24 Reasons Newcastle Is Definitely The Happiest City In The UK

15. You Can Actually Talk To Strangers

It sounds like a cliche, but Newcastle is genuinely the friendliest city in the UK, so it inevitably comes as a shock when Geordies head to London and see everyone terrified to breathe in each other's direction on the Tube. We're famed for being welcoming - hence the Party City tag - and for our good manners, and it's no wonder we're happier when we can all talk to each other without crippling social awkwardness or fear getting in the way.

14. There's Just A Lot More Characters

Perhaps it's because it's so cold, or maybe they put something in the Greggs up here, but there seems to be a better class of weirdos and characters in Newcastle. From the busker who plays children's toy instruments on Market Street to Beefy at the match, the genetic pool is just a lot more INTERESTING up here. That invariably leads to more fun... https://twitter.com/emilychloejames/status/674179990926270464

13. Ross Noble

He might not live here anymore - thanks to his own Australian love story - but only Newcastle could have inspired the genius, unhinged and warped mind of Ross Noble. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxVec_zCC80 The same goes for Mr Bean, who was born in nearby Consett (and is always claimed as a Geordie): there's obviously just something about the place that inspires a very particular, very odd brand of comedy.