The Lake District has been named as the number one free tourist attraction in the UK.

Also on a list compiled by coach operator National Express - which includes more than 40 sites across the UK - are Hadrian's Wall and Castlerigg Stone Circle, near Keswick.

The Lakes beat off competition from a raft of other beauty spots to claim top spot, including the RAF Museum in Cosford, Shropshire, Newquay's beaches and the Royal Crescent in Bath.

Meanwhile Hadrian's Wall, which once spanned the width of England from the Solway Firth to the north east, was named in fourth place, with only the Peak District and Brighton Pier preventing a Cumbrian one-two.

National Express published the list as part of its "Get out of London" campaign, which is aimed at helping open the eyes of people living in the capital to the wide range of attractions they can visit across the country.

Every attraction on the list is free to enter, although some welcome voluntary donations.

Also on the list is the Castlerigg Stone Circle, which was constructed around 3,000BC and is believed to have been one of the earliest in the country.

Unlike many which were constructed between 2,000 and 800BC, Castlerigg, along with Swinside in the southern Lakes and Long Meg and her Daughters in the Eden Valley, does not contain formal burials.

English Heritage says that the precise function of Castlerigg - and other stone circles - is not known but that their importance could have centred on large their internal areas with formalised entrances.

Sites such as Castlerigg are were also viewed as important meeting places for Neolithic communities and were locations were trades and religious ceremonies may have taken place.

Chris Hardy, managing director at National Express, said: "It can be expensive keeping kids entertained over half term do so we’ve pulled together a list showing people how they can make the most of the holidays for free.

"There’s no end of incredible sights to soak up in Cumbria for free but there is little more enjoyable than the great outdoors so it’s not a surprise to see this stunning region topping the list."