If you're searching for a golf break that combines championship-level courses with genuine five-star luxury in one of England's most dramatic landscapes, Slaley Hall belongs at the very top of your list. Nestled deep in the Northumberland countryside, this grand Edwardian country house hotel has earned its reputation as one of the north's finest golf destinations — and with two distinctly different championship courses on site, it delivers an experience that serious golfers talk about long after they've returned home.
At Grand Tour Golf, Slaley Hall is one of our most popular UK golf break destinations. In this guide, we'll cover everything: the courses, the hotel, what's included in our packages, and why it makes for an outstanding trip whether you're planning a group society weekend, a corporate golf day, or a break with friends.
Slaley Hall is located near Hexham in Northumberland, in the north east of England. It sits within 1,000 acres of private woodland and moorland, roughly 20 miles from Newcastle city centre and within easy reach of the A1. Despite its seclusion, it's accessible from most parts of the UK — and that sense of arriving somewhere truly special is part of what makes the experience so memorable.
The surrounding landscape is quintessentially Northumbrian: rolling countryside, ancient woodland, and the kind of open skies that make even the walk between holes feel like a privilege.
What sets Slaley Hall apart from many comparable resort destinations is the quality and variety of its two courses. Rather than offering one strong course and a secondary layout that feels like an afterthought, Slaley Hall's Priestman and Hunting courses are both genuine championship tests — different in character, equally rewarding.
The Priestman Course is Slaley Hall's flagship layout and the more celebrated of the two. Designed by Dave Thomas — the same architect behind Slaley's sister course at The Belfry — it has hosted prestigious European Tour events and is consistently ranked among the best parkland courses in the north of England.
The course stretches to over 7,000 yards from the back tees and winds through mature woodland, with fairways that demand precision off the tee and greens that reward a thoughtful short game. Several holes cross or run alongside Slaley Burn, adding both visual drama and a genuine penalty for wayward shots. The par-5 finishing holes on each nine are particular standouts, offering risk-reward decisions that give every round a genuinely exciting climax.
The Hunting Course is shorter and more forgiving, but don't mistake shorter for straightforward. It offers an excellent day's golf in its own right, with tighter tree-lined fairways and a layout that rewards course management over raw power. It's a strong option for groups of mixed ability, or as a second round after a more demanding loop around the Priestman.
Playing both courses across a two or three-night stay gives you a well-rounded experience that very few UK golf resorts can match.
The hotel itself is a magnificent Edwardian country house, built in 1907 and set within its own grounds. It has been sympathetically developed over the decades without losing the grandeur and character that make it such a special place to stay.
Guest rooms and suites are spread across the main hall and a series of adjacent lodges and courtyard buildings. The main hall rooms carry the most character — high ceilings, period features, and views across the estate — while the lodge rooms and cottages offer a more contemporary finish and are popular with groups who prefer privacy.
The Halle Restaurant serves contemporary British cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced Northumbrian produce. The Barley Bar is perfect for lighter lunches and evening drinks — a natural gathering point before and after a round.
Indoor Pool
Spa & Treatments
Fitness Suite
Tennis Courts
These are a genuine bonus for partners who may not be playing, and equally useful for golfers looking to unwind properly between rounds.
The two-course setup, private dining options, and flexible event management make it a strong choice for groups of 8–24 players.
Typically 4–12 golfers looking for a longer UK break with quality golf and a hotel that feels like a proper event.
The Hunting Course ensures players of all handicap levels enjoy their golf, while stronger players can test themselves on the Priestman.
For those in Newcastle, Durham, Leeds, or Manchester — a prestigious destination without a long journey.
Our Slaley Hall golf breaks are fully managed from start to finish. When you book with Grand Tour Golf, there's no chasing hotels, no arguing over tee times, and no last-minute logistics to worry about.
Starting from approximately £125 per person
Best travel months: May – September
Open year-round — excellent shoulder season value
Our team plays the game. We've been on these courses and stayed in these hotels.
From the first tee time to the last dinner reservation, every detail is managed for you.
What you see is what you pay.
We're available throughout your stay if anything needs changing.
We only work with 4 and 5-star properties.
Plans change. We build flexibility into our packages.
Slaley Hall is the kind of golf destination that rewards those who put in the effort to experience it properly — which means staying long enough to play both courses, dining in the hotel in the evening, and taking the time to enjoy the estate rather than rushing through it.