Ramside Hall’s tagline says that it is a ‘resort for every occasion’ and that couldn’t be more accurate.
This luxurious hotel, situated in the sprawling hills of County Durham, is one of the most exciting venues in the UK, offering an escape for those looking to relax, enjoy fine food and play on one of the venue’s two championship golf courses.
There really is something for everyone here, even if you’re not an avid golfer, with Ramside boasting its own state-of-the-art spa, five restaurants and a brand new entertainment centre, called The Pin.
What is particularly great about this venue is just how accessible it is. The hotel is situated just 10 minutes away from Durham train station, which is a three-hour ride from London’s King’s Cross Station. Durham also offers direct services to Manchester and Liverpool, which means it is very easy to grab your golf clubs, jump on the train, and get out of the city for a weekend break.
Eager to find out more about this venue, I travelled up to Ramside Hall last week, and it is safe to say, I was blown away by what was on offer at Ramside Hall.
Ramside Hall is one of the most exciting stay-and-play golf destinations in the United Kingdom
There is something for everyone at this excellent venue, which boasts its own spa, two championship golf courses and a state-of-the-art entertainment centre
Ramside Hall is situated in County Durham and is very easy to get to from London, Liverpool and Manchester
The Pin
The latest and perhaps most exciting new addition to the hotel is The Pin.
Themed on an American sports bar, The Pin is a multi-faceted entertainment centre that has its own bowling alley, driving range and electronic dart boards.
It is a unique venue, with hotel staff having worked tirelessly to craft a modern and captivating space that delivers something for everyone.
The driving range is one of the best in the country. It boasts a whopping 43 bays, which are situated across two floors. Each comes with a brand new mat and multiple television screens on which you can watch the Saturday afternoon match while you play.
Each bay comes with its own Toptracer system on which players can work on their skills or even play a major championship course. The facilities here mean that this is the perfect place to come if you’re looking to just practice your golf swing or enjoy an afternoon hitting golf balls with your friends.
Staff really have thought of everything here, with each bay offering ample space for groups of people to play and compete in one of the many Toptracer games available on the range. Individual heating systems have also been installed throughout the range, meaning that you can play here all year round.
I particularly liked how players can also order food and drinks from the bar downstairs to their bay. Sit back in one of the comfortable sofas situated in each bay and enjoy a cold beverage as you watch your friends launch balls out into the range.
If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, The Pin also has its very own swing studio that is partitioned away from the range and comes with a fully stocked bar and draft beer tap.
I thought the range was also very moderately priced. Rather than buying a set amount of balls, players pay for a time slot of their choosing, with 30 minutes costing £7.50.
The Pin is a newly opened driving range and sports bar at Ramside Hall. It comes complete with a suite of enormous plasma screen TVs
The driving range is one of the best in the country. It boasts a whopping 43 bays, which are situated across two floors, with each coming with state-of-the art mats
The bays are spacious and each comes with Toptracer technology, enabling guests to analyse their swing or play games with their friends
Guests on the range can also order food and drinks from the sports bar straight to their bay
After my session on the range, I headed back into the main bar area to grab some food and a drink. It was a Saturday afternoon and the sports bar at The Pin was rocking.
People were streaming in through the doors and it is very clear that The Pin has become a big hit among many from the local community.
Walking into the bar, your eyes are immediately drawn to one of the four massive screens that are mounted on the back wall. The screens have been brilliantly designed so that they curve around at a right angle, meaning that wherever you’re sitting, you’ll be able to get a great view of the match.
And you won’t go hungry at The Pin, either. From loaded burgers to platters of wings, I liked how the items were catered to social dining, while offering up a mouthful of flavour. My favourite item was by far the salt and pepper chicken-loaded tots – a must try.
To the side of the bar, you’ll also find the bowling alley, which features six lanes, shuffleboard tables and foosball tables. Towards the rear end of the sports bar, you’ll also find the venue’s electronic dart boards. The staff tell me these are hugely popular, with guests able to battle it out against their friends through the range of games the dart boards have available.
From the food to the entertainment offerings, The Pin is an excellent place to spend a Saturday afternoon, even if you’re not an avid golfer.
The food here is exceptional, with The Pin serving up loaded fries, burgers and wings
The Pin also has its very own bowling alley, that features six lanes
People were streaming in through the doors and it is very clear that The Pin has become a big hit among many from the local community
From the food to the entertainment offerings, The Pin is an excellent place to spend a Saturday afternoon, even if you’re not an avid golfer
The Spa
While The Pin is a hub of bright lights and activity, The Spa at Ramside Hall is the place to unwind. It is a truly excellent facility that has everything you could want to help you switch off.
Stepping into the lobby at the spa, I was greeted by one of the very friendly receptionists who took a good few minutes to walk me through the facility. The staff are very kind and helpful and took their time to show me around.
Inside the spa, you’ll find a range of thermal suites and five pools.
There is a 25m pool, typically used for swimming. The hydrotherapy pool – which was my favourite – features a range of built-in jacuzzi functions, which are perfect to help massage your muscles after a long day on the golf course. There is also a cold plunge pool and an outdoor vitality pool.
While The Pin is a hub of bright lights and activity, The Spa at Ramside Hall is the place to unwind. It is an excellent facility that has everything you could want to help you switch off
After a long day on the golf course, head to the spa where you can relax your muscles with one of Ramside’s exceptional treatments or a dip in the hydrotherapy pool
Perhaps the pick of the bunch is the private and secluded infinity pool. Situated on the roof of the spa, the infinity pool provides an outstanding view out onto the 18th green of the Prince Bishops’ Course.
The pool is private hire only and is the perfect place if you’re looking for a little more exclusivity. Groups of up to 10 people can enjoy the infinity pool, and you can order tapas from Ramside’s Asian restaurant Fusion to be delivered to the pool.
Downstairs, you’ll find a series of thermal suites, including two saunas, a steam room, a Himalayan salt room and a mud rasul, while the spa boasts its own state-of-the-art fitness suite.
And if you’re really looking to unwind, Ramside’s spa also has a group of specialists on hand who can offer up massages, facials and rituals.
I spent a few hours in the spa and walked out feeling like a totally new person, refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated.
Over the years, the hotel has undergone a series of changes and redevelopments, with the owners having expanded and updated the venue into the state-of-the art retreat it is today
The hotel oozes class and blends a modern aesthetic with some traditional decor, including an array of beautiful old paintings and furnishings
The Hotel
Over the years, the hotel has undergone a series of changes and redevelopments, with the owners having expanded and updated the venue into the state-of-the art retreat it is today.
Ramside was originally a nine-bedroom hotel, but now boasts over 120 rooms, and even has its own set of treehouse cottages.
Arriving in the lobby, you’ll be offered a warm and friendly greeting from the staff, who were very helpful throughout my stay.
The hotel oozes class and blends a modern aesthetic with some traditional decor, including an array of beautiful old paintings and furnishings.
Ramside Hall boasts a range of rooms that guests can book, with each offering a stylish, yet cosy feel.
The hotel’s deluxe and classic rooms are stylish and homely, and come with large and comfy beds.
For guests looking to celebrate an extra-special occasion, Ramside has three luxurious suites that are available for bookings. The celebration suite is the pick of the three, and it is a stunning space that delivers the best views over the golf course and surrounding hotel grounds. It also comes with a 90-inch TV and a free-standing copper bath.
The venue oozes class and blends a modern aesthetic with some traditional decor, including an array of beautiful old paintings and furnishings, which can be spotted throughout the hotel
Each room has a stylish, yet cosy feel. The hotel’s deluxe and classic rooms deliver opulence and style, while the beds are large and comfy
Each room comes with its own plasma screen television that has access to Sky Sports, while Wi-fi is readily available throughout the hotel
Another fairly new addition to the Ramside Hall’s hotel complex is the venue’s treehouses. These delightful log cabins were perhaps my favourite rooms on the property, with each coming with its very own jacuzzi and sauna
Another fairly new addition to the Ramside Hall’s hotel complex is the venue’s treehouses. These delightful log cabins were perhaps my favourite rooms on the property, with each coming with its very own jacuzzi and sauna.
Hotel staff tell me that the cabins were built using wood that was reclaimed from the land, with each featuring a rustic modern interior, oak beams and stone fireplaces. The aesthetic makes for an incredibly snug and cosy stay.
The Food
As mentioned above, you won’t go hungry at Ramside Hall during your stay, with this venue playing host to five restaurants.
In the spa, you’ll find the hotel’s Asian restaurant, Fusion. Inspired by Thai, Japanese and Indian cuisines, Fusion boasts a delectable menu that includes classics like Pad Thai and Japanese Ramen.
The restaurant also has an afternoon tea menu that takes a twist. Sandwiches and cakes are available on the menu, but you can also add spring rolls, satay chicken and even Thai fishcakes to your afternoon tea platter.
In the main hotel area, you’ll find The Rib Room. I loved the decor in here, which reminded me of a classic old French Bistro. The walls are dotted with some outstanding pieces of artwork, while the tables are surrounded by old bottles of wine, setting the perfect atmosphere for an evening meal.
The staff were delightful and were eager to talk us through the menu. Steak is the speciality here and the chefs cooked the meat to perfection. Elsewhere on the menu, you’ll find delights including slow-cooked confit pork belly, native lobster and North Sea Halibut.
In the spa, you’ll find the hotel’s Asian restaurant, Fusion, which is inspired by Thai, Japanese and Indian cuisines
Fusion boasts a delectable menu that includes classics like Pad Thai and Japanese Ramen
In the main hotel area, you’ll find The Rib Room. I loved the decor in here, which reminded me of a classic old French Bistro
Steak is the speciality dish in the Rib Room and the chefs cooked the meat to perfection
Next door to Charcoa, you’ll also find the hotel’s bar. It has a soothing and relaxed feel, with the dark wooden panelling and plush, comfy sofas
Charcoa is the second restaurant in the hotel. It is a relaxed dining space where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served.
From hot sandwiches to lamb kebabs, the range of food on offer here was also excellent.
Next door to Charcoa, you’ll also find the hotel’s bar. It has a soothing and relaxed feel. The bar’s dark wooden panelling and plush, comfy sofas all create an ambient environment, in which you can sit back, relax and enjoy a tipple.
While I’ve already mentioned the restaurant in The Pin above, the final restaurant at Ramside Hall is The Clubhouse, situated in the golf club.
After wrapping up your round, head into the newly refurbished Clubhouse bar and enjoy one of the classic British light bites from toasties and paninis to fish and chips.
The Clubhouse provides an excellent view of the 18th green on the Cathedral Course, which is currently undergoing renovation works and is expected to be open in the summer.
When the weather improves, the balcony here will be the perfect place to sit, enjoy a few cold ones and watch other players wrap up their rounds.
Charcoa is the second restaurant in the hotel. It is a relaxed dining space where breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served
From hot sandwiches to lamb kebabs, the range of food available in Charcoa was also excellent
The Last Word
From golf, to the spa, to the entertainment options in The Pin, there really is something for everyone at this outstanding venue.
One of the great things about Ramside Hall is just how easy it is to get to, particularly if you’re like me and you live in London. Durham is a three-hour train ride from King’s Cross Station, and getting my clubs on the train was no issue at all.
Ramside Hall is just how close is also very close to many other top golf courses in the North West and even Scotland. It is a great base to stay if you’re planning on playing some of the top courses in the North East, including Seaton Carew and Rockliffe Hall.
I’d recommend booking at least a three-day trip to Ramside Hall to ensure you have enough time to play both courses, check out the spa, and spend an afternoon enjoying all the activities in The Pin.
