Rockliffe has unveiled a new chapter as one of the UK’s most ambitious luxury golf destinations after it reopens following a multi-million-pound transformation that is set to redefine the five-star resort experience in the north east of England.
The extensive investment 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 that position the resort firmly on the national stage.
At the heart of the transformation is the restoration of the resort’s historic Grade II-listed estate, 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 championship golf course remains central to the resort’s future vision. Recent investment across the resort reinforces its ambition to offer one of the finest golf experiences in Britain, with championship golf, exceptional course conditioning and award-winning hospitality now complemented by a significantly enhanced luxury offering.
The 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.
For golfers, the transformation represents far more than a hotel refurbishment. It signals Rockliffe’s ambition to become one of the UK’s premier golf resorts, where championship golf is matched by outstanding dining, accommodation and service.
A major bunker renovation project, which is set for completion later in 2026, has refreshed the course’s strategic character and playing experience, while new machinery and continued investment in the greenkeeping team are ensuring exceptional course conditioning throughout the year.
The resort’s 18-hole championship course, designed the world-renowned course architects, Hawtree, stretches to 7,879 yards from the back tees, making it one of the longest golf courses in the UK and a true championship test. Extensive drainage and year-round conditioning ensure golfers can enjoy premium playing conditions throughout the seasons. The course’s USGA-specification creeping bent grass greens provide consistent, high-quality putting surfaces, while 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, while the wider resort investment creates a seamless journey from the first tee to the final evening.
At the centre of the reopening is ATLAS James & Maria Close, a 36-cover pavilion restaurant that establishes Rockliffe as one of the UK’s most exciting gastronomic destinations.
The immersive experience begins in a dedicated Champagne and aperitif lounge before guests move into a dining room centred around three open kitchen islands, reinforcing craft, theatre and precision.
The menu reflects the global travels, memories and influences of James and Maria Close, presented through carefully curated sequences designed to encourage discovery and the unexpected. 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 championship golf course and offers an elevated sports bar concept with relaxed classics, globally influenced dishes and live sport.
The reopening also reveals 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.
Throughout the estate, commissioned artworks celebrate the surrounding landscape and industrial legacy, reinforcing a strong sense of place.
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 championship golf course sits alongside tennis and ever-popular padel courts, landscaped gardens and nature trails that follow the River Tees, creating a resort experience that extends well beyond the fairways.
For golfers, the combination of championship golf, world-class dining, luxury accommodation and award-winning wellness facilities creates a compelling new proposition that positions Rockliffe among the most complete luxury golf resorts in the UK.
“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.”
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