Days out bring in over pounds 500m.

Byline: By Steven Oliver

A staggering pounds 500m was spent by tourists enjoying a day out in the North East's countryside and picturesque coast last year.

The huge windfall for the region's economy was discovered during the first-ever study of people enjoying day trips to rural attractions.

The Countryside Agency found no fewer than 35 million people enjoyed a visit to inland attractions while a further 27 million headed for the beaches.

And top of the destinations were Hadrian's Wall, Alnwick Castle and Gardens and Beamish Open Air Museum.

Although the numbers are impressive, they are still just a fraction of the visitors who annually descend on other popular resorts.

In areas such as the South East, which attract many Londoners, the countryside was the favoured destination of some 246 million day trippers. But closer to home in the North West, 194 million visitors spent a day out in the countryside, including the Lake District.

This leaves the countryside tourism bosses to describe the North East as one of Britain's best-kept secrets. Huw Davies, regional director of the Countryside Agency in the North East, said the study showed the huge potential on offer.

He said: "Although we have a comparatively low population in the North East from which to attract day visitors, it is clear that the countryside is an important contributor to the economic health of the region.

"The countryside is part of our national heritage. It remains a popular destination, where people can go to enjoy themselves, with a simple walk, a good pub lunch, shopping in country towns or simply to sit and enjoy the views.

"With the focus on encouraging people to become more active, the countryside can offer something for everyone ( from a long distance trail to shopping at a market."