Another year has whizzed by and many of us will have already begun planning our holidays and weekend trips away for next year.

But when it comes to exploring the North East in 2024, do you have any locations on your ‘must visit’ list?

If you need some inspiration, two destinations have been named among the best places to visit according to travel publication Time Out.

Newcastle and Alnmouth in Northumberland have made the top 15 list among the likes of Norwich and the Isles of Scilly.

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You might be wondering what makes them so great before you book your next hotel or train ticket (not to mention those valuable days off work). Let’s see what the experts have to say.

You can see Time Out's top 15 best places to visit in the UK for 2024 here.

Newcastle and Alnmouth among best places to visit in 2024  - what did Time Out say?

Newcastle

Time Out said: “There’s plenty to shout about in Newcastle (and not just the nightlife, though we love that too). The city’s food scene already had a pretty good reputation, but new openings in 2023 have really seen it thrive, like natural wine and pizza spot Bawn and new brunch spot Cafeteria: a sort of posh style greasy spoon, which seem to be all the range now.

“Pair this with a load of great galleries and pubs, the legendary Wylam Brewery and Tyneside Cinema and seriously reasonable prices and you’ve got a cracking weekend away. Or you might just want to pack up and move there. It happens.”

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When it comes to looking for things to do in the Tyne and Wear borough, Time Out recommends: “The perfect day Grab a coffee (with a view) at La Verne Vintage, before walking waterside and over the Quayside bridge.

“Head to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and wander through whatever exhibition is on, before heading to the very top floor for fantastic views over the city.

“Then head to Ouseburn, Newcastle’s coolest neighbourhood, and grab a pint and a banging vegan lunch at The Ship Inn.”

They added: “If you’ve got an itching for more art, check out the Biscuit Factory next door. After a few more pints, hit up World Headquarters for a night on the Toon.”

Alnmouth

“For a tranquil seaside break in 2024, the tiny fishing village of Alnmouth on the border between Scotland and England is a solid bet,” explains Time Out.

@northumberland_adventure Sunset from Church Hill, Alnmouth 🧡💛 Once the location of the villages church until a great storm changed the direction of the river in 1806 and the church was destroyed. The wooden cross known as St Cuthbert’s Cross is rumoured to be the location where St Cuthbert agreed to become Bishop of Lindisfarne when petitioned by the king. Shot on Dji mini 3 drone #sunset #alnmouth #sunsetphotography #sunset reel #alnmouthbeach #churchhill #sunsetlovers #drone #djimini3 #djiglobal #dronephotography #dronevideo #northumberlandphotography #northumberlandcoast #northumberlandphotography #northumberlandcoast #landscapephotography #coastalphotography #northumberland #explorenorthumberland #nland250 #northumberlandblogger #neblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #coastalliving #northeast #northeastengland ♬ Je te laisserai des mots - Patrick Watson

“Think: wild, windswept walks, pastel-coloured fisherman’s cottages, freshly-caught fish and blissful peace and quiet.

“Three surrounding beaches make up part of Northumberland’s 40-mile long coastal path — which happens to be a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, recently renamed ‘National Landscapes’ – and as such, there’s a delightful cluster of wildlife to look out for, including adorable puffins and grey seals.”

If you’re looking for the “perfect day” then Time Out advises: “Sit down for an A.M. coffee and fresh kippers on toast at Bistro23 before checking out Almouth’s cluster of independent stores like Scots of Alnmouth and Jane and Harry’s.

“Then stop by the Ferry Hut, a bitesize museum dedicated to the ferrymen of yesteryear.

“Spend the afternoon adventuring along the coastal path before indulging in a well-earned dinner at The Whittling House.”