The White Swan Inn, North Yorkshire

Overview

Pickering is perhaps one of the prettiest market towns in the North York Moors National Park and the handsome 16th-century White Swan Inn is undoubtedly the jewel in its crown. Originally a four-room cottage built in 1532, it later became a popular coaching inn between York and Whitby, and much of this historic heritage remains today.

The bar and snug boast wooden floors, burnished oak tables and open fires with the window seat proving a perfect place for a spot of lunch with the papers or a chance to people-watch on market day. Cycling enthusiasts abound in this part of Yorkshire, and the White Swan offers secure bike storage plus lots of add on's for cyclists keen to experience the tracks and trails in Dalby Forest and along the coast.

Rooms from

Bed and breakfast: £149

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Parking available
Private dining
Dog-friendly

Family favourite
Children are very welcome and there's an extensive kids menu. The Hideaway Rooms are particularly family friendly.

Quiet romance
The elegant dining room is an ideal spot for a quiet candle-lit dinner.

Town and city
Explore the bustling market town of pretty Pickering.

Outdoor adventures
With excellent walking and cycling paths along the coastline, this is a great choice for keen hikers and cyclists.

Rooms

All slightly different, the delightful vintage rooms boast plenty of comfort and style. Set out over two floors, the 'Treat' room is a wonderful indulgence with an antique French super king bed, Juliet balcony and a free-standing roll-top bath.

Or, why not splash out on one of the 'hideaway' rooms in the renovated stables with underfloor heating and a more contemporary, stylish feel. After a day's walking, treat yourself to tea and coffee in the fabulous Bothy and recover in a super-comfy armchair in front of the wood stove.

Restaurant & bar

The best local ingredients are at the heart of the menu at the White Swan - fish comes from Whitby or Scarborough and The Ginger Pig supplies top-quality rare breed meat. Don't miss the signature dish, Ginger Pig belly pork. For something lighter, why not true the jar of Ginger Pig pork terrine with sharp apple sauce.

Come Sunday, diners flock from far and wide to tuck into sides of beef and pork served up with goose fat roast potatoes. If you're heading for an outdoor concert at Dalby Forest, the kitchen will happily put together a picnic hamper for you.

Things to do

This part of Yorkshire boasts fabulous countryside with some of Britain's finest National Trails in the area. Choose from Cleveland Way, The Yorkshire Wolds Way, the Pennine Way or the Pennine Bridleway, and explore the stunning scenery by foot or bike.

This part of Yorkshire boasts all manner of country homes and castles, and top of the list is the exquisite Castle Howard. This splendid 18th-century house is set in 1,000 acres of fabulous landscape in the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with wonderful collections of paintings and furniture, as well as beautiful gardens.

Head to Helmsley Art Centre to see exhibitions from local artists, as well as a busy programme of theatre, music, dance and cinema. Set in Helmsley's market square, it's a good base to explore this lively market town and its good selection of shops, cafes and restaurants.