North York Moors National Park is one of 11 National Parks in England and Wales. It covers 1436 square km or 554 square miles. Its highest point is reached at Urra Moor (454 m or 1490 feet). More than 25,000 people live within the park, with the major population centers being Helmsley, Robin Hood's Bay, Staithes, and Thornton-le-Dale. This the third most visited of the parks, receiving some 7.8 million visits annually.
Among the special features of this park are:
- the largest expanse of heather moorland in England and Wales, an important area for upland birds
- traditional farming
- a rugged coastline
- fascinating heritage
- wonderful woodland
Consult the park's official Web site for information about visitor centers.
