The North York Moors is a national park in North Yorkshire, England. The moors is one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in the United Kingdom. Lying immediately to the south of Middlesbrough and dipping it's eastern end into the North Sea: Ridge upon ridge of purple heather moorland extend as far as the eye can see. Deep secret valleys which cut the plateau come almost as a surprise and the warmth of their red-roofed villages contrasts with the upland solitude. With tourist honey pots such as the town of Whitby and The North York Moors Railway bisecting the park , it is a popular destination, though quiet spots can always be found.