Top 5 Golf Courses in Northumberland That Should Be on Every Golfer’s Radar
- Northumberland Luxury Stays
- Jul 7
- 5 min read
Our Top 5 Golf Courses in Northumberland That Should Be on Every Golfer’s Radar!
Looking to elevate your next golf getaway? Northumberland is home to some of the most scenic and underrated courses in England. If Northumberland isn’t already on your golfing bucket list, it’s time to change that. Tucked away in the rugged northeast of England, this region offers a mix of coastal links, parkland gems, and championship-level inland fairways, with views that’ll make you want to pause mid-round just to soak it all in.
We’ve rounded up five of the best golf courses in Northumberland, all hand-picked for their stunning scenery, quality of play, and local acclaim. Whether you're a seasoned golfer chasing challenging rounds or just looking for somewhere new to swing your clubs, these are the courses that deserve a spot on your radar.
Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course
Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the sweeping Embleton Bay coast, Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course is one of Northumberland’s most iconic links layouts. Founded around 1900 and later redesigned by Open Champion James Braid in the early 1920s, this 18-hole, par-70 gem wraps around dunes with the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle always in view.
What Makes It Special
Scenic Setting: Perched above golden sands and rugged cliffs, the course skirts the sea amid stunning backdrops with a sweeping beach, tidal estuary, and medieval architecture.
Championship Pedigree: A James Braid original, later enhanced by William Sutherland, it remains true to its traditional design and maintains excellent year-round condition
Memorable Holes: The infamous 13th Hole, dubbed the "Castle Hole," is a short par-3 played across a gully to a saucer-shaped green beneath the ruins, one of the most photographed and dramatic holes in the region.
Authentic Atmosphere: Known as one of the friendliest course in the county, it pairs challenging golf with warm hospitality, and relaxed clubhouse etiquette.
Why It Should Be on Your Radar
It consistently ranks among Northumberland’s top links courses, featured in both local and national golf listings.
It delivers the full links experience, steam breeze off the North Sea, varied wind conditions, firm turf, and no two holes alike.
The combination of visual drama, environmental preservation, and traditional gameplay makes it a must-play.
Goswick Links
Tucked into the windswept dunes just south of Berwick-upon-Tweed, Goswick Links stands as a rugged yet refined testament to classic links golf. Founded in 1890, this gem was originally named after Roman-era Goswick (Goose Farm) and has since been shaped by legendary architects like Willie Park Jr., James Braid, and Frank Pennink.
What Makes it Special
Championship pedigree: It’s one of only 15 courses chosen by the R&A to host regional qualifiers for The Open Championship, including events as recent as 2019.
Top-tier rankings: Ranked among the top 100 golf courses of all kinds in GB&I, and England’s top 50 by National Club Golfer, while Golf World lists it among Great Britain & Ireland’s top 100 links, and Northumberland and Durham’s top-rated golf course.
Pure links terrain: Featuring fescue fairways with springy bounce and responsive greens that play fast year-round, it offers a true seaside links experience.
Why It Should Be on Your Radar
Layout diversity: The back nine climbs through dunes and offers more dramatic terrain, while the front nine unfolds more subtly, both equally challenging.
Length for all players: Stretching from 5,523 yd to 6,848 yd depending on tees, it caters to all skill levels.
Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the course also embraces eco-friendly practices, ensuring its dunes and grasses thrive naturally.
Alnmouth Golf Club (Foxton Hall)
Situated just moments from the North Sea, Alnmouth Golf Club holds the distinction of being the fourth oldest golf club in England. The course, as it stands today, features two scenic nine-hole loops, expertly designed by renowned course architect Harry Colt, whose thoughtful layout blends heritage with playability. It’s widely regarded as the oldest 9‑hole links course in England, established back in 1869 by Open Champion Mungo Park, who served as the club’s first professional and greenkeeper. Far from feeling dated, the course offers high-quality turf and a layout that remains a genuine challenge for golfers today.
What Makes It Special
Compact but real links challenge: The nine-hole layout hugs the coastline for the front loop, then climbs onto higher ground. Firm turf, undulating fairways, small sloping greens, blind tee shots, and coastal winds all demand strategy and creativity.
Flexible play options: Though it’s a 9-hole course, alternate tees allow golfers to complete a full 18-hole round. Visitors enjoy a timeless, grassroots golf experience with an authentic feel.
Why It Should Be on Your Radar
Overlooking the sweeping views of Foxton and Alnmouth Bay within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Alnmouth Golf Club at Foxton Hall offers not only stunning scenery but also one of the finest golfing experiences in the Northeast of England, making it a standout destination for golfers seeking both challenge and charm.
Close House (Lee Westwood Colt Course)
Nestled in the beautiful Tyne Valley near Heddon-on-the-Wall, just under 10 miles from Newcastle, Close House’s Colt Course offers one of Northumberland’s finest inland golfing experiences. Opened in May 2011 and built over rolling estate land, the course was designed by Scott Macpherson with input from tour star Lee Westwood, channelling the classic style of Golden Age architect Harry Colt.
What Makes It Special
Golden-Age inspired: You’ll recognise Colt’s influence in the rectangular tees, the classic bunker shapes, and beautifully diverse par 3s—elements Macpherson carefully wove into the hilly land.
Championship credentials: Measuring around 6,813 yd (par 71), the course quickly earned top‑100 recognition and hosted the European Tour’s British Masters in 2017 and 2020.
Scenic elevation changes: Four notably steep climbs on holes 2, 5, 7, and 10—are balanced by thrilling descents like the 6th, 8th, and signature 13th, rewarding strong fitness and shot-making.
Immaculate conditioning: Backed by USGA-standard greens, well-kept bunkers, and lush fairways The Colt Course is consistently lauded as one of England’s best-conditioned parkland layouts.
Why It Should Be on Your Radar
Northumberland’s top inland test: Regularly cited as the region’s leading parkland course and featured in the Top 100 of Great Britain & Ireland.
Pro-grade pedigree: Twice the setting for the European Tour’s British Masters, it’s a course that challenges pros and delights serious amateurs alike.
Slaley Hall (Hunting Course)
Nestled within a sprawling Northumberland estate south of Hexham, Slaley Hall’s Hunting Course offers a championship-standard parkland experience. Often nicknamed the “Augusta of the North”, it is consistently rated among the best inland courses in the region.
What Makes It Special
Championship pedigree: Designed by Dave Thomas and opened in 1989–1990, the course stretches over 7,000 yards with a par of 72. It has hosted prestigious events, including the Great North Open (European Tour, 1996–2002) and tours featuring senior professionals.
Dramatic, varied terrain: Carved through pine forests, heather moorland, lakes, and streams, the layout demands thoughtful play. Key holes like the signature 9th—played through a tree-lined corridor over a burn to a guarded green offer strategic depth and visual drama.
Tournament-worthy conditioning: Maintained to USGA standards, its fairways, greens, and bunkering receive high praise. Reviews describe it as an impeccable test of precision and course management.
Why It Should Be on Your Radar
Top inland destination: It’s widely regarded as the best parkland course in Northumberland and ranks among the top inland tracks in England.
Pro-level challenge: With dense pines, water hazards, elevation changes, and tactical bunkering, it rewards precision and punishes errant shots, perfect for golfers seeking a serious test.
Northumberland is an ideal golf destination if you’re after authentic courses, coastal drama, and quality play without the crowds. Our top 5 golf courses in northumberland that should be on every golfer’s radar offer something for everyone, from pure links lovers to those seeking a more relaxed, scenic round.
Pack your clubs, clear your calendar, and tee off in a region that blends golf history, natural beauty, and unforgettable fairways.
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