Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course

The course and its character

The first course on the links of Embleton Bay appeared in 1900, and James Braid extended it to 18 holes in 1920. The land is owned by the National Trust. It is a traditional links guarded by bunkers and gorse, par 70 and 6,287 yards from the white tees. The routing bends around Embleton Bay and back, so the wind changes direction as you go, and the castle ruins loom over the course. Because the links drains freely and the greens are in play all year, the course often stays open in bad weather. Top 100 Golf Courses ranks it in its England Top 100.

Booking and visitor practicalities

Visitors are welcome throughout the year, with wide tee-time availability. Book through the online visitor booking system, the online enquiry form or by phoning the clubhouse. Sunday mornings until 10.30am are reserved for club competitions. Men play from the yellow tees and women from the red tees. Buggy numbers are limited, so book in advance, and in wet weather check with the clubhouse that buggies are allowed out. Report to the clubhouse on arrival; there is plenty of parking.

Getting there

The course is at the end of Sea Lane in Embleton, about seven miles north-east of Alnwick. The coast path from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle runs nearby.

Highlights

• Golf played on the links since 1900
• Extended to 18 holes by James Braid in 1920
• Below the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle
• Free-draining links that often stays open in bad weather

Good to know

• Sunday mornings until 10.30am are reserved for club competitions
• Book buggies in advance; check wet-weather buggy rules
• Men use yellow tees and women red tees
• Report to the clubhouse on arrival

Frequently asked questions