Brancepeth Castle Golf Club

Brancepeth Castle Golf Club sits just outside Durham and occupies genuinely impressive grounds - the course winds through what used to be castle parkland, which gives it character you won't find at every municipal layout. The 18-hole course is well-maintained and challenging enough to keep serious golfers interested without being punishing if you're still finding your rhythm.

The main draw here is the setting. Playing around mature trees with views of the countryside around Durham proper beats whacking balls at a flat, featureless club any day. It's a proper members' club rather than a pay-as-you-play operation, so access depends on guest privileges or joining, which is worth checking their website for current arrangements.

You'll want to allow the standard four hours for a round, longer if the group ahead is slow. The walk is fairly substantial - comfortable shoes are essential. Golfers planning a week based at The Gables Pod Camping five miles away would do well to sort guest play here in advance. It's the kind of course that makes for a pleasant day out if you're staying locally, but not worth a special trip from across the country.

Historically minded players might enjoy knowing the castle itself dates back centuries, though you're really just golfing through the grounds rather than exploring the lot. Go on a quieter weekday morning if you can - summer weekends get busy with members.