11 must-play golf courses in Newcastle that make tee time unforgettable
You might not expect it, but Newcastle has a thing for golf, and a surprisingly good one at that. Just beyond the city centre, you’ll find peaceful venues, scenic courses, and hidden gems.
Golf courses in Newcastle range from riverside fairways to peaceful parklands, boasting a rich history. Whether you’re after a quick nine-hole game or planning a full weekend, it’s easy to find a place both in and around the city.
Curious? Let’s tee up the best spots.
1. Close House Hotel & Golf Club
Media credit: closehousegolf
Website: https://closehouse.com/
Address: Heddon-on-the-Wall, NE15 0HT
Contact: +44 166 185 2255
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: £££
Close House Golf Club is a popular venue thanks to its two courses designed by Lee Westwood. Additionally, there’s the championship-level Colt Course, with dramatic elevation changes and long, sweeping holes that test every player’s strategy.
The Filly Course, although shorter and less intimidating, is a par-70 that offers a solid challenge. With narrow fairways and somewhat tricky bunkers, it’s the kind of course where careful planning still matters.
They also have the region’s only PGA Golf Academy—a significant advantage for those seeking to improve their skills and swings. The academy is fully equipped with ball-tracking systems, Swiss analysis tech, and SAM PuttLab for putting.
At Close House, they consistently put a great deal of thought into helping golfers improve their game. It’s not about the prestige and tournaments, it’s about building a strong foundation from the start.
| Pro Tip: Become a Close House member and enjoy numerous perks—practice on the Lee Westwood Championship Colt and Filly Courses before a major game, or enjoy 10% off on-site courses. |
2. Tyneside Golf Club
Media credit: tynesidegolfclub
Website: http://www.tynesidegolfclub.co.uk/
Address: Westfield Lane, Ryton, NE40 3QE
Contact: +44 191 413 2742
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Pricing: ££
The course at Tyneside Golf Club has been around since 1879 and was redesigned by Harry Colt in 1911. While it’s not the longest track (measuring just over 6,000 yards), it makes you work for a good score with elevated angles and tricky terrains.
There are a couple of standout holes that are unforgettable for most players. The 10th is a par 5 with an elevated tee that gives you a broad view of the fairway. It’s tight, so you’ll need a smart tee shot to stay in the game.
Then, there’s the 13th, known to many as “the coffin”. It’s a narrow par 4 that appears simple at first, but if you’re slightly off target, it’s hard to recover. It’s one of those holes that punishes carelessness but feels great when played right.
| Pro Tip: If you’re looking for an affordable way to enjoy golf year-round, consider the Tyneside Lifetime Membership. For just over £10 per round, you can play up to 52 weeks a year without time restrictions. |
3. The Northumberland Golf Club
Media credit: northumberlandgolfclub
Website: http://www.thengc.co.uk/
Address: High Gosforth Park, Great N Rd, NE3 5HT
Contact: +44 191 236 2498
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Pricing: £££
Originally designed by Harry Colt and later refined by James Braid, the Northumberland Golf Club has a course that’s both playful and strategic. Playing here means navigating areas outside the track boundaries.
Players often say this is “a gem of a course” because of its layout. The greens can be tough to read, but that just makes things more interesting–so pay close attention and focus while you’re there.
The facilities are also a strong point. Just steps away, you’ll find a driving range, a short game area, and a putting green. All these are easily accessible and ideal for warming up or fine-tuning your swing.
| Pro Tip: Book the Northumberland Golf Club’s “Golf & Lunch” package to enjoy an 18-hole game on their scenic course, followed by a meal in the clubhouse. Standard fees range from £65 to £80. |
4. City of Newcastle Golf Club
Media credit: cityofnewcastlegolfclub
Website: http://www.cityofnewcastlegolfclub.com/
Address: Three Mile Bridge, Great N Rd, NE3 2DR
Contact: +44 191 285 1775
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: ££
City of Newcastle Golf Club is a piece of local golf history you can walk through. Founded in October 1891, the course was laid out by Harry Vardon and was later enhanced by Alister Mackenzie, the famous architect behind Augusta National.
The course strikes a great balance of risk and reward. The front nine is relatively open, allowing you to ease into the game. Hole 10 features a downhill drive, while Hole 17 is a long par 3 that becomes more challenging when the wind picks up.
The clubhouse was renovated and now features a bar, lounge, and restaurant with views overlooking the 1st and 18th holes. It can accommodate weddings and other private events. A pro shop, run by Steve McKenna, is located on-site.
| Pro Tip: If you’re looking to get started on the sport, the City of Newcastle Golf Club offers a “Get into Golf” programme. This is headed by Steve McKenna, along with other professional instructors who’ll teach you about driving, pitching, chipping, and much more. |
5. Ravensworth Golf Club
Media credit: stevenmcdonnellpga
Website: http://www.ravensworthgolfclub.co.uk/
Address: Angel View, Long Bank, Gateshead NE9 7HD
Contact: +44 191 487 6014
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: £
Ravensworth Golf Club began as a nine-hole layout but has since expanded to become a full 18-hole course, stretching to just under 5,900 yards with a par of 70—compact yet full of fun. The standout holes, “The Ridge” and “Spion Kop”, are full-on experiences.
The Ridge, the first hole, earns its name thanks to the sloping terrain running across the fairway. It’s a par 4 that seems easy, but the rise needs a clean shot. Locals say it sets the tone of your game—“get this one right, and the rest feels smoother”.
A few holes later comes Spion Kop, a par 4 with a blind second shot over a hill. It’s a dramatic and nerve-racking scene, set against a green backdrop behind a rise. So, unless you’re good at guessing, this one’s a tough area to navigate.
| Pro Tip: Planning a wedding? Ravensworth Golf Club offers a package for £3000, giving you exclusive use of the clubhouse, a three-course meal, and a dedicated wedding coordinator. |
6. Beamish Park Golf Club
Media credit: darrenfletchergolf
Website: http://www.beamishgolf.co.uk/
Address: Park Golf Club, Beamish, Stanley DH9 0RH
Contact: +44 191 370 1382
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Beamish Park Golf Club offers a peaceful countryside escape just a short 30-minute drive from Newcastle. Within the Beamish valley, the course blends natural beauty with technical play.
What makes Beamish stand out is how well it uses the landscape. You’ll find holes that dip and rise with the terrain, with the 5th and 7th giving satisfying tee shots. It’s a course that doesn’t need traps to make the game challenging.
Players praise the back nine, which ramps up the fun. It’s popular with locals and visitors alike for being both scenic and having enough variety to keep the game interesting.
| Pro Tip: If you need a peaceful space for a wake, Beamish can host up to 80 visitors. For just £35 per hour, you get a room and a fully serviced bar. |
7. Slaley Hall Golf
Media credit: slaleyhall.golf
Website: https://www.slaleyhallhotel.com/
Address: Coal Rd, Hexham NE47 0BX
Contact: +44 143 467 3350
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: £££
Slaley Hall Golf, located about 22 miles from Newcastle, offers two championship courses: the Hunting and the Priestman. The Hunting Course is especially known for its touch layout, long par 4s, and strategic bunkering that keeps everyone on their toes.
The 18th hole of the Hunting Course is a par 4 that plays uphill to an elevated green, with a stream and bunkers. Meanwhile, the Priestman has wider fairways and a more open landscape.
Many players often turn a single round into a full weekend escape. The Slaley Hotel has a modern clubhouse, a full-service spa, and even a whisky snug for post-game celebrations.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning a stay or spa day, joining the Breakaway Club is one of the best moves you can make. For a small joining fee, you get the following discounts: 15% off stays, 10% off food, drinks, spa treatments, and golf, and 50% off on dog fees (if you bring a pet). |
8. Matfen Hall Golf Club
Media credit: matfenhall
Website: https://matfenhall.com/golf-overview/
Address: Matfen Hall Hotel, Matfen, NE20 0RH
Contact: +44 166 188 6500
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: £££
Matfen Hall is every golfer’s dream. It has three loops of nine holes: the Douglas, Standing Stone, and Dewlaw. Each layout threads through the woods, skirts the fast-flowing River Pont, and goes past the historic “ha-ha” walls.
You’ll also find wildlife along the way, like buzzards, deer, and swans, which add to the calm and immersive feel during the game.
The newly upgraded clubhouse, The Keepers, has a golf lab with Foresight Hawk simulators. It also has a laser-guided putting studio and a professional custom-fitting suite. It’s a place for anyone who wants to improve their swing.
In short, Matfen Hall blends a classic course with modern facilities, turning a day on the green into a full-on relaxing getaway.
| Pro Tip: Treat yourself to Matfen Hall’s Cinnamon Warming Body Massage. It’s a 60-minute massage that eases tension with soothing cinnamon. It’s part of their “Retreat Day” package, which includes lunch, a welcome drink, and full spa access for £165. |
9. Longhirst Hall Golf Club
Media credit: longhirstgolf
Website: http://www.longhirstgolf.co.uk/
Address: Golf Course, Longhirst Hall, Morpeth NE61 3LL
Contact: +44 167 079 1562
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Longhirst Hall Golf Club, located just 2.5 miles from Newcastle, boasts two championship courses: the Dawson and the Lakes. The Dawson is a par-73 for bold drivers and shot makers, while the Lakes is a par-70 winding through water hazards.
The Dawson opens with holes that set the pace early. Hole 5 is popular among players because it’s a classic risk-reward par-5 that tempts big hitters to reach the green in two. It can dramatically shift your momentum in the game.
Meanwhile, the Lakes Course lives up to its name, with water everywhere and a signature par-3 that drops dramatically downhill. Every shot must be carefully calculated for distance, especially with numerous visual distractions in play.
| Pro Tip: Looking for a golf getaway? Longhirst offers a flexible “Stay & Play” package starting at £110 per person. These include accommodation and golf sessions, with transport to Longhirst from your motel. |
10. Gosforth Golf Club
Media credit: gosforthgolf
Website: http://www.gosforthgolfclub.co.uk/
Address: Broadway E, Gosforth, NE3 5ER, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 191 285 3495
Hours:
- Sunday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Known locally as “The Bridle Path”, Gosforth Golf Club offers a tree-lined parkland layout that’s both peaceful and somewhat tricky. Founded in 1906, the course has expanded from a nine-hole layout to a full 18-hole course by 1908.
The club is popular thanks to its beautifully maintained parkland setting and an iconic “finishing hole”. It’s a challenging 434-yard par 4 that tests players with the wind in their face, a hedge running along one side, and the Ouseburn stream on the other.
| Pro Tip: Use their World Handicap System to level the playing field. It adjusts your score based on course difficulty, so you can fairly compete with other golfers—no matter where you play. |
11. Heworth Golf Club
Media credit: heworthgolf
Website: http://www.theheworthgolfclub.co.uk/
Address: Heworth Golf Club, Gingling Gate, Heworth, Gateshead NE10 8XY
Contact: +44 191 469 9832
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: £
Just across the River Tyne, Heworth Golf Club has been housing players since 1912, offering a classic parkland course. With over 6,948 yards, the tree-lined fairways and consistently smooth greens make it a favourite spot to play throughout the year.
The layout combines longer holes with tighter doglegs, providing golfers with a balance of power and strategy. The uphill 17th hole is a standout, with its three-tiered greens testing one’s control throughout.
| Pro Tip: Test your skills with Heworth’s open competitions. All you need is an active World Handicap Index linked to a valid CDH number. |