Barnard Castle

Was it really worth so many fights between the Scots, Normans and Prince Bishops over this? The setting is grand, overlooking the river and bridge, and many authors have been inspired by its prospect and turbulent history. But it's hard to disagree with the 17th-century new owner, awarded it by the Crown for not being treasonous like the previous occupant, who took one look and decamped to Raby Castle 8 miles east in Bishop Auckland.

This grandiose late 19th-century concoction is County Durham's best attempt at recreating the Louvre. It holds blingy fine art by the metric tonne: El Greco, Goya, ceramics, tapestries, Canaletto, jewels, and on and on it goes. Be there for 2PM, when a mechanical silver swan whirrs into life, craning and preening its feathers then trying to catch a fish.

This was a Premonstratensian abbey built in the late 12th century, knocked about by visiting armies, and after Dissolution much of its masonry was re-used elsewhere. What's left is a picturesque ruin on the river bank that can be reached both by car and via a nice 30 min walk along the river Tees.

White tees 6423 yards, par 73.

Gym, pool, sports hall, climbing wall, various drop-in fitness classes.