Newcastle knocked off top spot as most popular stag do destination

Newcastle has lost its title as Britain's number one stag do destination as revellers opt for a sunnier alternative.

Leading stag and hen planners Last Night of Freedom has revealed the Toon has slipped into second in the list of most popular destinations for the first time in five years.

Instead, stag parties chose the sun and sea by heading to Benidorm in 2023.

But the Geordie company which compiles the rankings says it still believes Newcastle is the best city in the world for a celebration – and wouldn’t want to be based anywhere else.

Managing director at the Gateshead-based firm, Matt Mavir, admitted he was gobsmacked to see Newcastle knocked off the top spot.

“We’re a local company and have always been proud of Newcastle and its popularity with stags and hens over the years,” said Matt. “To us it’s the best place in the world and we wouldn’t want to be based anywhere else.

“But while I’d always choose Newcastle, it’s obvious that stags just can’t get enough of Benidorm.

“It’s gloriously tacky and boasts a nightlife like nowhere else – the infamous live sex shows, 6am kick-out times and €1-a-pint beer. Truly anything goes in Benidorm, a town which is fast turning into a mecca for stags.

“I suppose the only thing for us to do in Newcastle in 2024 is continue to welcome people to party in our city, and make sure we get back to the top of the table!”

Behind Newcastle in the stags list is fellow northern powerhouse Liverpool, with capitals Edinburgh and Cardiff joined by newcomer Bristol as the five UK destinations in the top 10.

The full top 10 stag do locations are:

1.      Benidorm

2.      Newcastle

3.      Liverpool

4.      Dublin

5.      Prague

6.      Amsterdam

7.      Edinburgh

8.      Cardiff

9.      Krakow

10.   Bristol

For women, Liverpool is the undisputed Queen of the hen night, with Newcastle once again finishing second and York – another city which has tried to discourage stag and hen parties from visiting – was third.

The full top 10 hen do locations:

1.      Liverpool

2.      Newcastle

3.      York

4.      Belfast

5.      Dublin

6.      Manchester

7.      Edinburgh

8.      London

9.      Leeds

10.   Benidorm