THE top UK travel experiences have been revealed, with stargazing in Northumberland taking first place.

A Natwest survey asked the public to vote for their 40 travel experiences to try before turning 40-years-old.

Stargazing in Northumberland was followed by a road trip to Scotland's North Coast to see wildlife and Dunrobin Castle.

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Tony Gates, Chief Executive Officer at Northumberland National Park Authority, said: "Northumberland International Dark Skies Park became the UK's largest Dark Sky Park in 2013 and since then the visitor season in Northumberland National Park has been extended beyond the traditional busy months of April to October and we now see visitors coming to Northumberland year-round to stargaze between October and March.

"Hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, self-catering accommodation providers, camping and caravan sites have been boosted by this, incorporating dark skies to their traditional Northumbrian offer, resulting in Astro-tourism contributing £25 million to the regional economy each year and 450 jobs.

"Northumberland National Park Authority, partners and local businesses have all been developing a series of dark sky discovery sites within the Dark Sky Park, improving access and enhancing the visitor experience whilst contributing further to the local economy.

"Anyone can stargaze, no expensive equipment is necessary, and you don't have to understand all the science to enjoy the wonder of our pristine skies.

"The reward is memorable and certainly has the wow-factor people are looking for when they visit, something everyone should seek to experience when visiting Northumberland," he said.