Known to many as the scenic backdrop for "Heartbeat" this wide expanse of heather moorland can provide a real sense of solitude for those who venture away from its visitor hotspots.

North York Moors

Known to many as the scenic backdrop for "Heartbeat" this wide expanse of heather moorland can provide a real sense of solitude for those who venture away from its visitor hotspots.

Open heather moorland is the main feature of the North York Moors National Park. As the largest expanse of continuous heather moorland in England, it is home to precious wildlife such as curlew and merlin. Wild and remote, the Moors have a quiet drama of their own. From the high ridges there are far-reaching views over farmed dales and forests, and in late summer the heather flowers turn the moors into a carpet of vivid purple.
 
The eastern boundary of the Park is a 42 km stretch of Heritage Coast, with high cliffs and wide, sweeping bays. Steep, winding streets and rows of cottages stacked up on the cliff make fishing villages, such as Robin Hood's Bay and Staithes, a delight to explore.
 
Red pantile roofs and warm sandstone give the cottages and houses throughout the Park a distinctive character. Villages high on the Moors, such as Goathland, or close to the River Esk, such as Lealholm, are welcoming and popular places to visit. 
 
History has also left its mark on the Moors. From the Roman Road at Wheeldale to the ironside mines at Rosedale, the archaeological remains offer a permanent reminder of how the area has developed. A wealth of crosses, standing stones and pannierways add to the landscape. Their significance is underlined by the National Park emblem - Ralph Cross, a medieval cross on Blakey Ridge.  Rievaulx Abbey, with its extensive remains, is one of several monasteries and priorities in the area.
 
Walking is the best way to get to know the Park, and there are more than 1,609 km of public footpaths and bridleways to choose from. For keen walkers, there is the Cleveland Walk, a 174 km National Trail that loops from Helmsley and The Moors Centre at Danby. Exhibitions, attractive grounds and a summer events programme make The Moors Centre a lively venue all summer long.