Two areas of Northern Ireland have been named in the Top 10 charming small towns in the UK.
Global travel site Big 7 Travel has released the official list of the ' 25 Most Charming Small Towns in the UK 2020 ' and two from here have broken into the top 10.
Quaint cobblestone streets with thatch cottages, seaside fishing villages and famous filming locations make up the list, with each town boasting its own unique charm.
Our own seaside town of Portrush ranked at number 10 in the list while Cushendun was ranked at number 6.
Describing Portrush judges said: "Portrush is a fun seaside town in Northern Ireland that’s famous for its location along the magnificent Causeway Coast and its three sandy Blue Flag beaches.
"It’s a popular holiday destination for people all across Ireland and beyond, with a kitsch-y amusement park and a lively harbour."
Ranking Cushendun in sixth place they said: "This small seaside village in Co. Antrim in Northern Ireland is a buzzy place with welcoming local pubs and traditional-style shops.
"Charmingly scenic paths wind through the village, beach front, harbour, and Glendun river, making it a walker’s paradise. The distinctive Cornish white cottages are now owned by The National Trust."
The towns (classified by under population of 10,000) were ranked based on their 'charm factor', which includes natural scenery, general friendliness of the community, food and drink scene, history or culture.
Here's the top ten:
10th. Portrush, Northern Ireland
9th. Hawkshead, Cumbria
8th. Crail, Fife, Scotland
7th. Weymouth, Dorset
6th. Cushendun, Northern Ireland
5th. Shanklin, Isle of Wight
4th. Beddgelert, Snowdonia, Wales
3rd. Polperro, Cornwall
2nd. Castle Combe, Cotswolds
1st. Rye, Sussex
You can view the full top 25 towns here.
