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.
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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, offering excellent leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness room, and relaxing spa treatment rooms. 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 spa bath and sauna, handy if you like an early workout before teeing off or just want to spend an afternoon unwinding.
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 excellent 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
Nigel
✓22 Jul 2026
A little tired but rooms were comfy and clean. Pool etc OK but again felt tired.The eating experience was mixed, food was great but issues with availability on the menu, food being slow and errors with orders. Seemed disorganised and lacking management.
Andrew
✓11 Jul 2026
The staff were good, the room was excellent. The hotel could do with a little refurbishment, food was ok. I think they would be a bit pushed with a big society.
PETER
✓23 Jun 2026
Poor needs updating
Stuart
✓26 May 2026
Must say one of the best trip we have been on great hotel really nice you have a bar to the side.just in general people from the north east are so kind a warming will defo go back.staff from the moment we landed to the moment we left very very help full and lovely
Malcolm
✓5 May 2026
Very friendly staff and a quality setting. Portions in the restaurant are exceptional!
Franklyn
✓20 Apr 2026
We all enjoyed our stay. The rooms were comfortable, staff were pleasant and helpful.
Chris
✓14 Apr 2026
Rooms nice , bathrooms need updating desperately, staff were great , food was great
Nigel
✓2 Apr 2026
The staff at the hotel were very welcoming at the reception. At dinner the staff were very helpful and thoughtful. The quality of the food at dinner was superb and reasonable value. The breakfast in hotel was average. The bar in the Linden Tree pub didn't live up to the description. They ran out of cask ale the minute we walked in to the bar after the first round and didn't get any more until the end of our third round two days later! Very disappointed as one of the reasons we picked this venue was on the back of the pub description. They also ran out of keg beer and only had lager and bottles! The rooms now looked a little tired as did the bathroom, but nothing was unpleasant just dated. Nice spa facilities though the gym is very small and not really adequate for the size of hotel.
Brian
✓1 Apr 2026
Very enjoyable stay. Clean and very welcoming staff. Value for your money
Sam
✓31 Mar 2026
Lovely hotel, facilities are a bit old. Room heater was quite noisy and the drainage on the wash basin wasn’t too good either
Dominic
✓22 Jul 2026
Course has a great range of holes, the greens were in excellent condition considering the weather we have had recently, the fairways were in good condition as well, few of the bunkers were in a poor condition, due to a faulty machine that has now been fixed, these were currently being worked on and no doubt will be in good condition by the end of the season.
Nigel
✓22 Jul 2026
There was no scorecards on arrival which is a first for me. The tees were in poor order, the greens looked great but very slow and fluffy. Needs some TLC and attention as the course itself could be really good.
Andrew
✓11 Jul 2026
Course condition pretty good apart from the bunkers greens good.
PETER
✓23 Jun 2026
Course needs mentained better. grass far to long tees and bunkers a disgrace.it good be a great Course with a little help.
Stuart
✓26 May 2026
Some really good holes and some lovely views.the par 3 s were great and little tricky but great.overall i would give the course a ten out of ten.loved it and the other 19 lads say the same
Malcolm
✓5 May 2026
Frustrated on first day of the trip that the course was closed and that we were not informed. However, when prompted, the staff helped find an alternative tee time for the next day. Nice parkland course with some interesting holes.
Chris
✓14 Apr 2026
Never played here before , only read reviews online , course needs a little tlc , greens were very ropey , bunkers were terrible
Nigel
✓2 Apr 2026
We were here for three rounds. There are practice facilities though a few hundred yards away from the first tee. The pro shop was open a few bargains on balls and shoes. It's a long course especially off the back tees. Though a good fair test as the fairways are generally wide off the tees and the greens are large. The greens are also quite quick as the greens staff were working and cutting them throughout our stay. Some of the fairways were still soft due to all the rain but the greens were firm. The par threes are a feature of the course as they are all over or beside lakes and ponds. We were on the full course no restrictions except we were off mats on the par 3s. Overall excellent condition for the beginning of the season.
Brian
✓1 Apr 2026
Very good enjoyable course especially for the time of year. Will be playing this course again in the summer. The only small downside is the walk between holes when walking.
Jackie
✓15 Mar 2026
Great course but very wet when we went. Long par 4s and tricky greens. Pro shop poor for women (nkthing new there then!)but the lads in there were very pleasant.
