GLASGOW and Edinburgh have been named among the best city breaks in the UK to check out this year.
The Scottish cities were named alongside other UK locations like Bristol and Belfast and were praised for their "enchanting" and "bold" atmospheres.
Introducing the list, the Good Housekeeping magazine said: "Given the frenetic pace of modern life, it's little wonder that staycations have become such a popular holiday option in recent years.
"UK city breaks will scratch that adventurous itch without the associated headache of jetting off abroad, and can provide that same sweet escape from your day-to-day surroundings.
"Not to mention city breaks in the UK are often cheaper and better for the planet, too – particularly if you ditch your car and opt to travel by train, where you can sit back, relax and simply soak up the views."
Why Glasgow and Edinburgh were named among the best city breaks in the UK
Discussing Edinburgh, which was ranked number eight on the list, the Good Housekeeping magazine said: "Edinburgh is Scotland's buzzing capital, with an enchanting medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings. Casting a shadow over it all is Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland's crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, once used in the coronation of Scottish rulers.
"Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park boasts sweeping views (and offers varying levels of walking difficulty), while Calton Hill is topped with monuments and memorials."
Glasgow was ranked number 15 and described as Edinburgh’s "bigger, bolder, brasher cousin".
The publication said: "It’s a city where stately Victorian and Gothic architecture sits next to stylish steel and glass, and its friendly, boisterous atmosphere has birthed some of the UK’s most celebrated actors and comedians.
"Get to know the beating heart of the city with a wander down the River Clyde, where you’ll see the mighty cranes that pay homage to Glasgow’s shipbuilding past still standing.
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"Nowadays, this regenerated area is home to an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, shopping and entertainment, as well as the Glasgow Science Centre and BBC Scotland HQ.
"Of course, Glasgow has a legendary drinking culture, and as well as any number of traditional haunts, there are newer additions like the Clydeside Distillery – housed inside the old Pumphouse and the city’s first new single malt distillery for more than 100 years – and the craft-focused Drygate micro-brewery.
"And if all that excitement’s making your head spin, chill out with a wander through the spectacular botanic garden, or get a dose of culture at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art."
