In North Yorkshire, there's a place so secret you aren't allowed to visit there, but is recognised by thousands of Teessiders.
Fylingdales, which is located between Whitby and Pickering, is a RAF base that is used by the United States Air Force. Located on the North York Moors, the base is part of the Anglo-American nuclear missile early warning system.
As reported by Yorkshire Live, the base is used to track and respond to ballistic missile threats on UK soil and the radar is operated by the US while the UK is in charge of other operations. Many Teessiders pass it on the way to the likes of Whitby and Flamingo Land, with the base known for looking like a sandcastle-type structure.
READ MORE: A trip to Teesside's most deprived area: 'Rough as old boots' but get to see the 'fun' in people
It can see as far as 3,000 miles into space, giving it a viewing area to places as far as Africa. Its size and uses mean it even has its own power station dedicated to it alone.
It is also utilised for non-war purposes like tracking objects that orbit the Earth, as it is part of the US Space Surveillance Network. The base has been in use since September 1963.
During the Cold War, the station had three 40-metre high radomes. These were replaced by a 37-metre high high tetrahedron structure which was completed in 1992.
Fylingdales, the base, employs 350 military personnel, military police and civilian staff. Its use for military purpose has often attracted anti-war demonstrations over the years. Similar to RAF Menwith Hill, Fylingdales is protected by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (SOCAP).
Fylingdales is one of several of these forbidden places from US spy bases and military firing ranges to private estates. And setting foot on any of these sites could land you in a serious amount of trouble.
You can be fined for trespass, a civil matter, and if the sites are protected under the 2005 Serious Crime and Police Act (SOCAP) you can be arrested, fined and even jailed.
READ NEXT:
- Power station on hunt for 7 apprentices to be next generation of nuclear professionals
- Salesman turned personal trainer opens 'Teesside's first boutique gym' after Covid redundancy
- The Teesside hidden gem with an intriguing history and rather romantic name perfect for a stroll
- Mum's healthy takeaway gathers pace with new meal prep service attracting TikTok star and Boro boxer
For breaking news in your area direct to your inbox every day, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
