Headlam Hall

Headlam Hall is one of several great golfing resorts in the northeast of England, situated just 20 miles from the city of Middlesbrough. The centrepiece of the venue is the 17th Century hall itself, with a 9-hole golf course and a spa just to add to the beauty of the northeastern resort. 

The golf course at Headlam Hall is only 9 holes, but there is plenty of challenge and character throughout a round. All the par 3s, of which there are plenty, offer something different, including a signature semi-island green. There is just one par 5 on the 2,000-yard layout, but don’t expect it to be too easy.

Although there are less than 40 rooms on site, they come in a range of forms. There is plenty of choice in the Main Hall itself, while there is also a selection of rooms in both the Coach House and the Mews. The Spa Rooms – located by the Headlam Spa – provide a great place for those looking for a relaxing weekend.

The Spa itself is the place to be if you are looking to unwind. There are both indoor and outdoor pools at the Headlam Spa, along with a sauna and steam room, and a terrace to relax on and to enjoy the views. Massages and treatments are also available, including facial treatments and full body massages.

Headlam Hall’s philosophy is simple: “relaxed luxury, a friendly atmosphere, excellent food and drink, and refreshingly reasonable northern prices”. If you’re looking for a civilised country house escape, then Headlam Hall is a fantastic option. Nestled at the foot of the Durham Dales on the doorstep to North Yorkshire, it’s ideal if you want a peaceful, yet accessible location. 

Visit Headlam Hall’s website here. 

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Unlike a lot of venues on the NCG Top 100s: Golf Resorts list, Headlam Hall has just the one course – and it is only a 9-holer. The course is set over rolling pastureland and cuts through mature woodland dotted with streams and ponds. Although only 9 holes, the golf course at Headlam Hall has plenty of variety to its challenges. It only measures 2,000 yards, with six par 3s, a pair of par 4s and a singular par 5 – the only hole that pushes past 270 yards on the property.

The layout begins with the first of those six par 3s, with Headlam Beck sitting just behind the green. It is 185 yards, and plays slightly downhill, but the green looks like a small target, especially with a long iron or hybrid in hand for your first shot of the day. The 3rd is another testing par 3. Again, water is in play, with a beck running down the left side, but at 140 yards, it is gentler than the first.

The 4th is the longest hole on the course (by far) and the only par 5 at Headlam Hall. It plays more than 520 yards around the southern boundary of the property, and is a strong dog-leg right. Anything to the left might find itself in the fields of flowers, but longer hitters might well fancy taking their tee shot over the corner of the fairway and the trees.

The signature hole at Headlam Hall is the 7th. It is the shortest hole on the course at just 116 yards, but it plays to a semi-island green, akin to the 17th at TPC Sawgrass. Water surrounds the front and both sides, but anything long with find itself in the trees that line the back of the putting surface. The layout also ends with a par 3, one of 145 yards with the glorious hall as the backdrop to your final approach of the day.

Most of the accommodation at the Headlam Hall Hotel & Rural Retreat is housed within the 17th Century Country House. There are 38 rooms in total at the northeastern venue, with the rest of the rooms being set in the converted stable block, coach house and even with some rooms by the spa as well, all of which are within the walled garden.

The Main Hall Rooms, housed on the first and second floors of Headlam Hall itself, come in a range of Twin, Double and Deluxe rooms. Each of the three choices come with luxurious fixtures and fittings, allowing guests to relax in an elegant setting. Some of these are also available for those bringing their dogs along for the trip.

The Mews Rooms and Coach House Rooms are separate from the main building, but just a short walk from all the facilities. The latter are now housed in what was the original stables back in the venue’s early years. The resort also offers Spa Rooms, with five rooms and two suites on offer for those on a spa break at Headlam Hall.

Talking of the spa, Headlam Hall certainly offers relaxation to all its guests. The facilities are first class, with an indoor pool and an outdoor hydrotherapy pool, along with a sauna, steam room and a relaxation terrace.

There is a wide range of treatments available at the Headlam Spa, all of which are given by qualified therapists and masseuses. Facial treatments, full body massages and golf-specific massages are all on offer.

For those that like to keep active, there is a fitness suite with cardiovascular equipment and weights. There is also a tennis court and a free weights studio, along with an exercise area outdoors.

Where is Headlam Hall?

Headlam Hall sits in the northeast of England, just a few miles west of the town of Darlington. It is located near Gainford, with the A66 (M) and the A1 (M) both within just a few minutes of the resort. Middlesbrough is 25 miles to the east of Headlam Hall, with Newcastle-upon-Tyne around 40 miles north.

What is the nearest airport and station to Headlam Hall?

Newcastle Airport – the largest airport in the northeast of England – is the closest major international airport to Headlam Hall. The airport sits 50 miles from the venue to the north, while Leeds Bradford Airport is 60 miles south, straight down the A1 (M). In terms of train stations, Darlington is the closest, with trains running to a number of destinations including Dundee, Newcastle and London Kings Cross.

What golf facilities does Headlam Hall offer?

Along with the 9-hole golf course, the Headlam Hall Hotel & Rural Retreat also its own 10-bay driving range, with all of the bays being covered to allow practice in all conditions. There is also a short game area and a putting green next to the hotel building, perfect for those final touches before taking to the course.

Does Headlam Hall offer golf lessons?

Coaching and tuition are available for both guests and residents at Headlam Hall. There is a PGA-qualified professional on site, with lessons available both on the range and on the 9-hole course.

What are the green fees at Headlam Hall?

The price of a green fee at Headlam Hall changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend.

For more information on current green fees at Headlam Hall, visit their website here. 

What accommodation is on offer at Headlam Hall?

There is a great range of accommodation at Headlam Hall, with much of it located in the 17th Century house itself. There are Deluxe Rooms, Double Rooms, Twin Rooms and Suites available, with also a range of rooms in the Coach House and Mews. Spa Rooms, perfect for those visiting the Headlam Spa, are also part of the selection.

What other resorts are nearby?

Headlam Hall is one of several great golfing resorts in the northeast of England. Rockliffe Hall is only 10 miles away, with Slaley Hall and Close House within an hour’s drive to the north. Aldwark Manor and Rudding Park are also within an hour to south, into Yorkshire.