Northumberland, England Golf trip

Goswick Links Golf Club

Design & architect

Goswick Links Golf Club was originally designed by Willie Park Jr., one of the most influential architects of the early 20th century. The course follows a classic links philosophy with minimal intervention, where natural undulations, open fairways, and strategically placed bunkers shape the challenge. The design rewards positional play and creative shot-making, with a strong emphasis on the ground game.

Course & playing conditions

Set directly along the coast, the course is fully exposed to the elements of the North Sea. Firm fairways, fast greens, and ever-changing wind directions make club selection and course management essential. While the playing corridors are generous, low scoring demands thoughtful strategy and precise control into the greens.

Region & location

Goswick Links lies on the coast of Northumberland, just a few kilometres from the Scottish Borders. The region is known for its quiet, unspoiled landscapes and deep golfing heritage. Its location makes Goswick a natural bridge between English and Scottish links golf, and an ideal addition to itineraries that include courses in the Borders and East Lothian.

Bamburgh Castle Golf Club

Historical context & setting

Bamburgh Castle Golf Club is located on the northeast coast of England in Northumberland—one of the UK’s most unspoiled regions. The course sits in the shadow of the iconic Bamburgh Castle, overlooking the North Sea. Positioned near the Scottish border, Bamburgh forms a natural bridge between English and Scottish links traditions.

Playing style and character

This classic links course is shaped by its exposed coastal setting and ever-present sea winds. Natural dunes, rugged fairways, and an open routing create an honest and unrefined golfing experience. Each hole is embedded in the landscape, offering constantly changing perspectives of both sea and castle—making the round as visually striking as it is strategically engaging.

A pure golf experience

Bamburgh Castle Golf Club represents golf in its purest form—far removed from crowds and commercial influence. The sense of space, tranquility, and historic backdrop make it a unique destination for purists. It’s a course that not only challenges but also immerses you in a powerful sense of place and history—something increasingly rare in modern golf.

Historical significance & setting

Northumberland Golf Club, founded in 1893, is a classic English members’ club with a truly distinctive location. The course sits within Gosforth Park Racecourse, just north of Newcastle upon Tyne, with many holes laid out inside the racecourse itself. This rare overlap makes Northumberland one of the most unusual golfing venues in England, where golf and horse racing share the same historic ground.

Character and playing style

Despite its unconventional setting, Northumberland is a serious, links-influenced test. The layout is compact and strategic, favouring precise placement over power. Its open nature ensures wind is a constant factor, while thoughtful bunkering and subtle contours add depth to every hole. The flat terrain can be deceptive—mistakes are punished more severely than they first appear.

A pure members’ experience

Northumberland embodies the spirit of a true members’ club: understated, unpretentious, and entirely focused on the game. Free from tourist crowds and commercial distractions, it offers a quiet, tradition-rich atmosphere. Playing within the confines of a racecourse adds a timeless quality—golf here feels like part of a shared sporting heritage that has changed very little over the years.