Londoners boosting Northumberland’s visitor economy, finds data

Londoners are leaving the bright lights of the capital in favour of the dark skies of Northumberland when it comes to domestic holidays, according to new data.

North East holiday lettings agency Cottages in Northumberland has recorded an increase in bookings from London-based leisure and corporate guests this year.

The firm, which lets out more than 180 coastal, countryside and city properties across the region, found that the number of bookings from London leapt 19% in comparison to 2015.

Now, the capital accounts for an 11.5% share of Cottages in Northumberland’s client base.

In support of the figures, destination management organisation Northumberland Tourism found that around 40% of the region’s visitors are coming from the Midlands and South of England.

Angela Mazingham, director of operations at Cottages in Northumberland, said of the findings: “In many ways Northumberland is the perfect antidote to life in the capital and the feedback we’re receiving from visitors bears that out.

“Obviously the clean air, the beaches and the combination of good countryside and interesting heritage sites, play a huge part in the county’s appeal to city dwellers.”

She continued: “But what many are also commenting on is the quality of the restaurants and local produce here. When they come on holiday they want to enjoy the same lifestyle standards as they do at home – and Northumberland provides them.

“We have also been approached by several London visitors who are now keen to invest in properties in the North East with a view to letting them out to other holidaymakers.”

Northumberland Tourism director Jude Leitch commented: “We are seeing an increase in the number of visitors from the south and even more encouragingly, all year round.

“The dark skies of the International Dark Skies Park and throughout the whole of Northumberland, means that people visiting from city areas can experience the joys of the night skies that our lucky residents enjoy every night.”