North York Moors National Park in North Yorkshire

No other area embodies the image of rustic Yorkshire quite like the North Yorkshire Moors. The National Park contain most of the Niorth Yorkshire Moors but, is called the North York Moors National Park. Don't ask why, it just is that way because it is.

Stretching from the Cleveland border to the Vale of York, this designated National Park is one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in the UK. It covers over 550 sq miles of stark rolling hills, dense woodland, dramatic coastline and historic landmarks.

Walking is perhaps the most popular pastime in The Moors, and there are over 1,400 miles of public footpaths winding across its surface, offering countless new ways to explore its beauty. If you're looking to up tempo, cycling, mountain biking and horse riding are other common ways to get around. Nearly a quarter of the area is covered in forest - from ancient deciduous wildwoods to huge conifer plantations that shelter a plethora of indigenous fauna.

Also populating the scenery is a significant number of castles and abbeys, many of which are known nationwide and attract tens of thousands of visitors a year. The park's eastern border runs along the North Sea, where it incorporates a large section of the North Yorkshire Heritage Coast. Here, the setting alternates between expansive sandy beaches; quaint fishing villages (like Robin Hood's Bay); and lively seaside resorts, such as Scarborough and Whitby. Whether you prefer the countryside, the coast, or both, you won't regret choosing to experience them in the North York Moors.

Official site of the North York Moors