North York Moors National Park

A wild beauty

The North York Moors National Park and its surrounding region is an absolute must during a motorhome holiday in England. Located in the northeast of the country, it is a landscape of moors covering nearly 1500 square km of land from Yorkshire to the east coast. It was established in 1952 and is home to the country's largest expanse of moorland and some of the best scenery in the country.

The park is formed by old valleys and forests, and a wild natural beauty that is impressive. At the end of summer the heather flowers give the landscape a mauve colouring. There are many hiking trails, including two national trails accessible to all, as well as bike trails. Guided tours are also organized as the park is home to many historical sites still visible today.

Part of the park is open for free every day of the year to display the largest outdoor collection of bronze sculptures by artists such as Henry Moore, Andy Goldsworthy and Rodin.

The park also has some unusual sites. In the port town of Whitby you can visit the abbey from the seventh century that inspired Bram Stoker for his famous novel, Dracula. The Rievaulx Abbey ruins in the Rye Valley are also worth visiting. This important building, although in ruins, is still very impressive and reflects the division of labor in the community during the twelfth century.

Near Robin Hood's Bay stop in the picturesque, sixteenth century fishing village with its narrow streets and red-roofed cottages. Slightly further south visit Scarborough Castle. Its history dates back to 500 BC, and includes the Vikings and Second World War spies.