Occupying much of the eastern half of North Yorkshire, the North York Moors include one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in Britain, as well as wide pastures dotted with grazing sheep and cattle. On the coast here there are towering cliffs and secluded beaches, as well as charming old fishing villages. An important religious centre in medieval times, the North York Moors boast a number of abbeys, now in ruins. Among them, Rievaulx, Whitby and Byland are especially fine, and atmospheric, examples. There are also impressive castles at Helmsley and Pickering. For a day by the sea Robin Hood’s Bay, with its maze of tiny streets, is especially charming, while if you’re looking for traditional seaside pleasures, the town of Scarborough is nearby.