North East England is an increasingly compelling destination for golf tour operators and travel agents with clients looking to play championship-quality golf in England. Bordering Scotland, the historic home of golf, this lesser-known region delivers many of the same golfing credentials as its northern neighbour, but often at a more accessible price point, making it an attractive option for an England golf tour or as a part of a wider personalised England vacation package.
Home to some of the finest English golf courses, the North East features stunning coastal links, historic inland clubs, and luxury country house hotels, all within a compact and easily navigable destination.
Here are our picks for the five standout golfing resorts and courses to consider when planning your client’s next North East England golf experience.
What makes North East England the perfect golf destination?
For overseas visitors, North East England offers a unique golf experience that is difficult to find anywhere else. World-class courses, cultural attractions, and stunning surroundings come together to provide excellent value for international golfers. The North East is a very compact region, allowing the opportunity to fit multiple rounds into one short trip, and the welcoming local atmosphere will ensure that every visitor will feel at home.
Reasons North East England is ideal for overseas golfers:
- A wide variety of courses, including historic links and parklands and championship courses to suit every skill level
- Well-connected transport links make getting to and around the region easy for international travellers
- More competitive green fees and affordable accommodation costs compared to more well-known golf regions
- Nearby historic castles, whisky distilleries, and bustling cities offer plenty of off-course entertainment as part of an England vacation package
- Friendly locals, traditional pubs, and cuisine provide a taste of England beyond the golf course.
What are the best golf courses in North East England?
- Slaley Hall, Northumberland
Slaley Hall is one of North East England’s standout golf resorts and a must-play stop on any England golf tour. Set within a grand Northumberland estate, the resort offers two outstanding championship courses that showcase the very best of golf in England. The renowned Hunting Course, often referred to as “August of the North” is a major draw for serious golfers, featuring its own dramatic take on Amen Corner and an impressive tournament pedigree, having hosted multiple European Tour and PGA events.
What Slaley Hall offers golfers
- Two 18-hole championship courses
- PGA professional coaching opportunities
- Driving range, putting green, and buggy hire
- Claret Jug Bar on site with views overlooking the course
Credit: Pellier Photography
2. Matfen Hall
Matfen Hall offers a five-star golf experience and is widely regarded as one of the most luxurious golf venues in North East England. Set within 300 acres of parkland, this elegant estate is perfectly suited for travellers with a premium budget looking to explore the best of golf in England as part of a bespoke England golf tour or high-end England vacation package. Matfen’s beautifully designed course is complemented by outstanding hospitality, fine dining, and spa facilities. This makes it ideal for golfers who enjoy the full resort experience.
What Matfen Hall offers golfers:
- 27-hole parkland course
- Additional 9-hole par-3 course for short-format play
- Consistently high service standards throughout the resort
- The Golf Lab with simulators, custom fitting, and a teaching studio
- Newly renovated clubhouse and The Keepers Bar & Restaurant
- 10-bay driving range
- PGA professional coaching
Credit: Newcastle Gateshead Initiative
3. George Washington, Washington
Mercure George Washington Hotel and Golf Club is a leading golf destination in North East England, featuring one of the region’s most challenging and enjoyable English golf courses. A former venue for the Sunderland Masters, the championship 18-hole course measures 6,625 yards, par 73, with five par 5 holes, offering a rewarding test for golfers of all abilities. Set in the tranquil surroundings of Washington, just a short drive from Newcastle and easily accessible from across the UK, it is an excellent choice for an England golf tour, or full England vacation package.
What George Washington Offers Golfers :
- A 7-hole, par 3 Academy Course and a 20-bay floodlit driving range
- Former Sunderland Masters tournament venue
- Driving range with Toptracer technology
- On-site hotel accommodation
Spa and leisure facilities
4. Alnmouth Golf Club, Alnmouth
Alnmouth Golf Club is one of the most historically significant English golf courses and a true hidden gem in North East England. Founded in 1869, it is the fourth-oldest golf club in England and offers an authentic links experience overlooking the River Aln and the North Sea. The charming 9-hole course winds through natural dunes with each hole shaped by the elements and the surrounding landscape. If your client is looking for a shorter, more relaxed round, then Alnmouth is a memorable addition to any England golf tour.
What Alnmouth Golf Club offers golfers:
- The rare opportunity to play one of England’s oldest golf courses
- Strong tee-time availability
- Well-stocked pro shop
- Driving range and dedicated short-game practice area
- The Foxton Hall Clubhouse, a historic former residence of the Duke of Northumberland’s family
5. Ramside Golf Resort, Durham
Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa is a very versatile golf destination in North East England, offering two championship layouts that will appeal to a wide range of playing abilities. The Cathedral and Prince Bishop courses are maintained to a very high standard throughout the season, delivering a high-quality golf in England experience within easy reach of both Durham and Newcastle. Bottom of Form
What Ramside Golf Resort offers golfers:
- Two 18-hole championship courses on one resort
- Prince Bishop Course with stunning views of Durham Cathedral
- The Pin entertainment centre with a 43-bay Toptracer driving range, bowing lanes, and a large sports bar
- Dedicated short-game practice zone
- PGA professional coaching and lessons
- Buggy and trolley hire
Credit: Ramside Hall Hotel
Plan your client’s North East England golf experience with Best of Scotland Holidays
With historic links overlooking the North Sea and championship parkland courses within grand estates, North East England offers an unforgettable showcase of golf in England. Its compact geography, outstanding hospitality, and wide range of high-quality English golf courses ensure the region delivers exceptional value and variety for overseas visitors.
Get in touch with Best of Scotland Holidays today to start building your client’s next premium England vacation package. We have over 40 years of experience delivering tailored itineraries, recommending courses, and arranging the perfect accommodation for the travel trade, meaning we’re the perfect partner to help you create a memorable North East England golf experience for your clients.
