Golf

For those who want to feel like a pro, The Wynyard Golf Club near Middlesbrough is a breathtaking course cut into mature woodland, extremely challenging in places, and will test every level of golfer. It is of such high quality that in 2005 it hosted the Seve Trophy, attended by many of Europe's top golfers. Cleveland Golf Club, situated in Redcar, is an exhilarating example of the rugged beauty of a North East championship links course. Famed for the exposed nature of the course, be prepared to have a good score ruined by a sudden gust of wind off the unforgiving North Sea.

If you are looking for sheer beauty, then no course in Britain can compare with Bamburgh Castle Golf Club. Using the castle as a back drop, this one hundred year old links course is guaranteed to swell your love of golf. If you don't fancy taking on a links course, but want to play in the shadow of a castle then Brancepeth Golf Club is where you should head. Located in the heart of County Durham, this majestic course offers views of Brancepeth Castle and the rolling hills beyond.

In terms of combining rest and relaxation with golfing heaven you should look no further than De Vere Slaley Hall in Northumberland. Situated in 1,000 acres of beautiful forest and moorland, Slaley Hall is home to two perfectly manicured, championship quality courses. Once you've finished your round you can head back to the stately house and indulge in any manner of therapeutic spa treatments. You will soon forget that costly double bogey. Equally luxurious and challenging is Matfen Hall Hotel's riverside course. Surrounded by the Northumberland countryside, you could be forgiven for feeling a million miles from anywhere, but the heart of Newcastle is only 20 miles away.

Check out each area's Tourist Information Centre for further details.