Buchanan Street in Glasgow contributed to the city's success

Scotland's biggest city outranked rival Edinburgh at number four, as well as Newcastle and Bristol.

The poll said shoppers were more likely to experience a "perfect" Christmas shopping trip in Glasgow than any other area outside London.

In the survey, by Yell, which quizzed more than 2,000 people, Stirling was named the best place for grocers.

Philip Riddell, chief executive of Visit Scotland, said Glasgow and Edinburgh combined offered the best shopping experience in Britain.

He said: "Glasgow and Edinburgh can compete with the best when it comes to Christmas shopping thanks to a wide range of retail shopping opportunities from top designer stores to unusual boutiques.

"They also offer some of the best accommodation to complement the Christmas shopping experience and are only 40 minutes apart by train, so double the shopping pleasure.

"Add to that our winter markets, fantastic winter festivals, including our world famous Hogmanay celebrations, and you can see why they are the best in Britain."