Privacy Policy for Newcastle Sparkles

Last updated: 9th May 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to Newcastle Sparkles (“we”, “us”, “our”). We are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data when you visit our website. We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Who we are

Newcastle Sparkles is a lifestyle blog sharing content related to lifestyle, culture, and experiences in and around Newcastle and beyond. For data protection purposes, we are the “data controller” of any personal data processed through this website.

3. What information we collect

We do not require users to create accounts or leave comments, and we do not actively collect personal information such as names or addresses.

However, we may collect limited data in the following ways:

a) Analytics data

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our site. This may collect:

  • IP address (anonymised where possible)

  • Device and browser type

  • Pages visited and time spent on site

  • General location (country/city level)

  • Referring websites

This data is aggregated and used for statistical purposes only.

b) Cookies

Our website uses cookies to:

  • Enable basic site functionality

  • Analyse website traffic (via Google Analytics)

  • Improve user experience

Cookies are small text files stored on your device. You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. For more details, see Section 6 below.

c) Substack newsletter

If you choose to subscribe to our newsletter via Substack, we will collect:

  • Your email address

This information is collected and processed by Substack, Inc. in accordance with their own privacy policy. We use this data solely to send newsletters and updates you have opted into. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in any email you receive.

4. How we use your information

We use limited personal data to:

  • Understand website traffic and performance

  • Improve content and user experience

  • Send newsletters (if you opt in via Substack)

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal data.

5. Legal basis for processing

Under UK GDPR, we rely on the following lawful bases:

  • Consent – for cookies (where required) and newsletter subscriptions

  • Legitimate interests – for website analytics and improving our content and site performance

6. Cookies

We use cookies for:

  • Essential site functionality (if applicable)

  • Google Analytics tracking

When you first visit our site, you may be presented with a cookie notice allowing you to accept or manage your preferences. You can disable cookies at any time through your browser settings. However, some features of the site may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

7. Third-party services

We use the following third-party services:

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand website usage. Google may process data outside the UK/EEA. Data is handled according to Google’s privacy practices.

Substack

Newsletter subscriptions are managed through Substack. Any data you provide to subscribe is processed by Substack under their own privacy policy.

We encourage you to review their policies:

8. Data retention

We retain:

  • Analytics data for as long as necessary for statistical analysis (as configured in Google Analytics)

  • Email addresses for newsletters until you unsubscribe

9. Your rights

Under UK GDPR, you have rights including:

  • The right to access your personal data

  • The right to correction of inaccurate data

  • The right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”)

  • The right to restrict or object to processing

  • The right to data portability (where applicable)

To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details below.

10. Data security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your data against loss, misuse, or unauthorised access.

However, no website or internet transmission is completely secure.

11. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last updated” date.

12. Contact us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact: alexis@newcastlesparkles.co.uk