Newcastle's world class sporting venues

Close House and St James' Park offer world class sporting experiences when visiting Newcastle in the north east of England

Monday 25th August 2025, Newcastle, England

St James' Park and Close House are two venues that cement Newcastle as a sporting destination

Newcastle has long been famous for its world class sporting culture, and having visited Close House Golf Club and St James' Park for Newcastle United's first home game of the season in one day, there is no doubting Newcastle's sports venues should be on every sports travel fan's bucket list.

The football season may have started over a week ago but with Newcastle United's first home game of the season not until tonight, against Liverpool, I have had to wait for the pure joy of being back at St James' Park in a working capacity.

What with the evening kick-off, I've had time to discover another sporting highlight in Newcastle today by visiting Close House Golf Club for a round.

Close House is by far and away the region's premier golfing destination. And that is quite the statement given Northumberland has plenty of coastal and country courses that provide stunning experiences.

You'll find Close House in Heddon-on-the-Wall to the west of Newcastle. Not far from the city's international airport and therefore another one of those golf courses that has perfect plane spotting attributes, should you like that sort of thing.

Emirates' 777 service to Dubai roared overhead as I tee'ed it up on the 7th.

Newcastle University used to own Close House but in the early 2000's it was sold to Graham Wylie, who founded software firm, Sage Group. He has since created a golfing paradise. Two 18-hole golf courses, one a championship course, as well as a rather gorgeous pitch & putt course and to compliment the golfing facilities, accommodation, bar and restaurant all combine to make this a destination any golfer should experience. Lee Westwood, one of Europe's most prolific golfers is attached to the golf club and proudly wears its name as he plays around the world. In return, you'll not need to walk far around Close House's facilities to see Lee's name.

The two golf courses are the Colt and the Filly, with the Colt being the Championship course, where the British Masters has been hosted twice whilst the Filly is a little more manageable for novices such as myself.

Close House in stunning Northumberland countryside

For those visiting Newcastle and the Northumberland region, Close House is one to add to your list, green fees are very acceptable with the Filly Course costing £100 through the summer and £50 through the winter.

There are also accommodation options including the Courtyard rooms and Pavilion, which would make for quite serene weekends. Don't worry, I may not be the best golfer, but none of my shots threatened to crash through any of the estate's accommodation windows.

I have to say, Close House is a delight. After 18 holes of the Filly Course, I was suitably content having soaked up 10,000 steps worth of incredible views of the Northumberland countryside, impeccable greens and a golfing challenge that fits the bill for all standards. I say content, my golfing ability had very little to do with that sensation.

With the golf finished late afternoon, it was straight onto St James' Park to host match day proceedings within Wings (the hospitality area I host on match days) for Newcastle United's first home game of the season against Liverpool.

A monumental occasion to kick off another campaign at Newcastle United's famous stadium, one which will include Champions League football once again this season.

St James' Park prepares for Newcastle United V Liverpool in the Premier League

A Monday night kick-off, under the lights on a bank holiday, it's a tantalising prospect.

And so it proved to be. An atmosphere to beat all atmosphere's in the Premier League and a match to match it.

As a fan of the Club as well a host on match days, it's fair to say my excitement levels are matched by the atmosphere outside and within the stadium. It's good to be back.

My guest for the evening is former Newcastle United player, Rob Lee. A legend of the Club and a delightful man who was with me for the first time. As we talk, I can't help but remember growing up in Newcastle and watching him on the pitch as Kevin Keegan's 'Entertainers' raced towards the title before a last minute Liverpool winner derailed our Premier League dreams... there couldn't be another last minute winner tonight could there?

Rob Lee, a Newcastle United legend joins me for Newcastle United V Liverpool

The atmosphere inside St James' Park was sensational. A cauldron of noise, flags waving and anticipation, and what with the warm evening temperatures it felt more like an El Classico in Madrid rather than Monday Night Football in England.

For anyone unfamiliar with the experience of attending a match at St James' Park, this was proof that it is one of the UK's most impressive footballing sights (and sounds). The kind of noise where you can't here yourself think, let alone the person next to you.

The football didn't disappoint either... as it turned out. With the man so entwined with Newcastle's 'Entertainers' era sat next to me, we witnessed yet another classic between these two teams. Newcastle on top, dominant, fearless, on a mission, yet 2-0 down and a man down after 46 minutes.

But with a home crowd in the voice they are in, you knew that wasn't the end of it. These Newcastle players are made of strong stuff and so the comeback was on. First Bruno and then William Osula levels the tie.

"There's only one team who are going to win this now" I say to Rob.

There was, and in true 'Entertainers" fashion, it was Liverpool.

The result did not matter however, we had witnessed something quite incredible. A Newcastle United doing what it does best, entertaining, and a stadium that is the life and soul of a city.

As far as Bank Holiday Monday's go; Close House in bright sunshine and St James' Park at it's raucous best goes quite some way to concluding that Newcastle really is a sporting destination not to be missed for any sports travel fan.

Sports Travel Tom showcases our world through its best sports events, adventures and sports travel destinations through his work as a content creator, event host & broadcaster.

He is also the host and founder of the Planet Playground Podcast.