THE North East is home to the historic Durham, culture-filled Newcastle and family-friendly beaches on Teesside, but where is the best place to visit? 

Many of the region's attractions are popular and well-loved, but with the region spanning vast counties and cities, there is always more to uncover, explore and experience.

So we asked our readers where the best place to visit in the North East is and over 300 of you had your say. 

Alfred's Guide to the North East of England's Landmarks and Curiosity offered a diplomatic response, which many of you probably agree with.

They said: "The North East is full of wonderful places. Far too many to name."

No matter where you are in the region, there is always a coastal beauty spot or wild countryside nearby, but one reader took that for granted until they moved to a big city. 

Barbara Newman said: "Until you move away from the area you don't really appreciate it. Always took it for granted until I went to uni in Birmingham." 

The Northern Echo: KYNREN – AN EPIC TALE OF ENGLAND

A few of you said Kynren was a must-see. 

The "epic tale of England" is a live outdoor show which takes place on Eleven Arches Flatts Farm near Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland 

The impressive performance condenses two thousand years of history, myth and legend into 90 minutes as you join young Arthur on his epic quest. 

Kynren-lover Lynn-Marie Stamp added: "Then the dales. They're so beautiful."

A popular but no-less captivating spot is Durham Cathedral, coupled with a walk by the river, which was suggested by Jeetu Dattani. 

There are 47 castles and forts in the North East along with a range of battlefields and historic points of interest like Hadrian's Wall, so it's no surprise many of them popped up as favourites. 

Amy Walker, who suggested Kynren, also suggested Bishop Auckland, Northumberland coast, Chillingham castle, Bamburgh castle, Raby castle, Auckland castle and Alnwick castle which are "all lovely places". 

Richard Keith Rigg suggested Craster/Dunstanburgh castle.

He said: "Walk from the car park to the castle, around the castle, in the castle, back along to Craster and have dinner at the Jolly Fisherman."

The Northern Echo: PARK LIFE: The deer at picturesque Raby Castle

John Alderson gave Beamish museum a shout out, while Michael Patterson turned the focus to Teesdale.

He said: "I think Teesdale takes a lot to beat. It is a hidden gem". 11 liked the comment.

Meanwhile, Pamela F Gray championed Darlington.

She said: "South Park. West Park. North Park. Darlington pubs and restaurants. Willliam Stead pub and look for his stone at the library. He was on the Titanic!

"Crown Street Library and local study centre. Head of Steam Museum. Guru Boutique. Head North up A1 to Berwick and Scotland."