Just to the south of Darlington, close to the wandering curve of the River Tees, lies the majestic 5* Rockliffe Hall – unquestionably the most exciting golf resort to have ever opened in the North East of England. Rockliffe Hall, a beautifully restored 18th century country house, is the focus of the resort – surrounded by over 350 acres of splendid County Durham parkland. It really does epitomise everything that’s desirable about a golf report – foodies, spa addicts, golf aficionados – indeed lovers of all things luxury – will find everything they need at Rockliffe Hall.
Today the estate, which has almost always been owned privately, is owned by local businessman Steve Gibson, who certainly knows a thing or two about football. He also owns the local football team, Middlesbrough Football Club – who also have their training facilities situated within the Rockliffe Hall estate.
Rockliffe Hall’s owner also owns the Championship team Middlesbrough Football Club, who train using the hotel’s facilities.
Gibson selected one of England’s best established golf course design businesses to create a proper championship golf course to complement the five-star complex. Hawtree Limited has been designing top-quality courses since 1912 and it was their associate architect, Marc Westenborg, who was in charge with regards to the Rockliffe Hall project. Westenborg was also the man responsible for the well-respected redevelopment of Dooks Golf Club – something I’m sure that Steve Gibson took into account when selecting a designer for his project.
The course is by no means the best established course in the Northeast, as it was only opened for play in 2009. However what it lacks in age it more than makes up for in length as it’s one of the longest tracks in Europe, measuring a staggering 7,879 yards from the back pegs – it was clearly built with championship golf in mind. But don’t be put off by its incredible length – there are five individual tee positions, providing an enjoyable challenge for every standard of golfer.
The defining characteristics of Rockliffe Hall are its lakes, wetlands, woodlands, extreme sand-traps (especially around the greens) and thick gangly rough, all combining to make a stern challenge for even the game’s best gofers.
The par-3 5th is a real treat, with its island green there’s no wander why it’s considered by many to be Rockliffe’s signature hole. However, perhaps, the most intimidating hole on the course is the par-3 15th stretching to a huge 242 yards and with water hugging the hole’s right hand side – a three here is one to be savoured. The longest hole on the course is hole number 7 – a 664 yard par-5, there won’t be many players in the world who will be able to reach this beast in two (at least from the back tees anyway).
We’d certainly recommend you to choose which of the five tee boxes you’ll be playing off carefully and try to contain any macho instincts for another day. There’s many people who think that Rockliffe Hall might one day make a great Ryder Cup venue – there’s no doubting it’s a difficult enough test, even for the best golfers on the planet.
A world-class golf resort just wouldn’t be complete without some outstanding accommodation for its guests and Rockliffe Hall has just that. It offers a total of 61 superbly appointed guestroom, each of which is designed to provide the ultimate in luxury and comfort set in a beautiful location with views out over the manicured golf course and neighbouring countryside overlooking the River Tees.
All bedrooms include as standard: large double bed, en-suite bathroom with double sink and separate bath/shower, free high speed Wi-Fi access, personal in-room safe, state art TV and audio equipment, professional hair dryer and the finest Egyptian cotton bedding.
From gastronomic tasting menus to mouth-watering grills, it comes as no surprise that Rockliffe Hall is well known for its luxury, gorgeous surroundings and award-winning food. Whether you fancy a traditional afternoon tea or a juicy steak, the three diverse eateries showcase the finest the North East has to offer.
The triple AA Rosette Orangery is the flagship restaurant at Rockliffe, it serves up superb food in a Gothic-style dining room which not only boasts a delicious menu, but also a walk-in wine cellar which is home thousands of vintages from across the globe. You may also wish to try the delicious culinary delights of the warm and friendly Brasserie – it offers brunch, lunch and an informal evening a la carte menu. Golfers will be glad to know that there’s also great food to be enjoyed in the Clubhouse with its Grill and Seafood menus as well as marvellous views over the championship golf course.
The Brasserie offers a great mix of dishes – from platters, flat breads and meze to steaks, fish and seasonal cuts. The simple menu reflects regional influences peppered with continental flavours.
Whilst you’re at Rockliffe Hall you may as well spend your downtime in the 50,000 square foot spa, which guarantees the luxury of space to relax, unwind and indulge. It uses the most exclusive Comfort Zone and Dr Murad products as well as a range of treatments including: facials, wraps, massages and detoxing treatments. The spa also houses a hydro pool, leisure pool and a brilliant range of relaxation facilities, including: tepidarium, caldarium, roman and heat saunas, tropicarium, hydropool and ice fountain. Or if you like to keep active whilst on a golf break then you’ll be glad to know there is a state-of-the-art Technogym, exercise studios, daily work-out classes and Nordic walking.
Rockliffe Hall’s state-of-the-art spa is one of the best in the UK!
It really does have the lot – world-class golf, gastronomic dining options, a comprehensive spa and a wonderfully secluded and serene location. So the next time you’re deciding on the destination for your next golf break take a look at Rockliffe Hall, you won’t be disappointed. Breaks start from just £95! This includes 1 night B&B and a round of golf on the brilliantly challenging championship course.
