Cathedral Course

at Ramside Hall Hotel & Golf Club

Location: Durham, North East England | Style: Parkland | Length: 7,209 yards | Par: 72 | Designer: Jonathan Gaunt | Founded: 2014

Opened in 2014, the Cathedral Course at Ramside Hall Hotel & Golf Club has quickly established itself as one of the standout modern golf courses in Northern England. Stretching across the rolling hillsides between Belmont and Pittington, this dramatic championship layout combines sweeping elevation changes, expansive countryside views, and bold risk-and-reward design to create a thrilling golf experience from start to finish.

Designed by Jonathan Gaunt, the par-72 layout measures over 7,200 yards from the back tees and offers a very different challenge to Ramside Hall’s neighbouring Prince Bishops Course. The Cathedral Course flows across exposed hilltops, plunges into wooded valleys, and navigates alongside winding becks, with 16 water hazards influencing play throughout the round.

One of the defining features of the course is its spectacular scenery. Several holes offer panoramic 360-degree views across County Durham, including sightlines towards the iconic Durham Cathedral and even the Angel of the North on clear days.

Course highlights

• Modern championship design – A long and dramatic par-72 layout designed by Jonathan Gaunt
• Spectacular elevation changes – Holes climb and descend through valleys, ridges, and rolling Durham countryside
• 360-degree panoramic views – Views stretch towards Durham Cathedral, surrounding farmland, and the wider North East landscape
• Risk-and-reward golf – Driveable par 4s, reachable par 5s, and water hazards encourage bold decision-making
• Distinctive finishing stretch – The demanding closing holes provide one of the toughest finishes in the region
• Part of a 36-hole resort – Complements the Prince Bishops Course to create one of the North East’s premier golf destinations

Signature Holes

The Cathedral Course’s most talked-about stretch is “Ramside’s Amen Corner,” spanning holes 11 through 14. The standout among them is the par-3 12th, inspired by Augusta National’s famous Golden Bell.

Playing downhill towards a green guarded by Sherburn Beck, the hole demands exceptional distance control and nerve, particularly when the wind swirls through the valley. Beautiful yet intimidating, it is one of the most memorable short holes in North East England.

Clubhouse & amenities

Ramside Hall Hotel & Golf Club offers a complete resort-style golf experience with premium facilities including:

• A state-of-the-art double-decker driving range with TrackMan technology
• Short-game practice facilities and putting greens
• PGA professional tuition and custom fitting
• Luxury hotel accommodation and stay-and-play packages
• Award-winning spa and wellness centre
• Multiple restaurants, bars, and clubhouse dining options
• Entertainment facilities including bowling and sports bar experiences at The Pin

The combination of championship golf and upscale leisure amenities makes Ramside Hall one of the UK’s leading golf resort destinations.

Post Round

After your round, Ramside Hall provides plenty of opportunities to relax and recover. Golfers can enjoy drinks overlooking the course terrace, dine in the Rib Room Steakhouse or other on-site restaurants, or unwind in the resort’s luxury spa featuring hydrotherapy pools, saunas, steam rooms, and outdoor relaxation spaces.

The resort atmosphere makes the Cathedral Course particularly popular for weekend golf breaks and group golf trips.

Nearby activities

Visitors staying at Ramside Hall are perfectly positioned to explore some of the North East’s top attractions, including:

• Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle
• The historic city centre of Durham
• Beamish Museum
• Newcastle’s quayside, restaurants, and nightlife
• Northumberland coastline castles and beaches

The location makes Ramside Hall ideal for combining golf with sightseeing and luxury short breaks.