I didn't really know what to expect when we booked here as part of a trip to the area but leaving I think it might be my favourite of the courses in the area.

Of course Dunstanburgh and Goswick deservedly get the plaudits but Bamburgh Castle is just such a fun track with endless quirky features, which combined with the frankly breathtaking views I think makes it a real must play.

Standouts for me are the two par 5s, both leaving you scratching your head as to what is going on off the tee and running along the boundary of the course with views of the Budle water and Holy Island; the 8th and 9th, a short par 3 nestled between rocks followed by a sweeping par 4 with a half pipe from front to back in its part of the double green; and the wild and severely downhill 15th which must drop 150ft from it's highest to lowest point.

It is off the beaten track and will never be conditioned like the top courses, but I couldn't wipe the smile off my face the whole way round and am already wondering when I'm going to be able to go back. Definitely worth a trip to, especially if you love quirk in your golf courses.