If you like links golf, with views out to sea, and even with an ancient castle thrown in, then Dunstanburgh Castle is the place for you…
The views are very much a part of the experience at Dunstanburgh Castle, with the course looking out over the dunes and the North Sea, with the castle itself as a backdrop.
The routing is similar in a way to Western Gailes, as you return to the clubhouse after six holes, before then travelling in the opposite direction for a loop featuring the last 12.
The walk form the 1st green to the 2nd tee is tough, as you rise some 60 feet. Once you’re there though, especially if you’ve birdied the opener, the view is sensational!
History
The original layout was designed and built at the turn of the 20th Century. However, in 1922, a certain five-time Open Champion came to the North East and designed the course that everyone now knows.
The great James Braid, one of the greatest golf course designers ever, was the man brought in to lay out a true links course around Embleton Bay.
To this day, more than a century on, the course remains pretty much unchanged from Braid’s original design, the links guarded by gorse, sand, and gusts that move as golfers make their way around Embleton Bay.
What makes Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club special?
The course plays in the shadows of Dunstanburgh Castle itself, and the fact that you can see the castle from pretty much all points on the course makes it even better.
The vista from the 6th tee might just distract you as well. You should be trying to work out how much of the corner of the beach you’re going to try and take on with your tee shot, but instead, you’ll be enjoying the view of the North Sea and across the fields that sit inland of the layout.
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Where does it rank?
91st in England, 3rd in the North East, 12th in England Value
Where is Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club?
Dunstanburgh Castle is one of the northernmost venues on the NCG Top 100s: England list, located in the northeast of the country. The course looks out over the North Sea, running alongside the coastline of Embleton Bay. The village of Embleton is less than half a mile from the golf course, while Dunstanburgh Castle itself overlooks the golf club. The England-Scotland border is 35 miles to the north, while Newcastle – the biggest city in the area – is 40 miles south.
Get in touch with Dunstanburgh Castle
For more information about the club and course, visit its website or call them on 01665 576562.
You can play at Dunstanburgh Castle on the NCG Top 100s Tour in the 2026 season!
- Book your spot to play at Dunstanburgh Castle on the NCG Top 100s Tour on April 21st, 2026 here.
- You can also play at Seaton Carew in our North East Swing – check that out here.
Now have your say
Have you ever had the pleasure of playing at Dunstanburgh Castle? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
