Close Icon
A man playing golf on a green golf course with trees in the background

Idylically positioned amongst some of the most awe-inpsiring and dramatic landscapes in England, it’s easy to see why visitors flock to enjoy an afternoon of golf in Northumberland. 

The picture-perfect coast of Northumberland is blessed with some of the most spectacular link courses, with something to suit beginners to the seasoned golf pros.

We’ve handpicked some of our favourites and compiled them into this handy guide to golf in Northumberland. Continue reading to find out more…


Golf Courses in Northumberland

A golf tee stuck in the grass with a blurred figure stood in the background with a golf club

This wonderful collection of Northumberland golf courses pair immaculate greens with jaw-dropping coastal views. A truly idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle.

Our spectacular region is home to over 40 golf courses, including the oldest 9 hole links course in England.

Whether your goal is to hit a hole-in-one or practise your swing, these Northumberland golf courses promise a truly unforgettable experience.


Best Golf Courses in Northumberland

Seahouses Golf Club

A caddy and a woman crossing the green of a links golf course

Sitting on the outskirts of the coastal village, Seahouses Golf Club is a much-loved 18-hole links course.

This club should sit at the top of your list for its views alone. You can expect to see the Farne Islands decorating the water of the North Sea from your position on the green.

This Northumberland golf club was established in 1913 as a 9-hole course before being expanded to an 18-hole course in 1976.

The course is proudly home to two of the most prominent par threes in England, offering a difficult yet rewarding test of golf. The tenth hole, Seahouses signature hole, is arguably the most challenging. Precision is crucial on this par three over a water fairway.

There’s a practice putting green ideal for beginners and an on-site restaurant to help refuel.


Alnmouth Village Golf Course

A view across the green of Alnmouth Village Golf Course with the beach and sea beyond

The oldest 9-hole links course in England, Alnmouth Village Golf Course is a must for any avid golfer.

Established in 1869, this popular Northumberland golf course was designed by world-renowned golfer Mungo Park. The club’s first greenkeeper, Mungo Park went on to win the 1874 Open Championship at Musselburgh.

A realitvely challenging course, you can expect undulating fairways, hard-to-read greens and coastal winds. The views along the way are well worth the challenge, with the glorious sands of Alnmouth Beach visible from the seventh hole.

Renowned as a 9-hole course, there is the option of adding other tees in order to play this Northumberland golf course as an 18-hole course.


Bamburgh Castle Golf Club

A view across Bamburgh Castle Golf Course to the coast beyond

Billing itself as “one of the most scenic golf courses in England,” golfing at Bamburgh Castle Golf Club is an absolutely breathtaking experience.

Sitting on the clifftops of Bamburgh, visitors are rewarded with views of the Cheviots, Lundisfarne and Bamburgh Castle.

There are 18 well-placed holes, including 6 par threes. The eighth hole, titled “Island” is Bamburgh’s signature hole. This tricky shot involves accuracy and prescion to find the “island green”.

The fifteenth hole offers the most picturesque vistas. From this spot, appropriately named “Castle’s View,” you can see castles, hills, and the glistening waters of the North Sea.

This is an open course and therefore welcomes golfers of all abilities. Buggies are not permitted.


Alnwick Castle Golf Club

Famed as the backdrop behind Harry Potter’s Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Alnwick Castles golf course is amongst it’s best kept secrets.

An 18-hole parkland course, this Northumberland golf club frames panoramic views of the rural greenery of its surrounding countryside. It’s a chellenging yet fair course, “widely regarded as a true and comprehensive test of one’s golfing skills.”

Sheltered from the coastal breezes that nearby links courses experience, this Northumberland golf course is an excellent golfing spot all year round.

One of the best golf courses in Northumberland, Alnwick Castle Golf Clubs regularly hosts open competitions. Sign-up for upcoming competitions here.

Please adhere to the Alnwick Castle Golf Course and Clubhouse dress code and club etiquette.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Alnwick Castle Golf Club, browse this collection of Alnwick accommodation. 


Goswick Links Golf Club

Golfers on the green at Goswick Links Golf Course

Goswick Links Golf Club is a championship course situated a short distance from the Scottish border. Considered one of the top 50 courses in England, a trip to Goswick Links promises a memorable golfing experience.

An 18-hole course, you can enjoy sweeping coastal views, undulating greens and lush fairways along the way. There’s also a practice area and a driving range to test your swing ahead of the scorecard.

The R&A has selected this golf club in Northumberland as one of the Open Championship qualifying locations. For this reason alone, it’s easy to see why Goswick Links has made it onto our list of the best golf courses in Northumberland.


Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course

Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course with the castle beyond the fairway in the distance

Idyllically positioned alongside the historic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, this picturesque links course offers an extraordinary golfing experience. Paired with sweeping coastal views across Embleton Bay, there’s a lot to see from this 18-hole course.

The course was designed by James Braid, a former winner of the Open Championship and renowned course architect.

With bunkers, gorse and coastal winds, Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course is challenging for golfers of all abilities.

There’s no dress code or etiquette to adhere to, and the on-site clubhouse welcomes visitors of all ages. Serving food from 8am, fuel a day of golf with a hearty breakfast or simply stop by the soak in the sights with a glass of wine.


Fancy testing your swing with a day of golf in Northumberland? Browse this wonderful collection of holiday cottages in Northumberland and base yourself within easy reach of your favourite course!

And for more wonderful ways to spend your time, give our guide on things to do in Northumberland a read ahead of your visit!


Images courtesy of: Mike Haupt; Tord Sollie(CC BY-NC-ND 2.0); Oliver Dixon(CC BY-SA 2.0); Mark Percy(CC BY-SA 2.0); Ian Capper(CC BY-SA 2.0); Russel Wills(CC BY-SA 2.0);