A leading travel expert has launched a passionate defence of a Welsh city frequently branded the UK's "worst" place to stay, urging holidaymakers to reconsider its overlooked charms.
Beyond the Negative Headlines
Newport in South Wales has faced a barrage of negative press. Earlier this year, research by Go Compare ranked it last out of 55 UK destinations for family-friendly stays. Furthermore, a report from the Centre for Cities highlighted it as having one of the highest rates of empty shopfronts in the nation.
These damning assessments have, unsurprisingly, led many travellers to bypass the city. However, award-winning travel writer Ben Aitken, 39, who specialises in uncovering Britain's underrated spots, insists they are missing out on a genuine hidden gem.
Discovering Newport's 'Diamonds'
"It's punching massively below its weight," Aitken told the Mirror. "It's got a lot going for it and people aren't recognising that." He praised the city's thriving scene of independent businesses and the notably friendly and welcoming nature of its residents.
First visiting in April last year, Aitken was immediately struck by Newport's distinctive architecture, a legacy of its industrial boom in the 1800s. He described the high street as having a pleasing curve and slope, acknowledging that while it wasn't "buzzing," this reflects a wider shift in consumer habits away from traditional town centres.
His exploration revealed a host of local favourites. He enjoyed a "fantastic" Italian meal at Vittorio’s, a family-run restaurant opposite the cathedral with roots tracing back to Tuscan miners. For evening drinks, he recommended the quirky Le Pub, a live music venue, and the ancient, cosy Ye Olde Murenger House, said to be around 400 years old. Other highlights included the Rogue Fox cafe and the fine dining at Gem 42.
From Velodrome to Rugby Pie
Aitken's visit wasn't just about food and drink. He embraced local activities, trying track cycling for the first time at the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales. "For about £20, they provided me with a bike, a helmet, and some instructions, and I whizzed around... for about an hour," he said.
He also soaked up the atmosphere at Rodney Parade, home to Newport's rugby teams, where he found the match-day pies to be "delicious." For accommodation, he stayed at the luxurious Celtic Manor Resort, though he expressed a wish that it would direct more guests to explore Newport's city centre rather than sending them to Cardiff or Bristol.
"I'm not asking people to up sticks and move to Newport," Aitken concluded. "I'm just asking them to consider visiting, staying over for the night, and I promise you can fill a weekend there. It has food, history, fun, and accommodation."
He argues his experience proves that anywhere can be interesting and enjoyable if you just give it half a chance. More details on his UK travels can be found in his book, Sh**y Breaks: A Celebration of Unsung Cities.
