The village of Rosedale Abbey is near the centre of the North York Moors. The village is the site of a former Cistercian nunnery, and has been inhabited since the mid-12th century. (The nunnery was destroyed by the Scots in 1322 and the stone was subsequently used by villagers to build their houses.) Bell End Farm was a typical working moorland farm until it fell into disuse in recent years. It was then developed into holiday homes (which won several awards), before being acquired by the Bond in 1994.

The North York Moors National Park covers 553 square miles of the old North Riding.

It is bounded to the west by the Hambledon and Cleveland hills, and to the east by the high cliffs of the rugged North Sea coast.

The southern boundary follows the road eastwards from Thirsk, through historic Helmsley and the busy market town of Pickering (with its steam trains and castle ruins), all the way to Scarborough.

The peaceful, rolling, heather-clad moorland and unspoilt valleys create the perfect retreat for holidaymakers seeking to get away from it all.