Planning a trip? Here’s a selection of our favourite places to visit
Alnmouth Golf Club
England’s fourth oldest golf club, a trip to the Northumberland coast and Alnmouth Golf Club is always highly recommended. Overlooking Foxton Bay, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the course around Foxton Hall was designed by Harry Colt. Renowned for its condition and overall presentation, Alnmouth is also home to first-class practice facilities and a driving range. Only 40 minutes’ drive from Newcastle, visitors are always given a warm welcome here and the 26-bed Dormy House within the clubhouse is designed to accommodate golfers with twin or single rooms and en-suite facilities. Alnmouth Golf Club, Foxton Hall, Alnmouth, NE66 3BE, tel 01665 830 231, www.alnmouthgolfclub.com
Bellingham Golf Club
Northumberland’s golfers are blessed with variety. From rugged coastal links to the manicured parkland courses close to the River Tyne, the county is home to something to suit every golfing need. For those in search of stunning scenery high in the hills, there are few better options than Bellingham Golf Club. Set in the Northumberland National Park in the North Tyne Valley, Bellingham offers some of the best golfing views in Northumberland. Founded in 1893, the club is proud of its reputation as a friendly and welcoming place to play golf. The par 70 course has stunning views over the Northumbrian countryside and a mix of challenging holes – particularly on the back nine, where you’ll also find the signature par four 12th, Dormouse, one of the best short par fours in the region. The staff at Bellingham are proud of their club and their pride shines through in the service and care shown to members, guests and visitors alike. Bellingham Golf Club, Boggle Hole, Bellingham, NE48 2DT, tel 01434 220 530, www,bellinghamgolfclub.com
Riverdale Hall Country House Hotel
Bellingham Golf Club has close ties to the Riverdale Hall Country House Hotel, which means societies get a great deal on stay and play golf. For those travelling to Northumberland, or playing along the Tyne Valley, a stay at the Riverdale Hall Hotel is highly recommended. The relaxed feel and hearty breakfast are perfect for those returning from a day on the course, or raring to get out there. Riverdale Hall Hotel, Bellingham, NE48 2JT, tel 01434 220 254, www.riverdalehallhotel.co.uk
Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa
For those travelling north, Macdonald Cardrona Hotel Golf & Spa is well worth a visit. The resort is just 40 minutes from Edinburgh and the championship course rests in a unique setting among the Borders Hills, skirted by the River Tweed. Designed by former Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas in 2001, the 7,010-yard, par 72 parkland and woodland layout bears all the hallmarks of a Thomas design – including large bunkering and huge, subtly contoured greens. Cardrona is a must-play for those within a couple of hours’ drive and you can expect first-class service and hospitality before and after every round. Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa Cardrona, Peebles, Peebleshire, EH45 8NE, tel 0344 879 9024, www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/macdonald-cardrona-hotel-golf-spa/golf
Lundin Golf Club
With noted architects including Old Tom Morris and James Braid, the course at Lundin, which was formed in 1868, remains one of Scotland’s finest links with spectacular views across the Firth of Forth. The course remains largely as it was some 100 years ago. The first five holes are in classic links tradition proceeding to the Mile Dyke. Players then cross the now extinct railway line and play the, relatively, newer James Braid-designed nine holes before returning back across the railway to the pure linksland. Though it is not long by modern standards, Lundin remains a thorough test of golfing skills, as seen during its turns as a Final Qualifying venue for the Open Championship. A number of hotels and guest houses across Fife cater specifically for golfers, and Lundin makes a perfect day out as part of a short break in the region. Lundin Golf Club, 9 Golf Road, Lundin Links Fife, KY8 6BA, tel 01333 320 202, www.lundingolfclub.co.uk
Golf Escapes
For those in search of their next weekend away in the UK and Ireland, or some much needed sunshine and golf a little further afield, Golf Escapes offers a wide range of tailored golfing holidays for people and groups of all golfing abilities. Celebrating it’s 20th anniversary, Golf Escapes continues to offer the very best in value and service with a wide range of destinations on offer, including the best golfing resorts in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and across Europe; some deals closer to home in the UK & Ireland; and long-haul options including South Africa, Mauritius, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The Golf Escapes team pride themselves on first-hand experience and inside knowledge – ensuring they provide the very best golfing getaways time after time. For those looking for some winter golf in the sun or early booking discount for your 2023 group, the team are ready to help. All this and much more can be found on the new website, www.golf-escapes.com, then get in touch on 01342 811 777 or send an enquiry to info@golf-escapes.com and the team of platinum-accredited experts will be more than happy to help you on your way.
Ramside Hall
Situated on the outskirts of Durham City – with easy access to the A1, A19 and A690 – the two golf courses at Ramside Hall sit in 350 acres of beautiful grounds. Both the Cathedral and Prince Bishops’ courses offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside, with Durham Cathedral in the distance, and provide an unrivalled golfing experience. The courses offer great variety and can be combined into a memorable two-day visit. Meanwhile, Ramside offers everything you need to relax off the golf course – from the 16-bay, floodlit driving range with Toptracer technology to stunning accommodation in the hotel or magnificent treehouses; first-class dining in the restaurants; and luxurious relaxation in the award-winning spa. A wide range of golf breaks are available including food and accommodation as well as the option to make use of the spa. For more information and to book, visit the website. Ramside Hall, Carrville, Durham, DH1 1TD tel 0191 3869 514, www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk
Northumbria Golf Breaks
Looking to travel further afield for your next golf break? Northumbria Golf Breaks is based in the North East and has more than 20 years’ experience in creating holiday packages for golfers. The team at Northumbria Golf Breaks are experts on the resorts, hotels and courses they work with, while their golfing knowledge ensures each package is tailored to your group – whether a small family trip or a big society holiday. Northumbria Golf Breaks is a member of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators and holds an ATOL license, meaning you can book your next trip with total peace of mind. As well as building packages to suit all kinds of golfing groups, the team also hosts two Mixed Competition Weeks every year, in the spring and autumn, visit www.golfnorthumbria.com/competition-weeks for details on the 2023 events. www.golfnorthumbria.com
George Washington Hotel, Golf and Spa
Resort courses can vary a lot – from merely acceptable to the fantastic – and from your first steps into the clubhouse at George Washington Hotel, Golf and Spa you know you’re in for a fantastic experience. The modern clubhouse is close to the 16-bay driving range, complete with heated bays and six power tees, while you’ll also find FlightScope technology in the pro studio alongside an excellent bar/lounge and pro shop. The luxury continues into the hotel – which features the Carter & Fitch restaurant, a spa and leisure club. At the heart of the resort is the par 73 golf course, which can be stretched to 6,625 yards from the back tees. Opened in 1979, the tree-lined fairways are reasonably generous, though beware wandering off into the trees as it can be tough to find, and tougher still to play, your ball. George Washington, Stone Cellar Road, Washington, NE37 1PH, tel 0191 402 9988, www.georgewashington.co.uk/golf
