Sharpley Golf Course

Out towards Peterlee in County Durham, Sharpley Golf Course sits as a proper working track for golfers who want a straightforward day on the greens without the stuffy clubhouse atmosphere. It's a nine-hole course, which means you can knock out a full round in a couple of hours if you're sharp, or take your time and make an afternoon of it. The layout's gentle enough for weekend players but demands respect from your swing - enough undulation to keep things interesting without making you want to throw your clubs in the rough.

You'll need to be a golfer to get much from it, obviously. This isn't a spectator sport or somewhere you pop in for a casual wander. Ring ahead to check whether you need membership or if you can just turn up and pay green fees - the details are a bit thin on the ground online. County Durham's got some pleasant countryside round here, and if you're based at The Barn at Easington, just down the road, Sharpley makes for a decent half-day excursion. The area's quiet rather than dramatic, good if you're looking for peace and a decent fairway.

Give yourself three hours to be comfortable, maybe four if you're a slower player or the course is busy. Best avoided in January when the ground's likely waterlogged, but spring through autumn should treat you fine. It's the sort of place that rewards repeat visits once you know the course - not flashy, just solid.