Ramside Hall is a hidden gem in the UK, offering a unique blend of luxury and golf. Located just a three-hour train ride from London, this Durham-based hotel is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts and families alike. What sets Ramside Hall apart is its two championship-level golf courses, a classy hotel, and The Pin, an entertainment center that is a cut above the rest. Personally, I think this place has the potential to become a must-visit attraction, and I'm here to tell you why.
A Golfers' Paradise
The golf courses at Ramside Hall are truly exceptional. The Prince Bishop's Course is a par 72 beauty that starts with an immediate dogleg right par four, tempting the slicer in you from the first tee. The condition of the course is up there with any championship course I've played in the country, with true greens and fairways that look immaculate. Water comes into play around the middle holes, adding an extra layer of challenge. The 18th hole is a fine finish, a 302-yard par four flanked by opulent treehouses on the left and the resort's spa on the right.
The Cathedral Course, while not quite finished yet, has gorgeous views of the north-east countryside and a different style to its sister course. It has a few memorable holes, including three downhill par threes and a steep, uphill par four. The course has a championship feel and is a delightful complement to the Prince Bishop's Course.
The Pin: A Sports Bar Like No Other
What really sets Ramside Hall apart is The Pin, which opened in October 2025. This facility is perhaps the best sports bar I've seen in the UK, with big screens adorning the walls everywhere you look, complemented by sports memorabilia. The menu is tonally accurate, offering a variety of options, from wings and burgers to steaks and foreign dishes. The main bar is flanked by a bowling alley and a two-tier, 43-bay driving range with TopTracer technology.
The VIP service at the driving range is a real standout feature. For £49 a head, you get unlimited golf balls, your own beer tap, a private lounge area with an 80-inch TV, your choice of hot food off the menu, and a dedicated host for two hours. This is a great way to attract young people and sports fans to the resort.
A Well-Rounded Package
What I really noticed during my stay was the warm North-East welcome. The rooms feel luxurious, with especially impressive bathrooms and beds. The breakfast buffet at Charcoa is a nice touch, and the food options at The Rib Room and Fusion are highly recommended. The resort also has an excellent spa and swimming pool, opened by Kevin Keegan, with separate adult offerings.
A Hidden Gem
Ramside Hall is a hidden gem in the UK, offering a well-rounded package that almost no other golf course can match. It's a place where you can enjoy a round of golf, relax in luxury, and have fun at The Pin. If this course was down towards London, everyone would know about it. But for now, it's a near five-hour trip from the south-east that's well worth it. In my opinion, Ramside Hall is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts and families alike, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for this incredible resort.
