Slaley Hall Golf Club is one of Northumberland’s leading stay-and-play golf destinations, offering two 18-hole championship courses within a 1,000-acre countryside estate near Hexham. The contrasting Hunting and Priestman layouts give golfers 36 holes on site, making Slaley Hall particularly well suited to weekend breaks, societies and groups wanting several rounds without travelling between courses.

The flagship Hunting Course was designed by former Ryder Cup player and renowned architect Dave Thomas. Playing to a par of 72 and stretching to 7,069 yards, it combines rolling fairways with mature woodland, streams, lakes, rhododendrons and strategically positioned bunkers. Often nicknamed the ‘Augusta of the North’, it is a demanding championship test where accuracy matters just as much as distance, particularly when approaching its well-protected USGA-standard greens.

The Priestman Course offers a different challenge. Designed by Neil Coles, the par-72 layout measures 6,901 yards and occupies higher, more exposed ground, providing panoramic views across the Tyne Valley. Undulating fairways and streams shape many holes, while the wind can significantly influence club selection. It is generally the more forgiving of Slaley Hall’s two courses, making it a good second round for mixed-handicap groups.

Slaley Hall also boasts an impressive tournament pedigree, having hosted more than 20 European Tour, European Seniors Tour, PGA Cup and Asian Tour events across its courses. Practice facilities include a driving range, putting green and PGA professional tuition, with buggies and a pro shop also available.

For golfers wanting greater variety, other North East courses can easily be incorporated into a longer trip, but having two championship layouts beside the hotel is Slaley Hall’s biggest advantage. Recent golfing discussions continue to recommend it for the quality of its two courses and convenient stay-and-play set-up, making it a strong choice for a Northumberland golf break.