As of today (March 29), the heritage organisation has reopened more than 60 of its locations across the country including right here in North Yorkshire.

Among those reopening Helmsley Castle, Kirkham Priory, Pickering Castle, Rievaulx Abbey, Whitby Abbey and Scarborough Castle are all now taking bookings.

A spokesman for the organisation said: “We’ll be opening more of our sites in phases over the coming months.

“You’ll need to book your visit in advance, as numbers are limited. And please bear in mind the government’s latest advice to minimise travel.

“If any dates change, bookings will be automatically cancelled and refunded – there’s no need to contact us.”

Most of the sites are historic ruins and are open to the elements.

At Helmsley Castle in Helmsley on the edge of the North York Moors National Park visitors can discover how the castle evolved over the centuries, from a mighty medieval fortress to a luxurious Tudor mansion, to a Civil War stronghold and a romantic Victorian ruin.

Meanwhile, not far away off the A64 between York and Malton, the riverside ruins of Kirkham Priory once hosted a secret visit from Winston Churchill during the Second World War.

In Pickering the13th century castle was used throughout the centuries as a royal hunting lodge, holiday home and a stud farm by a succession of medieval kings.

The ruins at Rievaulx Abbey tell the story of the rise and dramatic fall of the first Cistercian abbey in the North of England.

With its stunning location and panoramic views over the surrounding coastline, the castle at Scarborough showcases 3,000 years of history.