Edinburgh Fringe voted top UK travel experience

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe has come top of a list of 500 must-do experiences in the UK compiled by travel guide Lonely Planet.

The festival was voted into first place by travellers asked to rank their most memorable experiences, beating the British Museum and Giant's Causeway.

Lonely Planet's Ultimate United Kingdom Travelist also features Glencoe and Arthur's Seat in the top 20.

There are 67 Scottish entries in total in the list.

The guide said nowhere could beat the Fringe for spectacle or scale.

"There is theatre, comedy, dance, circus, cabaret, opera, music and spoken word, and whatever the time of day, an acrobat, trapeze artist, contortionist or tried-and-tested bagpiping busker will be pleased to entertain you," it added.

The list was created by compiling every highlight from the Lonely Planet guidebooks to Great Britain and Northern Ireland and asking writers to rank their top experiences.

Tom Hall, from the travel guide, said: "Lonely Planet's Ultimate United Kingdom Travelist brings together the UK's most compelling sights and experiences, ranging from world-class museums and giant cathedrals to rollicking festivals, inky lochs and tiny pubs.

"We're thrilled to name the world's largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the UK's top experience - it's one of the most exciting and diverse destinations on the planet."

Shona McCarthy, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said the accolade was "a true testament to the creativity, energy and imagination that Fringe artists and audiences bring to Edinburgh each year".

This year's Fringe runs until 26 August.