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Brits love Newcastle for spending sprees and painting the town red

ByDave Stopher

Jan 28, 2017
  • New survey reveals what brings Brits to the city of Newcastle, with shopping breaks and group holidays coming out on top
  • The city’s cultural credentials get the Great British seal of approval from a quarter of voters
  • Local activities and attractions make Newcastle a popular destination for families, while stunning local scenery brings couples to the city en masse

A new UK-wide survey has revealed why Brits love holidays in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Just last year, Newcastle was officially named the happiest city in the UK – with visitors from far and wide making their pilgrimage to this North Eastern treasure in search of a British break.

10,000 people in the UK were asked by holiday company City Breaks in Newcastle for their insight on what makes the city such a popular travel destination – as Brits shared the types of holiday they’d happily take in the Toon.

Shopping breaks

Newcastle’s shopping options are its greatest asset according to 37% of voters, who declared the city an ideal spot for some retail therapy.

Home to flagship department stores, abundant shopping centres, high-street favourites and independent boutiques, what Newcastle upon Tyne may lack in scale, it more than makes up for in variety.

North East shopping holidays are especially popular with women in the UK, with 46% naming this Newcastle’s greatest draw – versus 29% of men surveyed.

Only 30% of Londoners are convinced it’s worth venturing to Newcastle for a shopping break – while a hefty 42% of North East locals are proud to call their city one of the UK’s great retail hubs.

Find Newcastle’s very best shopping options at tripadvisor.co.uk

Group holidays

Newcastle is an ever-popular destination for group holidays, with a thriving nightlife scene that sees an influx of visitors from across the UK and overseas flock to the city each year in search of an unforgettable break.

18-24 year olds said they’d choose Newcastle for a group holiday above all else, while 29% of men of Britain believe the city is best for a break with the boys.

Newcastle was recently crowned the number one stag and hen destination in Europe, and many survey respondents wasted no time in declaring the city an ideal spot for pre-wedding party weekends.

Find group activities to try in Newcastle at gobananas.com

Cultural city breaks

Having undergone hundreds of millions of pounds’ worth of redevelopment over the last couple of decades, Newcastle is now home to some world-famous cultural venues and attractions – from Grey Street’s luxurious Theatre Royal to the much-loved independent Tyneside Cinema.

It’s therefore little surprise that, when it comes to city breaks with a side of first-class culture, the city is many Brits’ first choice.

A quarter of all survey respondents described a visit to Newcastle upon Tyne as the ultimate cultural break, while voters in London believe there’s no better reason to visit this Northern gem than to sample its cultural delights.

Find out what’s on in Newcastle at getintonewcastle.co.uk

Family and dog-friendly holidays

With the rural county of Northumberland right on Newcastle’s doorstep, it’s hardly surprising that the city is a popular base for families looking to trade their day-to-day for something a little different.

From Times Square’s Life Science Centre to Blandford Square’s Discovery Museum, the city is packed with family-friendly activities and attractions – and 11% of Brits say they would recommend Newcastle for family holidays.

Find days out in Newcastle the whole family will love at dayoutwiththekids.co.uk

With dogs living in an estimated 24% of UK households, many of us simply won’t entertain the idea of a holiday without our four-legged friend.

Home to dog-friendly pubs, restaurants, public transport options and plenty of green space ideal for walks, Newcastle is regularly cited as one of the UK’s most pet-friendly cities – an endorsement seconded by 17% of Londoners.

Find dog-friendly pubs and bars in Newcastle at newcastlegateshead.com

Romantic getaways

Whether it’s a spa break, rural retreat or luxurious city escape, there’s nothing like a romantic getaway – and with Valentine’s Day on the way, some survey respondents think Newcastle is the perfect place for a long weekend of escapism with their partner.

8% of all Brits surveyed said they’d happily whisk their significant other away to this Northern hotspot for a long weekend, while 11% of Scots consider the city a romantic holiday destination.

Find romantic things to do in Newcastle at wow247.co.uk

The ‘15-minute city’ may be a modest metropolis but, from culture-rich breaks to family holidays even the dog can enjoy, it’s clear Newcastle is more than capable of competing with top tourist spots across the UK.

Angela Mazingham, Director of Operations at City Breaks in Newcastle, said: “While Newcastle offers a unique holiday experience compared to that of the capital, the results of this survey clearly show you can find the same levels of excitement and variety here as you’d typically associate with much larger cities. Perhaps it has something to do with the friendly locals!”

Topline results:

Respondents were allowed to select multiple answers to the following question:

Which of the following types of holiday do you think Newcastle is best for?

  • Shopping breaks: 36.5%
  • Group holidays: 26.8%
  • Cultural city breaks: 24.8%
  • Family holidays: 11.3%
  • Dog-friendly holidays: 9.5%
  • Romantic getaways: 7.8%
  • Other: 6.0%