SENIOR citizens can visit historical properties for half the price this month.

English Heritage is making the offer on hundreds of houses and gardens, castles, abbeys and ruins across the country.

Over-60s will be eligible for the reduction at all English Heritage properties, as well as at more than 150 historical events, as part of the British Gas Help the Aged partnership's Stepping Out promotion.

The offer includes a medieval tournament at Belsay Hall, near Newcastle, on Saturday and Sunday.

A swashbuckling drama at Helmsley Castle, in North Yorkshire, on July 14 and 15, is also included, as well as medieval monastic entertainment at Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire, from July 24 to 26.

Other local attractions that are open to senior citizens at reduced admission prices include Richmond Castle and Whitby Abbey, in North Yorkshire, and Lindisfarne Priory, on the Northumbrian coast