The Best Golf Courses to Play in County Durham

Situated in the heart of the North East of England, County Durham is packed with iconic landmarks and famous history - it also houses some of the finest golf courses in the country. From stunning views of the Durham Cathedral to hundreds of acres of picturesque parkland golf, County Durham has it all. Here are some of our favourites.

Sharpley Golf Centre

• Golfshake Rating - 4.42
• Green Fees - £29

If you are looking for a fantastic round of golf, with the best all year round greens, then Sharpley Golf is for you. Hosting a friendly environment and a warm welcome to all new members and visitors, Sharpley is located between Durham, Newcastle and Sunderland - just a three-minute drive off the A19.

Review Comment: "Keeps getting better as it gets older! Great course, interesting greens and a great day out!"

Woodham Golf & Country Club

• Golfshake Rating - 4.38
• Green Fees - £30

Said to be one of the toughest and most challenging courses in the North, with numerous water hazards and tree lined fairways, it often catches out the most skilled of players. The bars and facilities on site offer excellent hospitality, and the stunning surroundings give it that extra touch of class.

Review Comment: "Course in good condition. Greens running true and fairways in good nick. Thoroughly enjoyed it."

Ramside Hall Golf Club

• Golfshake Rating - 3.66
• Green Fees - £65

With two world class golf courses on offer, the Cathedral Course and the Prince Bishops’ course, both with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and Durham Cathedral sitting in the distance. Both courses are kept in top condition all year round, offering some of the best golf experiences in the North East.

Review Comment: "The Cathedral course was tough with tight fairways and a lot of blind shots but it was in great condition and greens were superb."

Hobson Golf Club

• Golfshake Rating - 4.18
• Green Fees - £25

The par 70 meadowland course will test every aspect of your game. With long par-4s, tricky par-3s, thick rough and tree-lined fairways, accuracy is your best friend here. The modern clubhouse offers a wide variety of food and drink all year round. Hobson really is a must visit if you're looking for a new challenge.

Review Comment: "Visited with a society without much expectations as I'd never heard the course really hailed before. But it flies under the radar and is a very enjoyable and playable course that I'd be happy to visit again."

Rockliffe Hall Golf Club

• Golfshake Rating - 4.71
• Green Fees - £120

Rockliffe Hall has built its reputation on being one of the finest golfing destinations in the North of England. Each of the 18 holes is distinctive, and the design encapsulates the natural environment it sits in. The course is meticulously maintained by a dedicated Greenkeeping Team who take pride in its impeccable condition. The great conditions also extend onto the practice areas, with a top of the range driving range and putting green on offer for visitors.

Review Comment: "Golf should be fun to play and the course at Rockliffe Hall is as enjoyable as it is easy on the eye. Exceedingly good design, immaculate presentation and stunning scenery combine to create a memorable, five star experience."

Wynyard Golf Club

• Golfshake Rating - 4.59
• Green Fees - £80

Set in over 200 acres of idyllic rolling parkland and mature woodland on the luxury Wynyard Estate, the Wellington Course at Wynyard is highly renowned as one of the top-rated courses in the UK. The club has been host to many prestigious events, including the European Tour and the Seve Trophy. Hands down one of the best golf courses on offer in County Durham.

Review Comment: "Found this course very enjoyable. It is quite long but with generous fairway but very tough rough if you are wayward. All in all a very nice testing course."

Brancepeth Castle Golf Club

• Golfshake Rating - 4.55
• Green Fees - £60

Designed by the world-famous architect Harry Colt in 1924 and laid out on what was Brancepeth Castle Deer Park, the stables and coach house being converted into the clubhouse. This stunning parkland course has a deep ravine cutting through the course, which allows for some very challenging tee shots.

Review Comment: "This is a golf course that should be on all golfers' radar as it offers so much for the visitor. The fees for its quality are excellent, its history unsurpassed, and the fun to be experienced by taking on its challenges to be relished."

Beamish Park Golf Club

• Golfshake Rating - 4.18
• Green Fees - £30

Beamish Park is a beautiful and yet somewhat challenging course. It offers picturesque views whilst also being set in a great location. Beamish Park offers great prices that often has visitors returning again and again.

Review Comment: "Haven't played Beamish for a while, but again reminds me why I need to play it more. Beautiful course, tricky and tight, and long on occasion, but a great test of golf, and fantastic views from the course."

Bishop Auckland Golf Club

• Golfshake Rating - 4.23
• Green Fees - £35

Bishop Auckland Golf Club is a club steeped in tradition and set in the stunning County Durham countryside. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or new to the game, the friendly community, beautifully maintained course, and excellent facilities make this the perfect place to play, socialise, and relax. The scenic countryside offers some beautiful views on many of the holes, making this a top option for your next visit to the North East.

Review Comment: "Played as part of a society day. Great course, many testing holes, fantastic clubhouse and facilities."

Seaton Carew Golf Club

• Golfshake Rating - 4.33
• Green Fees - £60-£95

With a clubhouse that holds over 150 years of history, Seaton Carew offer a warm welcome to visitors all year round. 22 holes with two course layouts, the Old, and Micklem. Both present a varied and challenging test with plenty of twists, turns, dunes, and bunkers.

Review Comment: "Presentation of the course - with outstanding roll off areas, immaculate greens, riveted bunkers."

Blackwell Grange Golf Club

• Golfshake Rating - 4.25
• Green Fees - £40

Blackwell Grange Golf Club offers a superb 18-hole golf course extending to over 145 acres in a picturesque parkland setting with idyllic panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is an extremely pleasant but challenging course to play. Visitors often leave very impressed and highly satisfied with the course condition and facilities on offer.

Review Comment: "Friendly members, helpful staff and constantly improving the layout."

Consett & District Golf Club

• Golfshake Rating - 4.13
• Green Fees - £25

Set within 100 acres of the beautiful Derwent Valley on the county border between Durham and Northumberland. The course is characterised by its well-groomed tree-lined fairways and cleanly manicured plateau greens that offer a highly enjoyable yet challenging round.

Review Comment: "Killer workout course, stunning views, hard course, had a shocker but still loved it."

Seaham Golf Club

• Golfshake Rating - 3.93
• Green Fees - £30

Seaham is a heathland golf course situated just a short distance from the famous Seaham Harbour. This course offers a true test of accuracy for everyone, especially on a windy afternoon. Seaham is often highly regarded for their top of the range hospitality, and warm welcome for all visitors.

Review Comment: "Great course. Been a member here for two years. Love the course and love the layout. Friendly staff and always made to feel welcome."

There are some of our highest reviewed and most popular golf courses in County Durham. Be sure to check these out if you're planning a trip to the region in the lovely North East.