Ramside Hall: A Premier Golfing Escape in the North East
For those seeking a tranquil golfing getaway, escaping the urban grind and immersing themselves in the picturesque landscapes of the North East, Ramside Hall presents itself as a truly compelling destination. This esteemed establishment stands as one of the United Kingdom’s most dynamic stay-and-play golf resorts, earning a hearty recommendation for anyone planning a golfing holiday, particularly during the warmer months. Ramside Hall transcends the typical hotel experience, offering a multifaceted retreat designed to cater to a diverse range of interests. Beyond its two championship golf courses, visitors can avail themselves of a state-of-the-art driving range, a luxurious spa, a dedicated sports bar, five distinct dining establishments, and even an on-site bowling alley.
While the breadth of amenities is impressive, golf remains the undeniable heart of Ramside Hall. The resort boasts two distinct championship courses, both adhering to a par-72 standard, each delivering a unique and challenging golfing encounter.
The Championship Courses: A Tale of Two Terrains
The Prince Bishops Course: This expansive parkland course stretches across a considerable 6,851 yards. It artfully navigates the undulating terrain upon which the hotel is nestled, presenting golfers with a journey that winds through the hilly grounds.
The Cathedral Course: Named in homage to the nearby Durham Cathedral, this course evokes the feel of a traditional links layout. It is more exposed to the prevailing winds sweeping down from the surrounding valley. The fairways here are notably undulating and prone to swirling, creating an array of stimulating challenges that will undoubtedly put a golfer’s accuracy to the test.
The recent investment in Ramside Hall is palpable. A significant expenditure, estimated at around £10 million, has been channelled into upgrading the facilities, constructing a new entertainment hub known as “The Pin,” and meticulously curating both of its championship golf courses. This dedication to enhancement is evident throughout the resort.
The Golf Club: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
Following extensive refurbishment, Ramside Hall now proudly features a brand-new clubhouse. This space masterfully blends classic décor with contemporary aesthetics, creating an environment that is both inviting and sophisticated. The golf club’s bar, in particular, exudes a warm and homely atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a round.
The club’s recently refurbished locker rooms are equally impressive. They showcase a stylish design, complete with a range of oak-panelled lockers, each bearing the name of a legendary golfing icon, such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. This attention to detail adds a touch of prestige and history to the modern facilities.
What truly sets Ramside Hall apart is the genuine warmth and welcoming spirit of its staff. Despite the substantial investment in upgrading the facilities, the people working at the golf club remain approachable and enthusiastic, evident in their delight in seeing visitors enjoy the amenities and engage in the sport.
During a recent visit, I had the pleasure of meeting Jack Trewhitt, one of Ramside’s resident professionals. Jack, who is sponsored by The Pin entertainment centre and competes on the Clutch Pro Tour, is a highly accomplished player with aspirations for Q-School later this year. He graciously accompanied me for a round on the Prince Bishops’ Course, providing insightful commentary on the extensive work undertaken to enhance the grounds.
Having played golf globally on professional tours, Jack’s passion for the ongoing developments at his home club is inspiring. This enthusiasm is a clear reflection of the ethos at Ramside Hall – a collective commitment from staff and regular players alike, all invested in the success and continued improvement of the resort.
Jack also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the ground staff on the concluding holes of the Cathedral Course. Ramside Hall is undertaking a significant rebuild of the 18th hole, which includes sculpting a new green layout positioned directly in front of the clubhouse. Furthermore, other refurbishment projects are in progress across the estate, including the development of a floodlit practice facility designed to help players hone their short game and putting skills.
The driving range itself is another exceptional practice facility. It offers 43 bays spread across two levels, each equipped with Toptracer technology, multiple television screens, heating, and electronic golf mats. This facility serves as an excellent venue for casual practice with friends, as well as a vital space for golfers to refine their swings and warm up before tackling the championship courses.
The Courses in Detail
A significant strength of Ramside Hall’s championship courses lies in their intelligent design. The course architects have masterfully integrated each layout with the expansive, hilly landscape of the estate.
On the Prince Bishops’ Course, golfers can expect a strategic challenge that includes narrow fairways, tight doglegs, and blind tee shots. This course demands creativity and precision, particularly with shorter iron approaches. The opening hole, a 470-yard par-five that curves towards the green, provides a gentle introduction before the course begins its ascent.
The ground staff have collaborated with the R&A to implement course amendments, including the careful management of trees and flora around the Prince Bishops’ Course. The thoughtful shaping and removal of woodland areas have increased light penetration and significantly improved the overall layout.
Despite a particularly wet winter in the UK, the Prince Bishops’ Course was in superb condition, a testament to the club’s investment in advanced drainage systems. The greens were firm and true, and the drainage was clearly effective on the fairways, allowing the ball to roll smoothly without plugging.
Water features prominently on holes six, seven, and eight, a stretch that proved particularly memorable. The sixth, a short par-four, presents a green that is partially bordered by a water body, with an outcropping of trees guarding the right side, punishing any slices. The seventh, a 133-yard par-three, requires players to carry their tee shots over the same water hazard; opting for an extra club is advisable, as shots falling short will likely find the pond. The eighth, a sharp dog-leg par-four, circles a pond before ascending to a raised green. For long hitters, there’s an opportunity to cut the corner and bypass the dogleg.
As play progresses uphill, the course offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, particularly from the 13th hole, which overlooks the town of Low Pittington and the valley. The 18th hole, a 302-yard par-four, concludes the round with a view of the hotel’s charming treehouses, nestled to the left of the fairway.
The Cathedral Course, the resort’s newer addition, is equally impressive, playing slightly longer at 7,209 yards and arguably offering a more demanding test. This course adopts a risk-reward strategy, beginning with a more sheltered woodland routing before opening up from the third hole, where its links-like character becomes apparent. Golfers will frequently encounter shots played from above or below their feet due to significant elevation changes.
The greens on the Cathedral Course are in immaculate condition but are notoriously tricky to read, featuring numerous contours that can easily deceive. A personal favourite hole was the tenth, a 454-yard par-four, which requires a tee shot over water to a fairway that doglegs to the right. Another pond guards the right side of the raised green, meaning any approach shot that is short or fades right is likely to find the hazard.
Overall, the Cathedral Course provides a diverse and challenging, yet thoroughly enjoyable, golfing experience. The green fees are remarkably well-priced, especially considering the high quality and condition of both courses. Midweek rounds are priced at £32, while weekend tee times are approximately £42.
The Final Verdict
The championship golf courses at Ramside Hall are, in many ways, the embodiment of what makes this resort such an exceptional destination. Each course offers a distinct golfing narrative, with every hole presenting a unique challenge and an opportunity for discovery. This sense of continuous engagement is a hallmark of a stay at Ramside. From the superb golfing experiences to the rejuvenating spa, the resort offers a wealth of activities ensuring that boredom is never an option. Furthermore, Ramside Hall serves as an ideal base for exploring other renowned golf courses in the North East, including the acclaimed Seaton Carew Golf Club.
