If the chance of Northumberland turns up grab it - I loved it. Seaton Carew is a good course, whichever combination of holes you play. I think you would enjoy Brancepeth Castle a lot. There are two or three excellent holes at Hartlepool itself, but there are some ordinary ones as well. It drains well and is usually quite fun in winter, EXCEPT that you get to play some silly tees. Cleveland at Redcar is worth a shout after you've finished the others. I rather like Hexham, too, especailly as it gives you the opportunity to smash a few greenhouses on the 18th.