Dartmoor boasts the densest collection of Bronze Age remains in north west Europe, rich remains of a metal mining industry and the youngest castle in England. There are 33,000 people living in the park in small towns, villages and remote farmsteads. Britain's only predominantly coastal national park, it is one of the smallest and most densely populated. It also contains one of the largest densities of specially protected sites in Europe. Rugged cliffs and islands, tree-lined estuaries and open moorland are all features of the area.
Wild flowers flourish in the mild climate and there are famous seal and sea bird colonies.
The park is also steeped in Welsh legends and a complex history. Visitors spend the equivalent of one million days a year walking the path, and this facility alone brings an annual income of 14 million into the local economy. The largest expanse of continuous heather moorland in England clothes the plateau top, turning it in late summer into a tablecloth of vivid purple. Dissected by farmed dales, the whole area supports a wealthy wildlife. The eastern boundary is formed by 42km of coastline, where spectacular cliffs separate bays and fishing villages.