Planning a trip? Here’s a selection of our favourite places to stay and play
Linden Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa
Set in the stunning countryside of Northumberland, the 18-hole layout at Linden Hall remains a fantastic golfing challenge.
Designed by Jonathan Gaunt, the course tests players’ accuracy from tee to green as it progresses through mature woodland and around lakes, ponds and streams. Opened in the mid-1990s, there are four loops of holes – all starting and finishing near the hall – making it ideal for those who do not want to play a full 18, or those looking to play an extra loop early or late in the day. At the higher points on the course, players are treated to magnificent views of The Cheviots and the Northumberland countryside.
The practice facilities here are also top quality, with a covered driving range and dedicated short game area as well as industry-leading tuition and custom fitting powered by Tackman technology and delivered by Elite Golf Academies’ PGA professionals.
You’ll always get a warm welcome and excellent food before and after your round in The Linden Tree Pub, and guests can combine the test of Linden Hall with a visit to the stunning Dunstanburgh Castle links – with one night, two-round golf breaks from just £119 per person.
Linden Hall Hotel, Longhorsley, Morpeth, NE65 8XF, tel 0344 879 9084, www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/linden-hall
Alnmouth Golf Club
England’s fourth oldest golf club, Alnmouth is home to one of the region’s greatest experiences for travelling golfers. Overlooking Foxton Bay, the course was designed by Harry Colt and today it is renowned for its presentation, with work in recent years enhancing the challenge and aesthetics of bunkers across the golf course. The club is also home to first-class practice facilities and a driving range, and is just 40 minutes’ drive from Newcastle. For those travelling to the Northumberland coast, the 26-bed Dormy House within the clubhouse offers a unique stay and play experience – with twin or single rooms and en-suite facilities. The bedrooms have been renovated in the last few years and offer the unique chance to sleep in the clubhouse and wake up with views of the course and spectacular coastline.
Alnmouth Golf Club, Foxton Hall, Alnmouth, NE66 3BE, tel 01665 830 231, www.alnmouthgolfclub.com
Park Head Hotel
The Park Head Hotel is a welcoming spot for golfers visiting the North East. Set in the heart of Durham, the hotel is part of The Auckland Project – a regeneration charity based in the historic town of Bishop Auckland. It underwent a year-long refurbishment before reopening in early 2023 and today it’s home to 38 en-suite rooms. Guests can stay in the main hotel or courtyard rooms, with two-bedroom suites and family rooms available – ensuring groups of all sizes have options which work for them. Having spent a day on the golf course, take the opportunity to dine in the Oak Room Restaurant and unwind in the bar. Breakfast is served early for those heading to the course, plus there’s complimentary parking and free wi-fi. Contact the hotel team to arrange stay and play packages with clubs including Brancepeth Castle, Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle.
Park Head Hotel, Bishop Auckland, DL14 8QB, tel 01388 661 727, www.parkheadhotel.co.uk
Seascale GC & Calder House Hotel
Designed by Willie Campbell and George Lowe more than 100 years ago, the links of Seascale Golf Club remain a traditional English test with spectacular views of the Isle of Man and Scotland to the west, and the mountains of the Lake District to the east. Five miles south of Whitehaven on the west coast of Cumbria, this is a delightful place to play in calm conditions and an exacting test when the wind blows in from the Irish Sea. A regular in top-100 lists and ranked among the world’s best links courses, those who haven’t visited Seascale before should add this to their list of courses to play as soon as possible.
Just metres from the links of Seascale, the Calder House Hotel offers a warm Cumbrian welcome, an excellent breakfast, and stunning views from a number of bedrooms as well as the bar and restaurant. The beer garden is a great spot in the summertime, plus there’s free parking and wi-fi. A range of en-suite rooms are available, and golfers are made incredibly welcome here.
Seascale Golf Club, The Banks, Seascale, CA20 1QL, tel 01946 728 202, www.seascalegolfclub.co.uk
Calder House Hotel, The Banks, Seascale, CA20 1QP, tel 01946 728 538, www.calderhouse.co.uk
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; the creation of the spectacular Keepers clubhouse with fantastic views of the course, state-of-the-art simulators, and great food; and major investments on the golf course across its agronomy, machinery and staffing. Having opened 30 years ago, today Matfen is home to three loops of nine – Douglas, Standing Stone and Dewlaw – with each presenting challenges and unique features which only Matfen has to offer. There’s also a driving range with Toptracer technology, and the brilliant par three course to keep you busy. Add in the stunning new spa facilities and there’s little more you could want on- or off-course.
Matfen Hall, Matfen Village, Northumberland, NE20 0RH, tel 01661 886 500, www.matfenhall.com
Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa
For those travelling north to the Scottish Borders, Cardrona Hotel Golf & Spa is a perfect spot to stay, tackle the golf course, explore the area, and unwind in the evenings. The resort is just 40 minutes from Edinburgh and the course – host of top Scottish amateur and professional events in recent years – lies in a unique setting among the Borders Hills and skirting the River Tweed. Designed by former Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas, the course opened in 2001 and today it can test the very best at its full 7,000-yard-plus maximum length – though the regular tees make it a far more manageable test for amateur golfers. The par 72 parkland and woodland layout bears all the hallmarks of a Thomas design – including large bunkering and huge, subtly contoured greens. Expect first-class service and hospitality before and after every round. Make sure to make the most of your time off the course too – whether eating, drinking or visiting the spa.
Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa, Peebles, EH45 8NE, tel 0344 879 9024, www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/cardrona
