ThThis four crown highly commended Coaching Inn represents the perfect base for discovering the very best of the excellent courses for which Northumberland is rapidly gaining popularity with societies and individual players alike.
The Blue Bell has, over ten years of private ownership, established a reputation for excellent service, but whilst we could list our accolades and the reasons for them, we believe it is in the Golf itself that players interests will ultimately lie.
Very briefly, the area consists of a ring of superb courses with the 6425 yard championship course of Goswick, the Berwick-upon-Tweed links designed by James Braid, 15 minutes North of the Hotel, and Burgham Park, designed by Mark James and opened in 1994, some 25 minutes South. In between, there are several others to choose from, offering visitors the choice from wooded parkland to sweeping headland to classic links Golf. Among our recommended courses are Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick and Seahouses, Alnmouth Village and Foxton Hall. Belford's home course, together with its 10-bay covered driving range and practice area is the nearest, being only a decent drive and a wedge from our front door! A perfect welcome to Northumberland.
It goes without saying that there is a course suited to players of every ability and age within 10 miles of the Hotel and we enjoy a good working relationship with each one. No other Hotel of our standard is more centrally located or offers a better insight into local golf than the Blue Bell at Belford. We believe that if you ask for an experienced but unbiased opinion of the golf and the accommodation in this particular area you'll find that the names of the course listed above and that of the Blue Bell at Belford are mentioned again and again.
We have, over the past few years, seen an increase in the numbers of Golfers visiting us and Northumberland has proved impressive to the many Golf Journalists who have stayed with us and allowed us to reveal the hidden gems, visible only from the back tees of some of the local holes. When you've played Goswick's long 6th, cleared the water at Seahouses' short 10th or holed out in the breath taking scenery of Bamburgh's 16th you'll know why Northumberland is now gaining the reputation it deserves, although it is perhaps our choice of four different menus available everyday and our selection of over 60 wines from around the world has helped to encourage many societies to return year on year.
The combination of this old Coaching Inn, the award winning service we offer and the excellent choice and quality of the courses to visit will, we are sure, remain in your club house conversations long after you depart. The Blue Bell takes a special interest in Golf and the people who enjoy it and we in turn enjoy assisting discerning Golfers in the discovery of this outstanding area. The year 2000 will be our 14th year of organising golfing excursions and we'd very much for you to be a part of it.
Perhaps the best way to enjoy Northumberland's courses is to combine a two night stay with three days golfing "Parsport" Ticket. This enables you to book up to 36 holes on a different course everyday. The Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at the Hotel for a two night stay would be £61.00 per person, per night when sharing a twin or double room and the three day ticket costs a further £44.00. A five day "Parsport" ticket, which can be combined with longer stays of three or more nights at the Blue Bell costs £70.00, again offering up to 36 holes per day and you can choose where to play from the new Northumberland Courses "Parsport", all which we can reserve for you whilst booking your tee times. For societies we offer free transport to and from the courses in the Blue Bell's courtesy coach allowing you to enjoy all 19 holes whilst only driving 18 times! Private rooms are available and at the end of the day, our Hotel bar or our courtyard Tavern public house are ideal for recounting the inevitable highs and lows of the day's play.
Recommended 9 Hole Golf Courses in North Northumberland
Many visiting players avoid 9 hole courses as a rule, preferring the larger 18 hole layouts, believing they offer a sterner test of golfing prowess. However, North Northumberland boasts some ideal and challenging 9 hole courses, some with 18 tee boxes and although we recommend several local 18 hole venues, we would also draw your attention to the smaller but equally attractive courses listed below.
Belford Golf Club 6304 yards. "Parsport" Available
Situated only a short walk from the Blue Bell, the course at Belford offers visitors both excellent playing facilities and the additional bonus of a 10-bay floodlit driving range. A challenging parkland layout with a friendly clubhouse suitable for players of all abilities. Tel: 01668 213433
Wooler (Doddington) Golf Club 6372 yards "Parsport" Available
Perched high on the Cheviots overlooking spectacular Northumbrian countryside, this up and down hill course can be great fun in a breeze with neat greens cut into the hillside and extremely long drives available from the elevated tees. 18 Tees.
Rothbury Golf Club 5681 yards - Par 68 "Parsport" Available
Situated on the Coquet riverbank with 18 tees over a reasonably flat but challenging layout. The Rothbury course is some 26 miles from Belford but we include it for it's friendly atmosphere and good value golfing. £11 during the week and £16 at the weekend buys some enjoyable time over a well kept course in an idyllic setting. Tel: 01669 621217
Warkworth Golf Club 5603 yards - Par 68 "Parsport" accepted
A delightful setting with 18 tee boxes and some of out largest greens. Like Rothbury the actual green fees of only £12 represent great value golf but belie the quality of the course. Avoid Saturdays and Tuesdays however, as the course is busy on these days. Tel: 01665 711596
Recommended 18 Hole Courses in North Northumberland
Goswick Links 6462 yards "Parsport" Available
Links course over undulating ground. Excellent greens with the use of every club in the bag required to reach them. Full facilities with Pro shop and clubhouse. The layout, by James Braid, represents the very best of seaside golf and remains a test of anyone's game. £21 per round midweek, £26 weekends. Blue Bell Guest Green Fee available. Tel: 01289 387380.
Bamburgh Castle Golf Club 5745 yards "Parsport" is NOT available
Headland course over some of the most beautiful scenery on the East coast. A hilly course, quite a stiff walk, where gorse and whinn are the real dangers on one of the most scenic courses in the area. £30 weekdays, £35-£40 weekends. Tel: 01668 214378
Seahouses Golf Club 5500 yards "Parsport" Available
Headland and links with some excellent water holes and superb elevated greens. £18 per day midweek and £25 per round Saturday and Sunday. Tel: 01665 720794. Blue Bell Guest Green Fee available.
Alnwick Golf Club 6260 yards "Parsport" Available
Spread over a delightful, heavily wooded park and breaking out onto open moorland, thereby offering two quite different aspects of the game on one course. This is one of the area's best value courses at only £20 per day on weekdays, £25 for weekends. Tel: 01665 602632
Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club 6039 yards "Parsport" Available
Another Braid design over a long Links with a friendly clubhouse awaiting your return. Green fees are a very reasonable £16 per round weekdays and £20 at weekends. Tel: 01665 576562. Blue Bell Guest Green Fees available.
Burgham Park Country Club 6751 yards "Parsport" Available
The latest addition to Northumberland's ring of courses with a superb clubhouse overlooking every hole on this 6751 yard parkland layout. Excellent value at £15 weekdays and £20 weekends. Blue Bell Guest Green Fees available.
There are obviously other courses in the area and each one represents good value and interesting golf. We would be delighted to discuss alternatives but feel confident in our ability to arrange a successful visit for our residents based on the courses listed.
