VISITORS to the North York Moors National Park can enjoy money off entry to Helmsley Castle plus Byland and Rievaulx Abbeys.

The offer comes thanks to a joint scheme being run by the North York Moors National Park Authority and English Heritage.

The park authority’s Heritage Bus, a 1946 Leyland coach, is to call at various English Heritage sites in July and August.

Anyone buying an all-day Moorsbus or Heritage Bus ticket will get 25 per cent off the entry fee to the three attractions.

The offer runs daily on the Moorsbus, and on Sundays on the Heritage Bus, from July 27 through August until early September.

Janet Armstrong, the authority’s transport project officer, said: "The Heritage Bus offers people the chance of a great day out with some fabulous views of the North York Moors coupled with a visit to some of the best historic sites in the area.

"It’s also great value for money and helps keep congestion on our narrow moorland roads to a minimum."

The Heritage bus starts in Thirsk and heads to Sutton Bank National Park Centre, Rievaulx Temple and Terraces, Ryedale Folk Museum and Castle Howard.

Travellers from Middlesbrough, York, Hartlepool and Scarborough can use the regular Moorsbus service to link up with the Heritage Bus route.

Timetables are at www.moors.uk.net/moorsbus with all-day Moorsbus tickets starting at £4.