The greatest things about the North according to Southerners

A new survey of 2,000 Southerners AND Northerners by popular open access rail operators, Lumo and Hull Trains has revealed a definitive list of things we actually LIKE about each-other, with almost three quarters (72 percent) saying the old North, South divide is now a thing of the past.

78 percent think the idea of Northerners disliking Southerners and Southerners disliking Northerners is a thing of the past, so much so that 96 percent admit they enjoy spending time in their geographical opposite.

In fact, 61 percent go a step further and say they would happily relocate to the other end of the country, while two thirds (66 percent) have, and would, date someone from the opposite end of the UK, with travel proving easier between the two locations. And according to the poll, one in six (16 percent) of Northerners say those living down South have a good sense of humour, with the sunshine (40 percent), London’s West End (26 percent), earning potential (24 percent), Newquay (22 percent) and Buckingham Palace (21 percent) among the things people North of the border love about coming down South.

Other things they love include Cornish pasties (20 percent), Brighton beach (16 percent), Wimbledon (16 percent), the Tube (15 percent), Stonehenge (14 percent) and Glastonbury festival (12 percent).

When asked the same question, those from down South voted for being able to buy a property (38 percent), the Lake District (32 percent), country pubs (31 percent), chips and gravy (29 percent), Yorkshire Tea (20 percent), Ant & Dec (19 percent) and Corrie (19 percent) as some of the greatest things to have come from North of the border.

Cumberland sausages (15 percent), less traffic (14 percent), the beer (14 percent), Whitby beach (13 percent), Morecombe and Wise (13 percent), Sean Bean (12 percent) and Scottish Highland cows (12 percent) are also endearing things to have come from “up North”, as well as The Beatles (12 percent) and Lancashire Hotpot (eight percent).

However, if you live in the Midlands you do seem to fall in between the two as 48 percent don’t class Midlanders as Northerners or Southerners.

The train, meanwhile,(56 percent) is considered one of the easiest and most convenient way to travel..

Two thirds (66 percent) love the changing scenery when venturing North or South, while 46 percent love seeing the sites. Meeting different people (37 percent), relaxing on the journey (35 percent), finding new places to stop along the way (34 percent) and trying different food (27 percent) are also what we look forward to the most when traveling up and down the country.

Richard Salkeld, Head of Communications & Partnerships for Lumo and Hull Trains commented, “It’s clear from the research that the idea of a North/South divide is no more with Brits travelling between the two more than ever.

“Rail travel is the perfect solution for people to travel between the two locations and we are extremely proud that our two open access operators, Lumo and Hull Trains are proving instrumental in stimulating growth, productivity and positivity between the North and South

“Lumo and Hull Trains are regularly recognised for continued efforts in driving social mobility and economic growth, through affordable and sustainable travel for all. Rail travel lets people relax and see the beautiful countryside, or get work done whilst on the move. “

When it comes to the best way to explore, eight in ten (80 percent) agree that taking the train is the easiest method with being able to relax and enjoy the ride (67 percent), looking out of the window at the countryside (60 percent), the speed (50 percent), being able to eat and drink along the way (41 percent) and having the opportunity to all travel together (34 percent) the biggest bonuses.

29 percent like the fact that you can sleep all the way, while 24 percent love that it is better for the planet (24 percent).

Scotland (36 percent), Wales (26 percent), Yorkshire (26 percent), London (21 percent), the South West (21 percent) and the North West (15 percent) are all on Brits travel lists for this year, along with the South East (14 percent) and North East (13 percent).

BEST THINGS ABOUT NORTHERN ENGLAND, ACCORDING TO SOUTHERNERS:

1. You can afford a property – 38%
2. Everything is cheaper – 37%
3. The Lake District – 32%
4. Country pubs – 31%
5. The people are friendlier – 30%
6. Chips and gravy – 29%
7. Fish and chips – 29%
8. More chilled out – 22%
9. Yorkshire Dales – 22%
10. Yorkshire Tea – 20%
11. Yorkshire puddings – 20%
12. Ant & Dec – 19%
13. Coronation Street – 19%
14. Sense of humour – 16%
15. Cumberland sausage – 15%
16. Better pies – 15%
17. Less traffic – 14%
18. The Angel of the North – 14%
19. The beer – 14%
20. Hadrian’s Wall – 14%
21. Whitby beach – 13%
22. Morecombe and Wise – 13%
23. Sean Bean – 12%
24. Highland cows – 12%
25. Eccles cakes – 12%

BEST THINGS ABOUT SOUTHERN ENGLAND, ACCORDING TO NORTHERNERS:

1. Sunnier weather – 40%
2. London’s West End – 26%
3. You can earn more – 24%
4. Newquay – 22%
5. Buckingham Palace – 21%
6. Cornish pastry – 20%
7. Cheddar cheese – 19%
8. Brighton beach – 16%
9. Wimbledon – 16%
10. Sense of humour – 16%
11. White Cliffs of Dover – 16%
12. Jurassic Coast in Dorset – 16%
13. The Tube – 15%
14. Stonehenge – 14%
15. Brighton Pier – 12%
16. Glastonbury festival – 12%
17. Lots of jobs – 12%
18. Pie and mash – 11%
19. Cider – 11%
20. Eastenders – 9%
21. Lord’s Cricket Ground – 9%
22. Eastbourne beach - 8%
23. The beer/lager – 8%
24. Eton Mess – 7%
25. Durdle Door – 6%