Prince Bishops Course

at Ramside Hall Hotel & Golf Club

Location: Durham, North East England | Style: Parkland | Length: 6,851 yards | Par: 72 | Designer: Jonathan Gaunt | Founded: 1996

Set within the rolling County Durham countryside just minutes from the historic city of Durham, the Prince Bishops Course at Ramside Hall Hotel & Golf Club delivers one of the North East’s most enjoyable parkland golf experiences.

Designed by renowned architect Jonathan Gaunt, the course stretches to 6,851 yards from the championship tees and challenges golfers with a strategic mix of drivable par 4s, reachable par 5s, and no fewer than 16 water hazards.

Beyond the golf itself, Ramside Hall’s luxury resort setting elevates the overall experience. Combining championship golf with a four-star hotel, award-winning spa, restaurants, and extensive practice facilities, it has become a popular choice for UK golf breaks and weekend golf escapes.

Course highlights

• Risk-and-reward design – Reachable par 5s and tempting drivable par 4s encourage aggressive play throughout the round
• Spectacular Durham Cathedral views – Several holes offer sightlines towards the UNESCO World Heritage landmark
• Water in play – 16 water hazards influence strategy across much of the course
• Playable yet challenging – Wide landing areas suit all abilities, while strategic doglegs and hazards test stronger players
• Championship pedigree – Part of a respected 36-hole golf destination regularly used for professional and amateur events

Signature Holes

The standout hole on the Prince Bishops Course is widely considered to be the par-4 18th. Measuring around 435 yards from the back tees, this dramatic finishing hole bends gently left with water threatening down the entire right-hand side.

The tee shot demands commitment, while the approach into a large undulating green requires precision under pressure. With the clubhouse nearby and matches often hanging in the balance, it provides a memorable and fitting finale to the round.

Clubhouse & amenities

Ramside Hall Hotel & Golf Club offers one of the most complete golf resort experiences in Northern England, with facilities including:

• A state-of-the-art driving range with TrackMan technology
• Short-game practice areas and putting greens
• PGA professional coaching and custom fitting services
• Luxury spa and wellness facilities at Ramside Spa
• Multiple restaurants, bars, and lounges within the hotel resort
• On-site accommodation ideal for golf breaks and group stays

The atmosphere combines modern resort luxury with a relaxed clubhouse feel, making it equally suited to weekend golf trips, corporate events, and stay & play holidays.

Post Round

After your round, Ramside Hall offers plenty of ways to unwind. The resort’s award-winning spa is one of the standout attractions, featuring hydrotherapy pools, saunas, steam rooms, and outdoor relaxation areas. Golfers can also enjoy drinks and dining in the hotel’s bars and restaurants, ranging from casual clubhouse meals to more refined dining experiences.

Nearby activities

Golfers staying at Ramside Hall are ideally placed to explore some of County Durham’s top attractions, including:

• Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle
• The historic streets and riverside walks of Durham city centre
• Beamish Museum
• Newcastle city centre and quayside nightlife
• North East coastline beaches and castles

The location makes Ramside Hall an excellent base for combining golf with sightseeing and short UK breaks.