Plan Your Visit

Whether you're visiting us to browse hundreds of auction vehicles, explore our Thornton-le-Dale Museum or simply call into the gift shop, we'd love to welcome you to Mathewsons.
Below you'll find everything you need to know before your visit.

 

Visit Pickering

 

Important Information

The Pickering auction site is only open to the public during the advertised viewing period before each auction.
If you wish to inspect a specific vehicle outside of these dates, this must be arranged in advance by contacting the Mathewsons team to book a private viewing.
Please do not travel to the Pickering site outside of the viewing period without a confirmed appointment, as we may be unable to accommodate your visit.

Viewing Period

The best time to visit our Pickering auction site is during the six-day viewing period before each auction.

This is your opportunity to browse hundreds of vehicles and memorabilia before they go under the hammer, inspect potential purchases at your own pace and speak to our team if you have any questions.

We actively encourage buyers to attend wherever possible, as viewing a vehicle in person is an important part of the buying process.

Viewing dates for each auction can be found on the relevant auction page.

Auction Days

Auction days are held behind closed doors and are not open to the public.

You can still take part by bidding:

  • Online
  • By telephone
  • By commission bid

Planning Your Visit

When you arrive, simply sign in at Reception where you'll be provided with a hi-vis vest before entering the showrooms.

To help protect the vehicles and provide the best possible experience for everyone, we ask visitors to note the following:

  • No visitors aged 16 or under
  • No pets
  • No food or drink
  • No handbags or large bags

Vehicle inspections are welcomed, and our team will be happy to assist where possible.

 

Parking & Shuttle Bus

During viewing periods, on-road parking is available near our Pickering site. Please park considerately and avoid blocking neighbouring businesses.

On weekdays during the viewing period, we also operate a free shuttle bus between:

  • Thornton-le-Dale
  • Pickering Auction Site
  • Eastgate Car Park, Pickering

Using the shuttle bus helps reduce congestion around the auction site and makes visiting easier for everyone.

Visitors with accessibility requirements or Blue Badge holders are welcome to use the on-street parking near the site.

Please see our bus timetable below

 

Entry Fee

Entry during each viewing period is £5 per person.

This includes admission to the viewing period, with a donation made to one of our chosen charities.

  

2026 Viewing Periods

(Closed Sundays)

Wednesday 4 March - Tuesday 10 March

Wednesday 8 April - Tuesday 14 April

Wednesday 13 May - Tuesday 19 May

Wednesday 17 June - Tuesday 23 June

Wednesday 22 July - Tuesday 28 July

Live Event Auction Viewings to be announced

Wednesday 16 September - Tuesday 22 September

Wednesday 21 October - Tuesday 27 October

Wednesday 25 November - Tuesday 1 December


 

Visit Thornton-le-Dale

Our Thornton-le-Dale site is open seven days a week from 9:00am to 4:00pm and is the perfect place to call in whether you're visiting the village or making a day of your trip to Mathewsons.

 

Thornton-le-Dale Museum

Following many requests over the years, we're delighted to have reopened the Thornton-le-Dale Museum.

Discover a selection of vehicles from Derek's personal collection and enjoy a fascinating glimpse into motoring history.

You may even find Derek on site if he's not out filming or travelling.

Gift Shop

While you're here, be sure to visit the Mathewsons Gift Shop.

Whether you're looking for a souvenir from your visit or something for the classic vehicle enthusiast in your life, there's plenty to browse before heading home.


 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can I visit the Pickering site outside of the viewing period?

The Pickering site is only open to the public during the advertised viewing period.

If you'd like to inspect a specific vehicle outside these dates, please contact the Mathewsons team to arrange a private viewing.

Can I inspect a vehicle before bidding?

Yes. We actively encourage buyers to inspect vehicles during the viewing period before placing a bid.

Can children attend the Pickering viewing period?

No. Unfortunately, visitors aged Under 16s are not permitted inside the showrooms.

Can I register to bid while I'm visiting?

Yes. Our team can help you register on site, or you can register online at any time before the auction.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes. Entry to each viewing period is £5 per person, which includes a charitable donation.