World-leading travel brand has published dedicated guide to Newcastle and Northumbria

Rough guides, a world-renowned travel hub that has provided trusted travel advice since 1982, has published a pocket guide to British breaks which focuses on Newcastle and Northumbria. 

Rough Guides has published guides to over 120 destinations worldwide and includes recommendations for off-the beaten-track adventures, child-friendly activities and time-saving itineraries alongside honest and independent reviews. Areas covered in the guide include Grainger Town, the Quayside, Gateshead, Ouseburn, Jesmond, Tyneside and the Northumberland coast. 

NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI), a destination and inward investment agency that delivers for Newcastle, Gateshead, and the wider region, worked with partners across the North East to host the guide’s author, Dan Stables, during several research visits.  

Partners included Crowne Plaza, Hotel du Vin, Hilton, Jesmond Dene House, St. James’ Park and Visit Northumberland who worked collaboratively with NGI to provide expert local knowledge and showcase the best the region had to offer.  

Ian Thomas, Destination Director, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: 

“The publishing of the Pocket Rough Guide to Newcastle and Northumbria is fantastic recognition for the region as a distinctive destination to visit, and is testament to the recent accolades the region has achieved such as Newcastle being named the UK’s Favourite Place as well as one of the best UK city breaks by Conde Nast and several beaches in Northumberland being included in Britain’s best beaches by The Times. Rough Guides also recently named Newcastle as one of the world’s best second cities alongside the likes of Shanghai, Mumbai and Barcelona. 

“The guide will be an excellent tool in our ongoing support of the recovery of the region’s tourism sector as we continue to work to attract domestic and international visitors. Being recognised by such a prestigious and respected voice such as Rough Guides, will not only showcase Newcastle and Northumbria and the fantastic businesses here to an international audience but will instil confidence in visiting.”   

Author of the Pocket Rough Guide British Breaks in Newcastle and Northumbria, Dan Stables, said: 

I loved exploring Newcastle and the North East while researching this book. From spending the night in Britain’s ‘most haunted’ castle at Chillingham, to hiking some of Hadrian’s Wall and stargazing at Kielder Observatory, I had some great adventures – I even walked on the roof of St James’ Park!  

“Whether I was feasting on seafood on the coast or exploring the fantastic restaurants and bars of Newcastle, I always found the people to be as warm and welcoming as any I’ve encountered. I hope this book captures the charm and diversity of Newcastle and Northumbria, and helps people plan their adventures in the region.” 

Andrew Fox, chair of Visit Northumberland, said: 

“This is a fantastic publication for Newcastle and Northumberland, not only because Rough Guides is the world’s leading travel publication, but because we are now one of only a few UK destinations to have received their own dedicated pocket guide. We are honoured to have supported this piece, along with Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, from the beginning, and it is a pleasure to see the final publication come to life. The pocket guides’ worldwide popularity offers a great opportunity for Newcastle and Northumberland to receive widespread exposure and encourage new visitors to the area.” 

The Pocket Rough Guide of Best British Breaks: Newcastle and Northumbria, is now available from all major retailers.