Bedale Golf Course

An 18-hole course just outside Northallerton that's been going since 1896. The layout sprawls across parkland with decent length and enough variety to keep you honest without being punishing - there's water hazards dotted about and the greens have proper character rather than being flat and dull. It's the sort of place where you genuinely want to play well rather than just hack around.

Golfers of all abilities will find something here. Beginners won't feel out of place, and there's enough challenge for mid-handicappers to stay engaged for a full round. The course condition depends on the season like anywhere else in North Yorkshire, but it's well-maintained and feels lived-in rather than overly manicured.

You'll want to book ahead - this is a members' club first and foremost, though visitors are welcomed on most days. Check their website for guest rates and availability before you drive up from Northallerton. Allow a good four hours for a round, longer if the course is busy. The clubhouse is functional rather than fancy, but that's half the charm.

If you're basing yourself at Pembroke Caravan Park just down the road, Bedale makes for a natural morning or afternoon out. Kiplin Country Park and Sleningford Watermill aren't far either, so you could easily mix golf with exploring the wider area without wasting time driving about.