Trip Report - Q Hotels Slaley Hall

Post by Golfshake Writer, Josh Carr

If you’re looking for a golf break in the North East of England then I cannot suggest Q Hotels Slaley Hall enough, the service is second to none, the rooms are impeccable and with two fantastic championship golf courses to choose from, you won’t struggle getting a game of golf in.

The hotel is set in 1,000 acres of Northumberland countryside meaning this Edwardian mansion is perfect for an idyllic short break, a magical wedding venue and, more importantly, a great golfing getaway.

The resort is only a 30-minute car journey from Newcastle city centre, so if you fancy a day or night in this bustling city renowned for its nightlife, you aren’t far away.

Golf at Slaley Hall

At Slaley Hall you have two championship golf courses to choose from in the Hunting Course and the Priestman Course, with both offering a stern test of golf. No matter which course you choose, you will have an unforgettable golfing experience.

The Hunting Course

The Hunting Course is known as the “Augusta of the North” and the “Gleneagles of the South” thanks to its fast, undulating greens and tree-lined fairways. This course is perfect for the tactical golfer who enjoys picking spots to lay-up instead of hitting driver everywhere.

The strategically placed bunkers also make you think just a second longer when stood on the tee or facing an approach shot. The bunkers are relatively large, which adds to the challenge of avoiding them and playing positional golf.

The key feature of this course, as mentioned earlier, is the greens as they really separate this course from other resort courses due to their sharp undulations and pace. They are fairly large and therefore reasonably easy to hit, but you must make sure you put yourself on the correct side of the pin in order to be successful on these greens.

The Priestman Course

Although maybe not as challenging as the Hunting Course, the Priestman has a superb layout in its own right and you will need to play your best in order to get the better of this demanding Dave Thomas design.

The bunkers are the course’s biggest defence and if you are to score well you must avoid these bunkers. Although the reasonably wide fairways will accommodate the big-hitters, this course still requires strategy to be successful.

This course also offers some outstanding views and none more so than on the par-5 4th hole. The tee is elevated on this hole and provides breath-taking views of the course and countryside

The Hotel at Slaley Hall 

There are several options room wise when staying at Slaley Hall but no matter what you choose, you will definitely have a good night’s sleep. The modern building that is attached to the main hall is where all but seven of the bedrooms are located. Every bedroom in the hall has an elegant design, with all the mod cons you need, as well as a few extras to make you smile.

All of the classic rooms at Slaley look out over the courtyard or the stunning grounds the hotel is set in and include double, king or single beds. All rooms are en-suite and WiFi is provided. Some of the rooms are inter-connected, which make perfect family rooms if you have to take the kids away with you.

Alternatively you can take advantage of the gorgeous VIQ rooms, which are perfect for those looking for all the added extras and something even more special. These have all the standard room inclusions but to add you have luxurious feather and down bedding, a generous drinks selection, numerous lovely toiletries, a complimentary newspaper of your choice and bathrobes for your comfort.

There are 18 suites at Slaley Hall if you’re looking to go all out and treat your loved one. Nine of these are in the New Hall and five more in the Old Hal and offer everything from the best in modern comfort and style to the glamour and drama of Edwardian elegance.

Finally, imagine the rugged countryside right outside your window; the best in golf anytime you want it and local cuisine just a stones throw away. Well, this is what you get if you book in to one of the luxurious lodges on the Slaley Estate. These secluded wood and stone lodges come with bespoke furniture and fittings, state of the art entertainment systems and sumptuous room throughout.

What else does Slaley Hall have to offer?

Depending on how long you are visiting for and who you are with, you may not want to spend all of your time on the golf course, but what else can you do?

Food & Drink

Well for starters, you are definitely going to need somewhere to eat and drink during your stay so it is just as well that Slaley has three restaurants to choose from. There is Hadrian’s Brasserie that offers an informal setting where you can sit back and enjoy the views while indulging in your meal. Alternatively, you can treat yourself in The Dukes or enjoy the Claret Jug’s classic menu.

During my stay at Slaley, the food was one of the things that stood out. The food is classic British with a local contemporary twist and every meal, whether it be a light bite on the course or a full three-course meal, was prepared to perfection.

Spa & Fitness

The Spa at The Slaley Club offers you a luxury programme of special treats from experienced beauty therapists. There is also a tropical pool room, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna you can use when you aren’t pampering yourself with one of the soothing treatments on offer.

ESPA has become a name that is synonymous with quality and results and uses blends of products tailored to your needs and combines them with advanced therapy techniques to have you relaxed in no time.

If pumping some iron is your preferred way of relaxing then there is a fully air-conditioned gym that houses both cardiovascular and weight-training equipment to meet your every need.

Shooting, Fishing and Country Living

Around the Slaley Estate and surrounding areas are several world-class grouse moors. Local shooting estates include Chipchase Castle, Whitfield Estate, Lambston Estate, Longwhitton Shoot and the Raby Estate.

If you would prefer to go fishing then again you have a couple of options where you can cast off, relax, and enjoy the spectacular views and the peacefulness of Northumbria. Derwent Reservoir is just 5 miles away and is acknowledged as Northumbrian Water’s most popular fishery, with the opportunity of catching specimen trout weighing up to 20lbs. Just 10 miles further away is The Tyne, which is known as the best salmon river in England and Wales.

As well documented, Northumberland is known for its glorious countryside and to get the most of you stay, you can explore it by foot. The wide-open moors, rolling hills and rugged coastline are the perfect place for a wander. Hadrian’s Wall is also right on Slaley’s doorstep, with a wealth of walks to be explored as well as the opportunity to take in the history of the wall and its past empire.

Also on offer at Slaley Hall is: Quad Biking for all the family, 4x4 off road driving, paintballing, segways, archery, crackshot, kayaking (seasonal) and gorge walking (seasonal).

How to get there

By Car - Slaley hall is easily accessible from the A1. If you are travelling from the South you should take the A68 link road and follow the signs to the Hall. For those travelling from the North you should take the A69 toward Corbridge, then follow the A68 south and look for the signs.

By Train- Slaley Hall is only seven miles from Hexham Station, or alternatively you can get the train to the Newcastle mainline Station that is 30 miles away.

By Air - Newcastle Airport is only 28 miles away for those flying and is just a 35-minute taxi journey. Alternatively, if you want to arrive in style you can arrange to land your helicopter on the grounds of the Slaley Hall Estate.

For more information on staying and playing at Slaley Hall, please visit teh website - Click here