Northumberland is known for its castles, Hadrian’s Wall, Holy Island and miles of empty beaches. Its golf courses, especially those along the coast, often fly under the radar, but visiting golfers are regularly amazed by their quality and beauty. Here is a taste of a few days’ golf in England’s most northerly county.
Start in Newcastle
Fly into Newcastle Airport and head straight to The Northumberland Golf Club, one of the county’s most respected courses. This beautiful Harry Colt design winds around the Gosforth Park racecourse, giving you the feeling of playing within a special sporting estate.
Links golf on the border
Further north, close to Berwick-upon-Tweed and the Scottish border, Goswick is an Open Championship qualifying course and a proper test of links golf along a dramatic coastline. Nearby, the Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery makes a fascinating stop, with a chance to sample some excellent English whisky.
The biggest surprise
Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club follows the natural contours of Embleton Bay beneath the ruins of a medieval castle. It is beautifully maintained, wonderfully scenic and outstanding value, and many visitors call it the highlight of their trip. Bamburgh Castle and Alnmouth are close by if you want to add more coastal golf.
Where to stay and what to see
For a peaceful rural retreat, try The Tempus at Charlton Hall. In Alnwick, the boutique Bailiffgate Hotel is a short walk from Alnwick Castle, famous from the Harry Potter films, and the spectacular Alnwick Garden.
More than castles
Great golf, rich history, genuine hospitality and some of Britain’s most beautiful coastline make Northumberland a destination that stays with you. Explore our golf tours of the North East, or tell us what you have in mind.