Linden hall golf & country club is situated just outside the village of longhorsley, less than half an hour from newcastle, england's northeastern heartland. Linden hall, a magnificent former manor house that has been converted into a tasteful hotel, was built in 1812. The linden tree, a traditional onsite restaurant, is also open. Make sure you don't have too many drinks before your game.

The course is set in the most tranquil of settings, with panoramic views of the rugged cheviot hills, the icy north sea, and coquet island, with its famed victorian lighthouse and bird sanctuary. The landscape is an rare and undulating combination of 19th century parkland, dense forest, and open farmland. Linden hall received a standing ovation when it first opened in 1997. Jonathan gaunt designed the trail in four circles, each of which ends near the hotel. After dinner, this course is perfect for a few holes.

It's a course that golfers of all abilities will enjoy. There are various teeing positions to accommodate all ability levels. But be warned: the back tees at linden hall range out to 6,846 yards. So, if you want to have a good time, choose your tee carefully. A lot of the holes are wide sweeping doglegs, so getting in the right spot off the tee is key to scoring well. There's also a tough double dogleg... the par five 13th, which has a water-surrounded green.

The one-shot holes at linden hall, on the other hand, will stick in the mind for a long time. One of the four par threes is very beautiful, with mature trees framing the holes and lots of do-or-die carries over water. It's difficult to choose a favorite, but the seventh is a standout. The raised tee allows for a good view of the nearby woods as well as the challenge at hand. A lake on the left protects the forest, which is made worse by the fact that it slopes into the sea.