Rockliffe, the north-east of England-based five-star golf resort previously known as Rockliffe Hall Golf & Spa, has fully reopened following a multi-million-pound renovation and expansion.
The extensive investment at the County Durham-based estate marks a renewed commitment to establishing Rockliffe among the country’s leading luxury golf resorts, combining championship golf with world-class gastronomy, refined hospitality and a collection of bespoke experiences.
At the heart of the transformation is the restoration of the resort’s historic Grade II-listed mansion house, including the reimagining of the East Wing and the launch of ATLAS James & Maria Close, a new 36-cover restaurant led by Culinary Director James Close, formerly chef-patron of the two-Michelin-starred Raby Hunt.
The reopening also introduces five additional dining and bar concepts, creating a culinary offering that rivals some of the UK’s most acclaimed luxury destinations while enhancing Rockliffe’s appeal as a premium stay-and-play resort.
Set within 375 acres of private parkland, Rockliffe’s 18-hole, 7,879-yard championship golf course, which was designed by Martin Hawtree and first opened in 1995, remains central to the resort’s future vision.
A two-phase bunker renovation project, which is set for completion later this year, and was designed by golf architect Marc Westenborg – who originally served as the lead architect for the course’s design under Hawtree Ltd – has refreshed the course’s strategic character and playing experience, with the total bunker footprint being reduced from from 10,000m² to 6,000m² to improve playability and maintenance efficiency.
Masrc Westenborg said: “Twenty years ago, I was lucky enough to design the golf course at Rockliffe Hall and, as the course has matured, what was once a relatively flat and featureless site has gradually transformed into the stunning golf course it is today. However, as is often the case with bunkering, their condition has deteriorated over the years, and it has been a pleasure to assist the club with a much-needed renovation programme, undertaken hand in hand with the hotel renovations.
“Some bunkers have been removed, others added, while some have been reduced in size. The project also involved removing all the old sand and replacing it with Profusion Blinder and premium China Clay and installing new drainage. Once the new bunkers are open in early 2027, Rockliffe will look and play like a new golf course.”
New course machinery and continued investment in the greenkeeping team is also helping to ensure exceptional course conditioning throughout the year, as do the course’s USGA-specification creeping bent grass greens, which provide consistent, high-quality putting surfaces. Five tee positions on every hole allow players of all abilities to tailor the challenge to suit their game.
The newly enhanced clubhouse forms an integral part of the experience, offering elevated dining and relaxed hospitality overlooking the course.
A new culinary landmark
At the centre of the reopening is ATLAS James & Maria Close, a 36-cover pavilion restaurant. The immersive experience begins in a dedicated Champagne and aperitif lounge before guests move into a dining room centred around three open kitchen islands.
The menu reflects the global travels, memories and influences of James and Maria Close, presented through carefully curated sequences. A six-seat chef’s table, visible ageing fridges and a striking spice wall further express the craftsmanship behind the restaurant’s philosophy.
James and Maria have assembled a distinguished culinary and hospitality team for ATLAS, including Executive Chef Adam Molloy, Head Chef Shaun Hurrell, Restaurant Director Jack Adams and Head of Wine Manuel Ghezzi.
The wider dining collection includes Rialto, an all-day Italian-American restaurant that evolves from breakfast through aperitivo-led afternoons to family-style evenings; Ro, an intimate cocktail bar inspired by Japanese precision and industrial heritage; The Morning Room, a refined afternoon tea destination; Café TERRA, a boutique café and bakery; and The Clubhouse, which overlooks the golf course and offers an elevated sports bar concept with relaxed classics, globally influenced dishes and live sport.
Reimagining the historic estate
The wider resort now features 43 individually designed rooms and suites, alongside a 50,000-square-foot spa, tennis and padel courts, a state-of-the-art gym and a range of curated outdoor experiences.
The reimagined East Wing, where the former Old Hall has been transformed into a collection of suites and public spaces that blend historic architectural character with contemporary luxury.
The interiors draw inspiration from the North East’s industrial heritage, with bespoke joinery, natural textures and carefully selected materials creating a dialogue between heritage and modern craftsmanship.
Suites incorporate references to the region’s wool and linen traditions, while bathrooms reflect the solidity of North East sandstone architecture through generous proportions, oversized showers and baths, and richly detailed finishes.
Wellness and outdoor living
Rockliffe’s transformation builds on its established reputation as one of the UK’s leading destinations for golf, wellness and outdoor leisure pursuits.
The award-winning spa and Spa Garden offer hydrotherapy, thermal experiences, 11 treatment rooms, a 20-metre indoor pool and outdoor wellbeing facilities designed around holistic relaxation and recovery.
Beyond the spa, the golf course sits alongside tennis and padel courts, landscaped gardens and nature trails that follow the River Tees, creating a resort experience that extends well beyond the fairways.
“This reopening represents a defining moment for Rockliffe,” said Shauna Robb, Group Chief Operating Officer. “We have reimagined the resort to celebrate our regional heritage while introducing a new standard of English luxury. Our ambition is to create a destination where championship golf, exceptional gastronomy and genuine North East hospitality come together to deliver one of the finest resort experiences in the UK.”
Rooms start from £550 per night, with suites from £1,200 per night on a bed and breakfast basis. Bookings are now open at www.rockliffe.co.uk.