the legendry King Peredurus around 270BC, is reputed to be one of the oldest towns in the district and boasts a number of visitor attractions. It's most famous being the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a heritage steam railway running through the spectacular scenery of the National Park through to Whitby on the lovely North Yorkshire coastline. Pickering also has a 12th century castle, an ancient Parish Church with historic medieval frescoes, a museum of rural life and a busy street market each Monday selling excellent local produce.

The bustling high street has a good choice of pubs, cafés, restaurants and independent shops. Treat yourself to a hand made chocolate from the chocolatier or a delicious ice cream from the ice cream parlour. On Mondays’ market you can buy artisan bread, cheeses, fish and seafood, olives and much more; on the first Thursday of each month there is also a farmers' market.

There is a wide selection of local pubs, cafes and restaurants in the local area, serving locally sourced dishes; choose anything from local tea rooms and cafes with home baked dishes to fine dining at the Michelin-starred Black Swan at Oldstead and The Star Inn at Harome. Nearby, the quaint market towns are great places to see; the Food Lovers Festival of Malton is a gourmet treat, as are the award winning ice cream shop and delis in Helmsley.

The surrounding area offers some of the UK's most beautiful scenery. With the North Yorkshire Moors National Park on the doorstep providing an ideal base for walkers, cyclists and wildlife enthusiasts; this spectacular area of heather moorland, woodland and forest is wild and beautiful at all times of the year. With the Cleveland Way National Trail and hundreds of miles of footpaths in the North Yorkshire countryside, this is perfect walking country, either for a short stroll or an all day hike. If you prefer two wheels, the Moor to Sea Cycle route links over 80 miles of forest tracks, quiet country lanes and the old coast railway. A short drive away is the beautiful Dalby Forest renowned for its wide range of mountain biking trails, and walks, such as the Bridestones National Trust site.

Enjoy visiting the picturesque moorland villages, many with sheep grazing the common land in front of stone cottages. Sample their tea shops or call in the country pubs, like the Great Yorkshire Brewery at Cropton. With a wealth of England's heritage close by you can visit the castles of Pickering, Scarborough and Helmsley; the abbeys at Rievaulx, Ampleforth and Whitby; the fine stately homes of Castle Howard and Dunscombe Park; or travel further afield and visit the historic city of York.

More modern attractions can also be found nearby, with Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo, Eden Camp, North Yorkshire Waterpark just a few miles away. Yorkshire's scenic heritage coast of Scarborough, Whitby and Filey, with miles of award winning beaches is easily accessible, as are the smaller fishing villages of Robin Hoods Bay, Runswick Bay and Staithes. The coast offers many water based activities such as surfing, paddle boarding or kayaking. For the more active, as well as walking and cycling, horse riding, golfing and fishing are available locally. It's easy to find holiday ideas for everyone to enjoy: you'll be within easy reach of a castle or country house one day and stunning outdoor scenery and great walks the next.