VISITOR attractions are hoping for more bumper crowds tomorrow to cap a busy Easter weekend.

Daytrippers flocked in their thousands to soak up the warm sunshine on the regions beaches today.

Parks and outdoor attractions also reported more visitors than last year.

Hundreds of people enjoyed the opening weekends of the season at Raby Castle, in Staindrop, and Hamsterley Forest, both County Durham.

Both venues, along with Locomotion: The National Railway Musuem at Shildon, proved particularly popular with families by hosting children's Easter activities.

Cyclists and walkers also flocked to the forest and other popular routes in the Durham Dales.

Amy Craggs, of Beamish Wild, at Beamish Hall Country House Hotel, near Stanley, said: "It has been really busy - I think the sun does help bring people out.

Staff at the Hartlepool Maritime Experience said they were rushed off their feet yesterday.

It was a similar story at Preston Park, in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, where people young and old enjoyed a free day out in the fresh air.