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, 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
Cheryl
✓30 Sep 2026
Overall the staff were excellent albeit short handed. Our room was very pleasant although no bedside light working, slightly blocked wash-hand basin and no lift to our floor because it was broken. The hotel is desperate for an upgrade and when done it would be superb!!!
John
✓8 Sep 2026
Hotel old and dated but clean and ok for overnight stay ,breakfast really good lots of choice. seems very short on staff , but they where very friendly and helped with any queries. Hard to reach via phone tried 4 times upto our arrival but no answer. Food was over in the golf,spa pub , very accommodating, good choice on menu.
Peter
✓30 Aug 2026
The fire alarms went off at 02:00hrs on Saturday morning which meant that we had to stand outside for over one hour whilst the hotel staff checked the building and alarm panel. We were allowed back inside however there was no explanation given with regards to the situation. The alarms went off intermittent for a couple more times. This broken sleep pattern meant that we were only able to managed nine hotels on Saturday morning due to excessive tiredness.
Mark
✓23 Aug 2026
Excellent stay,staff very friendly and helpful rooms a bit dated but clean and comfortable,pool and facilities a bonus.Course in good nick some challenging holes take plenty of balls if you off fairway you not finding it.Overall excellent stay dinner and breakfast excellent would definitely recommend.
Paul
✓5 Aug 2026
Good hotel staff friendly and helpful. Good room probably could do with some decor updates but adiquete for our stay. Food excellent well prepared and good choices. Would not rule out another stay.
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!
Cheryl
✓30 Sep 2026
There was an issue in that the greens were all being treated for a disease so the club was trying to 'condense' the tee times with some starting on the 10th. It became quite slow on the back 9 because of this but we thoroughly enjoyed the course
John
✓8 Sep 2026
Course was really nice, some lovely holes, tee boxes and bunkers need attention very poor. Didn’t see anyone on the two days working on the course, pro shop ok , not always available over the phone. Had to ring 4 or 5 times to sort buggies for our rounds.
Peter
✓30 Aug 2026
Greens were very slow due to the length of cut which was probably due to the recent heatwave which is understandable. Fairways were good and tee boxes. There was a lot of GUR in bunkers which was clearly marked. Some general areas needed attention however the course was still very interesting and only spoilt on the second day due to lack of sleep.
Mark
✓23 Aug 2026
Some tough par 3s, unfortunately or fortunately depending which way you look at it bunkers we’re G U R because of heavy overnight rain.You need to be on fairway or your losing your ball tough but fair challenge.
Paul
✓5 Aug 2026
Course overall in good condition in a beautiful setting pace of play good most enjoyable a good test. All in all second time we have visited and enjoyed again.
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
