LONDONERS are turning their backs on the bright lights of the city in favour of the dark skies of Northumberland.
Leading North East holiday lettings agency, Cottages in Northumberland – which lets out more than 180 coastal, countryside and city properties in the region – has recorded a rise in the number of bookings from London-based leisure and corporate guests.
And some are so impressed with the region that they are snapping up properties of their own with a view to renting them out.
Figures revealed by Cottages in Northumberland show a 19% per cent increase in London bookings from last year, giving the capital an 11.5 per cent share of the agency’s current client base.
These figures are borne out by Northumberland Tourism’s findings which indicate that during 2016, around 40% of people visiting the region came from the midlands and south of England areas.
Cottages in Northumberland’s Director of Operations, Angela Mazingham, believes the increase can be attributed to a number of factors, but particularly our county’s wide open spaces, tranquil, natural beauty and the sense of freedom you can feel from just being here.
“In many ways Northumberland is the perfect antidote to life in the capital and the feedback we’re receiving from visitors bears that out,” she said.
“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.
“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
Jude Leitch, Director of Northumberland Tourism, said: “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.”
Further details about Cottages in Northumberland’s properties can be found at www.cottagesinnorthumberland.co.uk or by calling 0191 231 3020.
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