Travel experts have named County Durham's heritage coast as the most scenic place to visit in the UK this Easter - here's why.

With the Easter Holidays just weeks away, travel guides have put together a list of the top places to take a spring staycation in the UK - and our very own coast has been ranked the best.

The list, put together by experts at holidaycottages.co.uk ranked areas across the country for their suitability for walks, views, pubs and food to name a few.

Now, they say that the coast which spans from Sunderland to Hartlepool should be at the top of vacationers' bucket lists this year.

They specifically pick out the well-known 11-mile coastal trek which takes walkers from Seaham Hall Beach all the way down to Crimdon.

On the way, tourists are treated to plentiful ocean views, arches and stacks and can even hunt for sea glass which washes up onto the shore.

Experts say: "Those taking the walk, which starts by Seaham Harbour, will come across the spectacular grasslands and coastal denes, along the idyllic trail which is brimming over with flora and fauna throughout the year.

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"But it really is during springtime when the area comes into its own, with its woodland providing a habitat fit for animals including deer, foxes, badgers, birds and bats, while the woodland plays host to a wide array of wildflowers.

"For sealife lovers, visiting in the spring means you might be lucky enough to spot a whole host of different kinds of sea creatures."

Durham's Heritage Coast beat out four other contenders including Swallow Falls in Eryri National Park in Snowdonia, Wales and the Jurassic Coast in Dorset and East Devon.