Explore Whitby Abbey
High on a cliff above the Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby is the gaunt, imposing remains of Whitby Abbey. Founded in 657 by St Hilda, Whitby Abbey has over the years been a bustling settlement, a kings’ burial place, the setting for a historic meeting between Celtic and Roman clerics, the home of saints including the poet Caedmon, and inspiration for Bram Stoker, author of Dracula.
Discover how over 2,000 years of history make the Abbey one of England’s most important archaeological sites. And at the interactive visitor centre your family can view archaeological finds spectacular audio-visual displays.
An exciting new addition to Whitby Abbey will be unveiled at the start of the 2009 season. A replica of the famous Borghese gladiator statue, the original of which is in the Paris Louvre, will be installed in the Abbey's 17th Century courtyard to replace the lost statue that previously stood guard on the site. The life-size bronze replica will be the final touch to the revamping of Whitby Abbey's visitor experience centre, which includes a new visitor entrance point close to the 199 steps.
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Expore Robin Hood's Bay
The old village of Robin Hood's Bay is a magnet for visitors. The village road runs steeply down to the very edge of the rocky shore and there are intriguing alleyways weaving between tightly packed cottages and houses. Along the rocky shoreline are rock pools with abundant marine life, perfect for crabbing with the kids when the tides out. The village also has public toilets, a picnic area, tourist Information, takeaways restaurants, tearooms, a general store and gift shops, and public houses serving bar meals, a church and post office.
There are also regular bus services to and from Whitby and Scarborough.
Explore the North York Moors National Park
The North York Moors National Park is the smallest of Yorkshire's three National Parks, but is home to the largest expanse of unbroken wild heather moorland in England and a heritage coast upon which dinosaurs once roamed. Lush green fields, atmospheric woods, vast open moorland, dramatic coastline; the North York Moors has contrasting scenery and is the perfect place to get away from it all. Also, if you sit quietly enough you are sure to see a variety of birds and animals, which inhabit the landscape.
Pilgrims found peace and settled on the Moors; hence you will find a wealth of important ruined abbeys, historic churches and priories across the area. To help the pilgrims to find their way, the landscape is dotted with crosses, perhaps the most recognisable feature of the Moors today. Traditions and heritage are important to the people who live on the Moors; arts and crafts, folk music and local recipes can all be found in the villages that scatter this landscape. But in this National Park you will also find an eye to the future, with the land being managed in a responsible way and the local businesses trying to reduce their environmental impacts on this unique landscape.
A visit to the North York Moors National Park is well worth your time, and helping us care for our landscape will make it remain unspoilt for future generations
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