The best places to holiday in the North East according to readers

Taking a trip on a plane is lovely, and feeling that burst of heat through the airplane door as you step onto foreign soil is always a memorable moment - but not always possible.

Some families now choose to take staycations -  a vacation or holiday, but just at home.

In the North East, we have plenty of areas in and around the region that are perfect for short breaks or longer holidays.

Here are just five places and areas in and around the North East you can visit for a holiday, as recommended by locals themselves.

The Northumberland Coast

Just a few hours north you can take a trip to the Northumberland Coast National Landscape.

You can walk, cycle and run along the scenic beachy shores including Beadnell Bay, jaunt along Seahouses Harbour or visit Dunstanbrugh Castle.

The coastline spans up from Amble all the way to Berwick Upon Tweed, and there are multiple camping sites, hotels and bed and breakfasts to choose from.

Northumberland Coast. (Image: Getty)

Whitby

Further south, you can find the seaside town of Whitby, and its gothic Whitby Abbey was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

You can take a walk along its scenic harbour and take in the views before finding a spot for fish and chips.

Also worth a visit is the Captain Cook Museum, which displays the rich history the town has with sailor and explorer James Cook – and you can also spot references to him across the town.

Whitby.

Teesdale

The valley of Teesdale is, arguably, the most scenic area you can find in County Durham.

Made up of rolling hills and stunning scenery, some of the few attractions you can visit include the town of Barnard Castle, the Bowes Museum as well as Low and High Force waterfalls.

Upper Teesdale is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and you can find many cottages and campsites perfect for a staycation.

High Force waterfall.

The North Yorkshire Moors

A short drive south from Teesside is the North York Moors National Park, which spans from east of Northallerton all the way across to the coast in Robin Hood’s Bay.

The national park is not short of quaint villages and towns including Hemsley, Goathland (which was the fictional village of Aidensfield in Heartbeat) and Staithes, a picturesque destination on the coast.

When you’re not walking around the town, there is also a huge amount of treks and trails you can walk along to get outdoors, including the well-known Roseberry Topping.

North Yorkshire Moors.

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Newcastle Upon Tyne

Lastly, for a city break with as much energy and nightlife the North East can muster, Newcastle is a popular choice for short stays and breaks.

Whilst many may see the city as the stag and hen do capital of the UK, Newcastle is filled with a multitude of restaurants and bars but still has a nice slice of history and heritage to admire.

In the city centre, you can visit the old Newcastle castle, or take a trip out of town to walk around Jesmond Dene.

Of course, the Quayside is also a must, where you can wile away the time looking at the river’s majestic bridges and stop in to some bars along the way.

Newcastle Upon Tyne.