Whether you’re planning a short break close to home, a society trip, captain’s away day or setting up your next golf holiday, we have a stay and play destination for you…
Scotland’s Golf Coast – East Lothian
With 21 courses (at 18 clubs) along a 30-mile stretch of coastline, East Lothian lays claim to the title of Scotland’s No.1 Golf Destination.
With golf for all abilities and budgets, Scotland’s Golf Coast is easily reached from the region. All golf courses are within 30 mins of each other, and Edinburgh is only 50 mins from the furthest course.
The region has the greatest concentration of championship links golf courses in the world, including bucket-list courses such as Muirfield, North Berwick and Gullane No1. There is also the historic nine-hole Musselburgh Links – host of the Open six times in the late 1800s; the picturesque Glen Golf Club; Dunbar and Winterfield to the east; and the fun Kilspindie overlooking the Forth.
The Renaissance Club – home of the Scottish Open until at least 2026 and Archerfield Links offer new challenges; while inland there is the James Braid-designed Royal Musselburgh, and the enviable greens of Gifford. With such great golf, it is no surprise to find a wide variety of accommodation and amenities to suit all – varying from bed and breakfasts, to hotels and resorts, to exclusive-use self-catering.
For more information and to begin planning your stay and play trip, visit www.scotlandsgolfcoast.com
Alnmouth Golf Club
England’s fourth oldest golf club, Alnmouth is rightly regarded as a jewel in the Northumberland coast’s crown. Overlooking Foxton Bay, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the course around Foxton Hall was designed by the legendary Harry Colt.
Renowned for its overall presentation – which is being enhanced further in-line with Colt’s design principles as part of a long-term project – 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
The Auld Cross Keys Inn
The heart of life in the picturesque village of Denholm for more than 200 years, The Auld Cross Keys Inn is a popular choice with golfers visiting the Scottish Borders. The inn can accommodate up to 26 people in its 12 rooms and offers quality food, drink and accommodation at reasonable prices. Within a short drive of some of the best courses in the Scottish Borders – including Eyemouth, Torwoodlee, Minto, Jedburgh, Kelso and the Hirsel – the Auld Cross Keys Inn is a perfect base for golfers.
Auld Cross Keys Inn, Main Street, Denholm, Hawick, TD9 8NU, tel 01450 870 305, www.crosskeysdenholm.co.uk
Bellingham Golf Club & Riverdale Hall Hotel
Set in the spectacular Northumberland National Park in the North Tyne Valley, Bellingham offers some of the best golfing views in the region. Founded in 1893, the par 70 course features a mix of birdie chances and challenging holes – particularly on the back nine, where you’ll find the signature par four 12th, Dormouse, one of the best short par fours in the North East. The club also partners with the Riverdale Hall Country House Hotel to offer packages for societies and travelling golfers. The relaxed feel and hearty food here are perfect for those setting out for a day on the course or returning to unwind and recharge to go again.
Bellingham Golf Club, Boggle Hole, Bellingham, NE48 2DT, tel 01434 220 530, www.bellinghamgolfclub.com
Riverdale Hall Hotel, Bellingham, NE48 2JT, tel 01434 220 254, www.riverdalehallhotel.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.
For more than 20 years, Golf Escapes has offered 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 prides itself on first-hand experience and inside knowledge – ensuring they always provide the very best getaways. For those looking for some winter golf in the sun or an early booking discount for your 2024 holiday, the team is ready to help.
Visit 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 happy to help.
Matfen Hall
Since it opened for play in 1995, the golf course at Matfen Hall has undergone great transformation – not least in recent years following the resort being purchased by the Walwick Estate Group in 2020.
A programme of investment across the business has followed – including a multi-million-pound renovation of the hotel and increased funding on the golf course across its agronomy, machinery and staffing.
With three loops of nine – Douglas, Standing Stone and Dewlaw – the course takes in natural water hazards, woodland, modern bunker aesthetics, and two of the county’s best par threes played over water. There is also a driving range with Toptracer technology, and a fun par three course to enjoy.
After your game, relax in the spectacular surroundings of the hotel, enjoy a fine dining experience and take in all that the Matfen experience offers.
Matfen Hall, Matfen, Northumberland, NE20 0RH, tel 01661 886 400, www.matfenhall.com
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
