Five-star North East resort upgrades its course, academy, and dining to enhance play and stay
Rockliffe Hall, the award-winning five-star resort near Darlington, is making a major investment in its golf facilities as part of a wider renovation project designed to elevate its guest experience.
The multimillion-pound plan strengthens Rockliffe’s reputation as one of the North East’s leading destinations for golf, gastronomy, and leisure, with new technology, improved course conditions, and enhanced hospitality.
State-of-the-Art Practice Facilities
The resort has already introduced a TrackMan Range at its driving range, equipping all eight bays with advanced tracking technology. Players of every level — from newcomers to seasoned golfers — can enjoy interactive, data-driven practice sessions.
Alongside this, the new Rockliffe Hall Golf Academy provides personalised coaching tailored to each player’s goals, making the sport more accessible and engaging for everyone.
Rockliffe Hall’s greenkeeping team has launched a two-phase bunker renovation project running from August to December in both 2025 and 2026. The overhaul includes reshaping bunkers, reducing their total size, installing Profusion Blinder lining, and filling them with premium China Clay sand.
This work follows recognition in the 59Club Global Awards 2025, where Rockliffe’s course was named among the best single-destination courses worldwide.
Championship Golf in the North East
Designed by renowned architects Hawtree, the championship course opened in 2009 and remains the longest in the UK at 7,879 yards from the Gold Tees. With three lakes, five wetland areas, and 78 bunkers, the layout offers both challenge and variety, with five tee positions on every hole.
Beyond the course itself, facilities include practice greens, a short-game area, buggies and hire clubs, a well-stocked Pro Shop, and a Clubhouse complete with bar and restaurant.
Dining and Relaxation Beyond the Course
Culinary Director James Close oversees the resort’s food offerings, from relaxed all-day dining in The Clubhouse to salt-aged steaks cooked over charcoal and live music on Saturday evenings.
Guests can also enjoy TERRA Riviera, a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant opening on 10 October, alongside the resort’s award-winning spa and outdoor Spa Garden.
For more details, visit www.rockliffehall.com
