From this Sunday, the service will start at Ripon bus station at 9.45am, stopping at the visitor centre at Fountains and then returning to Ripon bus station. The second service will leave the bus station at 10.15am, stopping at Studley Roger and the deer park, before continuing to the visitor centre.

The bus will then run hourly ‘shuttle’ services on this route throughout the day from Ripon bus station to Fountains visitor centre, leaving at 11.15am, 12.15pm, 2.15pm, 3.15pm and 4.15pm, every Sunday and bank holiday Monday until September 21. The last service each day will leave Ripon bus station at 5.05pm going straight to Fountains visitor centre only, arriving at 5.20pm for a final pick-up.

The bus will depart from the visitor centre at 5.25pm and return directly to Ripon, finishing at 5.40pm.

The 139 service is timed to meet the number 36 bus to and from Harrogate and Leeds, making it easy for visitors to get to Fountains Abbey on public transport.

As a further incentive to travel by bus, adults and children will receive a discount of half-price entry to the World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, if a valid bus ticket for the date of their visit is shown at admission points.

Those who are aged 60 or over will also be eligible for free bus travel on this service, making an even greater saving on a day out.

Chris Fowler, general manager at Fountains Abbey, said: “We are delighted to be able support a service that allows people to enjoy the outstanding natural beauty and heritage of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal whilst supporting the environment.

“Caring for the environment and finding ways to combat climate change are real issues for the National Trust and it’s important for us to help where we can with plans for long term sustainability.”

As in previous years, the Ripon Roweller service will also run between Ripon and Fountains from Monday to Saturday, with half-price admission also available on these days.