I LAST played golf 20 years ago, so when I was invited to have a go on the driving range at Matfen I was a little worried. Two decades ago I was a 'driving farce' in the Suffolk golfing fraternity and playing partners nicknamed me the Whirling Dervish because of my somewhat erratic swing. When I hit a mallard on the 18th fairway, that was it, I packed away my clubs. Perhaps the only golfer to be 'out for a duck'.

But with a few tips from young assistant Spike Nesbit, like pointing me in the right direction, I was back on course with a vengeance.

The Northumberland birdlife flew for cover as I fired balls at random with my trusty No 8 iron. But I didn't hit any birdies this time and, taken under Spike's wing, actually managed to strike most of my tee shots. Tiger Woods beware.

I was staying at magnificent Matfen Hall, a superb country house hotel with its own nine- and 18-hole golf courses.

The house was built in 1830 and incorporates a medieval building and a 1685 dwelling.

A two-year restoration project by Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett has transformed the ancestral home into a top class conference, wedding and golfing venue.

This luxury hotel, which was opened in 1999, has retained much of its original character including a gothic-style Great Hall, complete with stained-glass window, Elizabethan fireplace in the wood-panelled Library Dining Room, and a fireplace in the Terrace Room, which was originally built for Buckingham Palace.

The delightful grounds at Matfen include a garden with over 400 roses and, with a lake and the River Pont flowing through the parkland golf course, the house has a truly picturesque position.

Matfen's proximity to Hadrian's Wall makes it an ideal base for walking and exploring what remains of the Roman Emperor's masterpiece.

During my weekend break I visited the ancient settlement of Vindolanda, at Bardon Mill, a roller-coaster car journey away along the impressive contours of the old B6318 Military Road.

The archaeology is on-going at this fascinating former Roman fort and civilian site, which has reconstructions of Hadrian's Wall and a Roman temple, as well as a Northumbrian croft. The museum houses a collection of artefacts including Roman boots, clothing, and even ancient ink-on-wood letters, which are all amazingly well-preserved.

At the Roman Army Museum, near Greenhead, life-sized figures, reconstructions and even a recruiting film give a taste of what life was like for soldiers garrisoned on the Roman Empire's northern frontier.

The foot and mouth crisis may have put a temporary halt to roaming the Roman wall, but there are still plenty of places to visit in the area surrounding this World Heritage Site.

There's Hexham with its impressive Benedictine abbey, oldest purpose-built gaol in England, and The Sele, its beautiful public park. Or the quaint market town of Corbridge, known as the Bond Street of the north.

The list of castles, museums and heritage sites to visit is endless, with Hadrian's Wall threading its way through the rich tapestry of this historic region.

Some country hotels can be a bit conservative and snooty, but this wasn't the case at Matfen where the efficient staff were incredibly friendly and the food was superb.

Head chef Julian Prosser, who trained on board the QE2, has in his career gained two AA rosettes and a recommendation from Michelin.

Julian, who has been at the Hall since July 1999, said: "My philosophy is fresh, good, and local whenever possible. For my ingredients I get my fish from the market at North Shields or up at Amble, and my meat and game locally. Much of it comes from Sir Hugh's farms, so not too much haggling there!"

Later, golfers discussed the day's play at the 19th hole, the hotel's impressive Conservatory Bar overlooking the 18th green.

They talked of wayward putts, sliced tee shots, double-bogeys and missed birdies... but no mention of ducks. Perhaps I should give the game another whirl.

Now where did I put those clubs?

Matfen Hall Country House Hotel

Matfen, Northumberland NE20 0RH

Tel: 01661 886 500. Fax: 01661 886 055

Email: info@matfenhall.com

Website: www.matfenhall.com

Useful addresses

Northumbria Tourist Board

Aykley Heads,

Durham DH1 5UX

Tel 0191 375 3000.

Fax 0191 386 0899

Email: enquiries@ntb.org.uk

Websites: www.ntb.org.uk

www.visitnorthumbria.com

For general information on Northumbria call the Great North Number on 0906 683 3000. This number operates Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and is a premium rate number, charged at 25p per minute (calls may be recorded)