Name: Beck Isle Museum
Rating: 5.0

Beck Isle Museum

Beck Isle Museum, Beck Isle, Pickering, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Beck Isle Museum, step inside to explore the rich history of Pickering, a bustling market town on the edge of the North York Moors. We care for a collection of 50,000 objects. many of which share the town’s fascinating story.

Explore 25 gallery spaces, including historic shops and hands-on exhibits, and discover the lives of those who helped shape Pickering. With family-friendly activities, special events, and a picturesque beck-side spot perfect for picnics, there’s plenty to discover.

Prices starts from £8.00 for Adults, £4.00 for Child (Ages 6 – 16 years) and £20.00 for Family (2 adults + up to 2 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Caring for a Collection: Beck Isle Museum shares the rich history of Pickering, a bustling market town on the edge of the North York Moors. You can discover this fascinating story through historic shops and hands-on exhibits, learning about the lives of those who shaped the town.
The Columbian Printing Press and Print Room: Standing proudly in our Printing Gallery, the Columbian Printing Press is one of the most significant and eye-catching objects in the Beck Isle Museum collection.
Special Exhibition: Throughout the 2025 season, you can step behind the scenes with a brand new exhibition, bringing rarely seen objects out of the store to showcase the fascinating and unique stories from Pickering’s past.
The Sydney Smith Collection: Around the museum you’ll find many examples of Sydney Smith’s photography and camera equipment. Most locals are long-familiar with his very special images and at Beck Isle Museum we are very proud to hold his extensive archive.
The life of Sydney Smith: Sydney (1884–1958) began life as the youngest son of a local builder but developed a passion for photography early in life and established a photographic business in Pickering around 1910. His shop was based in 13 Market Place from 1914, from where he and his wife Maud also raised two children.
Rex Whistler's Welsh Guards: In December 1943, amidst the challenges of wartime, the Welsh Guards stationed in Pickering sought to bring joy to local children by hosting a Christmas Eve party at the Memorial Hall.
The Blacksmith: Most Mondays at the museum you can meet our Blacksmith hard at work at the forge and soak in the sounds and scents of life in a rural town.
The Barber's: Many men used to visit their local barber’s shop, not just when they were in need of a haircut but also for a shave too.
The Traditional Pub: One of our visitor’s favourite, this special room has been created to give a glimpse into a country pub from the late 19th century. At that time, there was the equivalent of one pub in Pickering for every 150 residents.
The Costume Collection: We have an extensive collection of costumes at Beck Isle Museum, spanning a range of periods. You can always see a selection on display in the costume gallery. This year the focus is ‘Walking Out’, with outfits representing every decade of the 20th century up to the 1970s.

Facilities

Parking: There is limited car parking available onsite. There are also several pay and display car parks a short walk from the museum.
Dogs: Assistance dogs and well behaved dogs on a lead are all welcome. We welcome accompanying carers to the museum free of charge.

What to see

Virtual Historic Tour Of Pickering: Enjoy an engaging virtual tour of Pickering, delivered by John Kinghorn, who leads the museum’s guided walks. John will join your group to talk you through the sights and history, accompanied by an immersive video to help you explore the town.

The tour includes:

The Town’s Markets: Learn about Pickering’s bustling markets and their role in local trade and economy since 1201.
Significant buildings: How the builders sourced their materials through the ages.
Famous individuals born in Pickering: Learn about how they shaped the town and influenced culture around the world.
Stagecoach Route: Explore Pickering’s importance as a key hub for stagecoach routes in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Links to Whitby & the Whaling Industry: Understand the town’s maritime connections with Whitby and its role in the whaling industry.
Geographical Features: Learn how Pickering’s location at the edge of the North York Moors shaped its development.
Victorian Railway: See how the arrival of the railway helped shape the town’s growth in the 19th century.
Military History: Explore Pickering’s role during key conflicts, including the English Civil War, both World Wars, and its strategic importance during the Cold War.
Pickering Castle: Discover its historical significance and learn about some of the important people who have visited the castle and those have been imprisoned there.

For more information please visit: https://www.beckislemuseum.org.uk/events/

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £8
Children (6 – 16 years): £4
Children 5 and under: Free
Family ticket (2 adults + up to 2 children): £20
Family Ticket (1 adult + up to 2 children): £12

Pricing URL: https://www.beckislemuseum.org.uk/visit/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

We are now closed for the winter, due to reopen on Saturday 28 March 2026, following an exciting period of renovation works.
Opening hours are 10:30am-4:30pm, with last entry to the museum at 3.30.

Time may vary please check here: https://www.beckislemuseum.org.uk/visit/

Address: Beck Isle Museum, Beck Isle, Pickering, UK

Post Code: YO18 8DU

Council: North Yorkshire

County: North Yorkshire

Public Transport: There are regular buses to Pickering from York (via Malton), Thirsk, Helmsley, Whitby, Scarborough and Leeds. There is no mainline train station in Pickering but Malton station is approximately 20 minutes away by bus or taxi.
By Car: The museum postcode is YO18 8DU. From York take the A64 towards Malton take the A169/B1257 exit towards Whitby/Pickering/Malton and at the roundabout take the first exit onto the A169.
Parking: There is limited car parking available onsite. There are also several pay and display car parks a short walk from the museum.