Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course

Dramatic coastal holes make this one of Northumberland's most spectacular golf experiences. The course runs along the clifftops between Embleton and Craster, with the imposing ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle providing a backdrop that's frankly impossible to match anywhere else in England.

Golf purists will appreciate the traditional links layout - it's proper seaside golf with plenty of wind to contend with. The signature holes hug the coastline, and you'll find yourself stopping mid-swing just to take in the views across to the Farne Islands. It's not overly long at just over 6,000 yards, but the elements can make even short holes feel like a proper test.

Families staying at nearby sites like Dunstan Hill Camping or Coast and Castles Camping will find this course refreshingly welcoming. The clubhouse is unpretentious, and green fees won't break the bank compared to some of the championship courses further south. Non-golfers can easily walk the coastal path while their partners play through.

Allow around four hours for a round, though you might want longer if the photography bug bites. The course plays well year-round, but spring and early autumn offer the best combination of decent weather and fewer crowds. From Alnwick, it's a straightforward drive along the coast road.