A North-East town, a coastal village and an island have been shortlisted in a survey to find the best driving destination in the UK.

Barnard Castle, in County Durham, Holy Island, in Northumberland, and Robin Hood's Bay, in North Yorkshire, are among 40 places shortlisted in the quest to find the nation's best free driving destination.

The competition has been sponsored by car hire company Avis to celebrate 40 years of its slogan, We Try Harder.

The places on the shortlist were chosen because they have scenic surroundings, good access for cars, parking facilities, and are all free to visit.

The list also includes places such as Windermere, in the Lake District, New Forest, in Hampshire, and Loch Ness and Loch Lomond, in Scotland.

Barnard Castle, in Teesdale, is home to a number of attractions, including the Bowes Museum and a 12th Century castle.

The market town is considered one of the best antique centres in the region and has a number of 12th Century cobbled lanes and alleys.

Barnard Castle Mayor Councillor John Yarker said: "I'm delighted to hear this and I can understand why. Teesdale, and the town in particular, is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and one of the most friendly."

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is home to a wealth of cultural and religious history.

The first abbey was built there in 635AD by St Aidan, and has also been home to St Cuthbert and was the birthplace of the Lindisfarne Gospels.

The island welcomes more than 500,000 visitors a year and is accessible twice a day by a paved causeway.

The picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay, near Whitby, is found in a ravine on the edge of a wide, sweeping bay. It is characterised by cottages on steep-cut banks, which form a maze of turnings and dead-ends

Avis spokeswoman Sarah Kadodwala, said: "In the UK, there are plenty of tourist destinations that are completely free, very easy to drive to and perfect for a family day out. We feel it is important to encourage the public to discover all the wonderful places on their own doorstep."

The top ten destinations will be named next month.

People can vote for their favourite driving destination by visiting www.avis.co.uk