REGION GUIDE
Golf in the North East of England
England’s North East is one of the best-kept secrets in golf. The Northumberland coast offers links golf beneath medieval castles, the Tees Valley has a run of classic links within minutes of each other, and Newcastle adds a lively city with excellent parkland golf.
The welcome is famously warm, the value is outstanding and the scenery, from Holy Island to Hadrian’s Wall, is unforgettable.
Top 10 must-play courses
- Goswick Golf Club: An Open qualifying links near Berwick-upon-Tweed.
- Bamburgh Castle Golf Club: Clifftop golf with views of Bamburgh Castle and the Farne Islands.
- Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club: Links golf beneath the ruins of a medieval castle.
- Seaton Carew Golf Club: A top-ranked links shaped by Alister MacKenzie.
- The Northumberland Golf Club: A Harry Colt course within the Gosforth Park racecourse.
- Close House: Two championship courses that have hosted the British Masters.
- Rockliffe Hall: A five-star golf resort near Darlington.
- Alnmouth Golf Club: The Foxton course, a Harry Colt design on the Northumberland coast.
- Matfen Hall: 27 holes in three loops of nine around a country house hotel.
- City of Newcastle Golf Club: Parkland golf on the north side of the city.
The top 10 at a glance
| Course | Type | Par | Yards | Architect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goswick Golf Club | Links | 72 | 6,848 | James Braid |
| Bamburgh Castle Golf Club | Links | 68 | 5,604 | – |
| Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club | Links | 70 | 6,287 | James Braid |
| Seaton Carew Golf Club | Links | 71 | 6,603 | Duncan McCuaig, later Alister MacKenzie |
| The Northumberland Golf Club | Parkland | 72 | 6,687 | Harry Colt, later James Braid |
| Close House | Parkland | 71 (Colt) | – | Scott Macpherson |
| Rockliffe Hall | Parkland | 72 | 7,879 | Marc Westenborg |
| Alnmouth Golf Club | Links | 71 | 6,669 | Harry Colt |
| Matfen Hall | Parkland | 3 × 36 | – | Mark James and Andrew Mair |
| City of Newcastle Golf Club | Parkland | 72 | – | Harry Vardon |
Getting there
Newcastle Airport is the main gateway, with Teesside serving the south of the region. Edinburgh is around 90 minutes from the north Northumberland coast, so it is easy to combine with golf in Scotland.
Where to stay
Rockliffe Hall and Matfen Hall have golf on site. In Northumberland, try The Tempus at Charlton Hall or the Bailiffgate Hotel in Alnwick, and in Newcastle, Malmaison or Hotel du Vin.
When to go
May to September brings the longest days, with daylight well into the evening in midsummer. The links drain well, so spring and autumn golf is good too.
Golf courses in the North East
Golf tours in the North East
Where to stay in the North East
Frequently asked questions
What are the best golf courses in Northumberland?
Goswick, Bamburgh Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle, Alnmouth and The Northumberland are among the best.
Can I combine golf in the North East with Scotland?
Yes. Berwick-upon-Tweed is on the border and Edinburgh is around 90 minutes away, so it is easy to add the Scottish courses.
Is golf in the North East good value?
Yes. Green fees are generally lower than in the South of England, and the quality of the golf is excellent.
Ready to plan your trip?
Tell us where and when you would like to play, and we will put you in touch with a trusted tour operator.