A travel writer has boldly challenged a major study that labelled a Welsh city as the United Kingdom's 'worst' destination for visitors, arguing it is one of the nation's most overlooked and rewarding places to explore.
Defying the damning report
In 2025, research conducted by GoCompare placed Newport in Wales firmly at the top of its list of the 'worst' locations to visit in the UK. The analysis examined 55 destinations across the country, judging them on criteria like family-friendly accommodation and tourist attractions. This negative view was seemingly supported by a separate Centre for Cities report, which highlighted Newport's high rate of vacant retail units.
However, travel writer Ben Aitken, 39, who actively seeks out British spots that tourists often dismiss, has pushed back against this narrative. After visiting in April last year, he described Newport as a city 'punching massively below its weight' and insisted it has 'a lot going for it'.
Discovering Newport's hidden character
Aitken was immediately struck by the city's distinctive architecture, a legacy of its history as a booming 19th-century industrial centre. He characterised the general design as 'quirky' rather than classically Gothic. While he acknowledged the city centre was quieter than some might anticipate, he attributed this to nationwide shifts in shopping habits, not a lack of appeal.
For Aitken, the true heart of Newport lies in its independent businesses and community spirit. 'It's peppered with these really excellent independent businesses. There are a lot of diamonds in this unfashionable place,' he told the Mirror. He met a 'fair few' residents he found to be exceptionally 'friendly and welcoming'.
His culinary highlights included:
- Vittorio's on Stow Hill, a decades-old family-run Italian restaurant with roots tracing back to Italian miners who settled in Newport.
- The fine dining experience at Gem 42.
- Rogue Fox café for a more casual stop.
He also enjoyed the atmosphere at Le Pub, a venue known for live music, and the historic Ye Olde Murenger House, believed to be Newport's oldest pub.
More than just food and drink
Aitken fully immersed himself in local activities during his stay. He tried track cycling for the first time at the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales and attended a lively rugby match at Rodney Parade. 'I didn't really know what was going on, but it was atmospheric and meaningful,' he said, also praising the match-day pies as 'delicious'.
He spent a night at the luxurious five-star Celtic Manor Resort, which he described as 'really nice', though he expressed a wish that it would do more to encourage guests to venture into Newport's city centre.
Aitken's final verdict is an enthusiastic endorsement for curious travellers. 'I'm not asking people to up sticks and move to Newport. I'm just asking them to consider visiting, staying over for the night, and I promise you can fill a weekend there,' he said. 'It has food, history, fun, and accommodation. It just goes to show that anywhere can be interesting and enjoyable if you just give it half a chance.'
