Newbiggin by the Sea Golf Club

The club sits right on Newbiggin-by-the-Sea's seafront, and if you're a golfer staying at one of the nearby parks like Church Point or Sandy Bay, it's practically on your doorstep. An 18-hole course with proper character - the kind of layout that rewards straight hitting and punishes a loose swing. The sea views alone make it worth playing, though they're as distracting as they are lovely.

You'll need to be a member or have arranged a guest round beforehand; this isn't a pay-and-play operation. Green fees for visitors exist but vary, so check their website before you head there. Allow a good four hours for a full round, more if you're the type who gets chatty in the clubhouse afterwards. The course plays to a decent length and the greens are well-maintained, though the Northumberland wind can be properly fierce when it gets up.

Walkers won't get much from it unless you're keen on golf yourself, but for anyone with a handicap or wanting to improve one, it's a solid day out. The club has been going since 1891, so there's a bit of heritage in the place too, though you're really here for the game rather than a history lesson. If you're based at Cresswell Towers or Golden Sands for a week, this could easily slot into your itinerary as a half-day activity. The seafront location means you can grab a bite in town afterwards.