1 Night, 2 Rounds
Set in 450 acres of Northumberland countryside, Macdonald Linden Hall is a classic parkland test that asks you to think your way round rather than simply lash driver. Jonathan Gaunt has used the natural shape of the estate well, with mature trees framing plenty of tee shots, subtle elevation changes and water in play often enough to keep you honest.
It's not the sort of course that needs gimmicks. You'll get clear targets from most tees, but stray offline and you'll be chipping out or negotiating hazards that sit in exactly the wrong place from a "safe" miss. If you're travelling with mixed handicaps, that balance is the appeal. Better players can plot their way into positions, while higher handicappers can still enjoy it if they keep it in play.
When the golf's done, you can stretch your legs around the grounds or head out into the wider countryside for a proper Northumberland walk. Fancy something different? Northumberland Zoo is nearby and makes an easy add-on for couples or groups with non-golfers.
Back on site you've got a spa, gym and swimming pool, which is ideal if you've walked 18 and want to feel human again before dinner.
The refurbished Linden Tree Pub is exactly what you want after a round. Relaxed, friendly and focused on good, filling food. Go classic with beer-battered haddock and hand-cut chips, or take on the Linden Tree burger, then work your way through a well-chosen line-up of local ales. I'd be surprised if you don't end up replaying at least one swing over that first pint.
Who is this for?
Golfers, couples and societies looking for an easy, country-house golf break in Northumberland, with spa facilities and solid food options on site.
Who is it best for?
Groups with mixed handicaps who want a straightforward parkland layout where course management matters, couples after a golf-and-spa weekend, and societies that value a proper post-round pub rather than a stiff hotel bar.
* Where applicable, the relevant promotions will be applied during the booking process. T&Cs may apply.
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
At 6846 yards from the Championship tees this course is rated with a par of 72, and threads its way through some testing hazards and bunkers whilst also offering some gloriously undulating fairways.
Threatening woodland and intimidating water will pose a challenge, but good strategy and accurate hitting will definitely be rewarded. Those not scoring well need not despair, however, as the course's location affords spectacular views over the Cheviot Hills and Northumberland's stunning coastline.
The demanding 4th is the signature hole at Linden Hall, where brave golfers must carry the ball over water to a green that is tightly guarded by trees. With water in play on 9 of the 18 holes, you really do need to make sure your accuracy is at it’s best.
| Par | 72 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Jonathan Gaunt |
| Opened for play | 1997 |
| White | 6,846 yards | SSS 72 |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 6,502 yards | SSS 71 |
| Red | 5,530 yards | SSS 73 |
Macdonald Linden Hall Hotel is a converted Grade II listed country house set among woodland and parkland, with Georgian roots dating back to 1812. You still get the sense of period character in the public spaces, but the stay itself is geared towards comfort, not museum-piece formality.
The Vital Health and Wellbeing Club is a big part of the appeal for golf breaks. There's a menu of health and beauty therapies delivered by trained therapists, with options designed to help you unwind after a round. You've also got a swimming pool, spa bath, sauna and a well-equipped fitness centre, handy if you like an early workout before teeing off.
Food-wise, the Dobson Restaurant adds a smarter option on site. It holds two AA Rosettes and serves a menu built around classic dishes in a warm setting with open fires and softer lighting. If you're making a night of it, the Monck Cocktail Bar works well for a pre-dinner drink, and afternoon tea is also available during the day.
For something more casual, the Linden Tree Pub is the easy choice, particularly for groups. In summer, the patio is a great spot for a post-round pint, and in winter the log fires do a good job of keeping everyone lingering for "just one more".
Rooms are comfortable and practical for a golf break, with modern touches that make the historic setting easy to enjoy. Add in the course on the doorstep and the leisure facilities, and you've got a very easy place to base yourself for a Northumberland golf getaway.
How to get to Macdonald Linden Hall Golf and Country Club
Macdonald Linden Hall Golf and Country Club is located 24 miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne and Newcastle airport off the A1 or A697, 9 miles from Morpeth train station.
Address: Longhorsley, Morpeth, Northumberland, England, NE65 8XF
Richard
✓29 Oct 2019
The hotel was lovely staff very friendly the cocktail bar didn’t sell draft beer which was a downfall
Richard
✓4 Sep 2019
Hotel is a little tired. Wine is expensive Could do more with the venue
Martin
✓27 Aug 2019
Staff were very friendly food good and rooms comfortable.
David
✓21 Apr 2019
This is the first time my son and I have stayed here, and staid is how I would describe the hotel. Room was of a reasonable size but furniture was old and worn. However, it was clean, but the shower would go scalding hot without warning. We were looking forward to a 3 course meal in the Linden tree pub but it does not serve food on a Wednesday when we stayed. We were 'upgraded' to the restaurant and given a £25 allowance each. This meant our 3 course went out of the window as starters and desserts were £8 each and the main courses just under £20. The food was very nice, though presented in a slightly pretentious way. Tasting the wine from a screw top bottle is unnecessary.
Nancy
✓3 Apr 2019
Charming hotel with lovely staff, rooms were comfortable and very clean, swimming pool, sauna and steam room very good.
Anthony
✓18 Oct 2018
Rooms were clean and fit for purpose. Not enough plug points to accommodate battery/phone chargers etc but otherwise fine. Food budget was low with very limited choice without paying extra and drinks in the cocktail bar were very pricey
Amanda
✓14 Oct 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Linden. Everything is very convenient, the staff were very helpful and polite. Enjoyed the spa facilities and had a very good breakfast. The meal in the Linden Tree pub was ok and good value. The £10 voucher per person and the 20% off drinks was really appreciated and made the whole package excellent value.
Mark
✓9 Oct 2018
Shower was a little hit and miss temperature wise , breakfast was very good but maybe a little more effort could be made for golfers starting early in the way of being able to order to take something out if you are struggling for a formal breakfast . Beer was a an issue in the linden pub as the lager was flat
Ian
✓4 Oct 2018
Fantastic venue for a golf society trip. Staff on the course and in the hotel couldn’t be nicer, food very good, golf course in fabulous condition considering we went early October. We will definitely be back for more.
Richard
✓4 Sep 2019
Looks a bit tatty now bunkers are dreadful. Nice layout and pro very helpful
Martin
✓27 Aug 2019
Course is a decent enough layout but ground conditions were awful. Course was saturated bunkers unplayable many still underwater. Not a course you would want to play unless there’s been a real dry spell.
David
✓21 Apr 2019
I have played here before and it is a bit of a bogey course for me. By the time I get round to the 14th hole I can usually be found sitting on the edge of the fairway, weeping. I did improve on my second round and can appreciate the various challenges you face. My son likes this course because of the variety of holes and reasonably wide fairways. We will definitely play here again.
Nancy
✓3 Apr 2019
Excellent welcome, staff member moved tee time without any problems. Greens were a bit ropey - but we are barely through winter.
Anthony
✓18 Oct 2018
Tee times for our group had not been registered with the Pro on our first day( but had on the second) so we were late teeing off due to a large group in front of us who had taken our tee times. Conditions were poor which probably accounted for pace of play
Amanda
✓14 Oct 2018
Really enjoyed the course, it was varied and interesting and challenging at times. It is a long course with some fair distances from green to tee. Didn't find it over busy, just nicely paced golf. Particular thanks to the staff in the pro shop who kindly lent one of our party a battery for her trolley after hers went on the blink. Very kind thanks so much. We all thoroughly enjoyed the golf and the hotel and will definitely come back. Would certainly recommend.
Mark
✓9 Oct 2018
A nice compact course , some short par 4s made challenging by well placed bunkers . For the time of year in good condition
Ian
✓4 Oct 2018
Great golf course for all abilities. Great condition and friendly and helpful staff in the pro shop. Couldn’t be happier.
