Whether you’re travelling to the region or looking for a great venue for a couple of nights’ away while you relax on and off the golf course, we’ve got the perfect place for your next stay and play trip
Scotland’s Golf Coast – East Lothian
There are few better destinations for a golf trip in the UK than East Lothian. There are 21 courses (at 18 golf clubs) along 30 miles of stunning coastline, with a variety of golf and accommodation to suit all golfers. The region has the greatest concentration of championship links golf courses in the world, and 2022 will see The Renaissance host the Genesis Scottish Open for the fourth year in a row, while the AIG Women’s Open will be held at Muirfield for the first time in August. Among the 21 courses in East Lothian, you’ll find three which regularly feature in the top 30 courses in the UK (whichever poll you choose to use) – Muirfield, North Berwick and Gullane (No.1). There’s also the historic Musselburgh Old Links, the picturesque Glen Golf Club, James Braid-designed Royal Musselburgh, Gullane’s beautiful No.2 and No.3 layouts, and many more fabulous courses hugging the coastline and set a little further inland. Plus, all courses are within a 30-minute drive of each other. Accommodation in East Lothian is perfectly matched to travelling golfers varying from hotels to bed and breakfasts, and from resorts to self-catering. There are many dining options too. For more information and to begin planning your stay and play trip, visit www.scotlandsgolfcoast.com
Bellingham Golf Club
Set in the Northumberland National Park in the North Tyne Valley, Bellingham offers some of the best golfing views in Northumberland. Situated between Hadrian’s Wall and the Scottish border, the layout offers spectacular views extending up the Tyne Valley towards the Border Forest Park and Kielder reservoir. One of the oldest courses in England, Bellingham was founded in 1893 as a nine-hole layout. Today, the 18-hole course is a mature track and is always a fun challenge. The par of 70 ensures it remains no pushover, and the signature par four 12th, Dormouse, is one of the best short par fours in the region. Bellingham Golf Club, Boggle Hole, Bellingham, NE48 2DT, tel 01434 220 530, www,bellinghamgolfclub.com
Allendale Golf Club
When it comes to stunning locations for golf, few can contend with Allendale Golf Club. The clubhouse sits 1,077ft above sea level on the west-facing side of Green Hill, which peaks at 1,374ft. While measuring around 2,500 yards, this nine-hole layout is no pushover. When you’ve walked the course, taken in the spectacular views and tackled the small, bunkerless greens you soon appreciate the special place this course has among Northumberland’s layouts. Two holes here – played at the 3rd/12th and 17th will make it into any list of the North East’s best par threes. The third, played steeply downhill, is longer at 187 yards (132 yards on the back nine), while the 17th (played as a tricky 308-yard dogleg par four on the front nine) is aptly named Grand Canyon. A fun course which is laid out over a stunning piece of the Northumberland landscape, this is a must-visit for those in the area. Allendale Golf Club, High Studdon, Allendale, NE47 9DH, tel 07005 808 246, www.allendale-golf.co.uk
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 to stunning accommodation in the 127-bedroom hotel or magnificent treehouses; first-class dining in the hotel’s 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
The Manor House Inn
For those playing golf in west Northumberland and the Tyne Valley, The Manor House Inn is the perfect base. Recently refurbished by owner Terry Christie, this traditional inn close to Hadrian’s Wall offers everything a group of golfers needs – comfy beds to rest your heads, space to tell stories of the day’s triumphs and failures late into the evening, and partnerships with the best local golf clubs. Terry and the team also serve a top-notch breakfast to get you started each morning, and can arrange your trip to take in courses including Allendale, Haltwhistle and Brampton. The inn has 10 en-suite bedrooms with space to store your clubs between rounds, and the team can also provide minibus travel to and from the course each day. To arrange a trip or discuss your plans, contact Terry on the number below. The Manor House Inn, Main Street, Haltwhistle, NE49 9AH, tel 01434 322 588, www.manorhousehaltwhistle.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
