Matfen Hall is privately owned and feels like it, with the grand, historic main building setting the tone. The 63 bedrooms range from comfortable doubles and twins that suit golf groups to larger, more stately rooms where the period features do a lot of the heavy lifting. Expect a country-house look and feel, with modern touches layered in so it doesn't come across as stuffy. High ceilings, original architectural details and views over the estate give the place character, while the rooms themselves are designed to balance historic charm with the kind of comfort you actually want after 36 holes.
The spa is a real selling point, especially if not everyone in your party is playing every day. Facilities include a 16-metre swimming pool, sauna and steam room, plus a full treatment menu covering everything from massages and body wraps to facials and manicures. There's also a Technogym-equipped fitness suite, handy if you like a stretch and a light session after 18 holes. For golfers, the combination of spa and fitness facilities makes Matfen Hall a strong choice if you're mixing performance with recovery, or if you're travelling with non-golfers who want more than just a seat in the clubhouse.
Food and drink are spread across three venues. The Emerald Restaurant is the more formal option, set in the former library and focused on seasonal tasting menus using locally sourced Northumberland ingredients. The intricately decorated ceiling and views over the estate make it the right choice for a special evening. Cloisters offers a more relaxed à la carte menu, with the Champagne Bar there for pre-dinner drinks. The Keepers clubhouse is ideal for something casual, with bistro-style dishes and a wraparound balcony that looks straight over the course. All three menus lean heavily on Northumberland produce, so you're eating local whether you're after fine dining or a post-round burger.
Rooms are designed to suit different needs. Standard doubles and twins offer comfort and character without excess, ideal for golfers who want a good night's sleep and a decent breakfast before heading out. The larger stately rooms step up the luxury, with more space, grander period features and the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel like you're staying in a proper country house rather than a hotel. All rooms reflect the natural elegance of Matfen Hall, with careful decoration that balances historic charm with modern convenience.
For groups and societies, Matfen Hall works well. The variety of dining options means you can mix formal dinners with casual clubhouse meals, the spa gives non-golfers something to do, and the 27-hole layout means you can play different combinations across multiple days without repeating the same 18. The location also helps: you're 20 minutes from Newcastle if you want a night out, but you're deep enough into Northumberland to enjoy the countryside and the quiet. If you fancy a Northumberland weekend with 27 holes on tap, include Matfen Hall on your next UK Golf Break.
