7 Golf Hotels Perfect For A Countryside Minibreak
Whether you’re a beginner or you’re a self confessed pro, golfing is the ultimate pastime, not to mention stress reliever. And thankfully, the UK is home to some brilliant ranges for you to perfect your putting.
With spring around the corner, there’s never been a better moment to dig out your clubs from the cupboard under the stairs, invest in a pair of waterproof trousers and book a golf hotel. Read on to find out our UK favourites.
Gleneagles
There aren’t many places that feel equally at home hosting a G8 summit, the Ryder Cup or serving high tea to your granny, but Gleneagles rises to the challenge.
The vast Perthshire hotel greedily comes complete with three championship courses, along with a nine holer for good measure. The King’s Course, designed by the legendary Edwardian course designer James Braid is an ‘inland links’, while heathland The Queen’s Course vies with the more contemporary Jack Nicklaus-designed PGA Centenary Course for your decision about which to play first.
And once you’re off the course, the experience continues. Not only are the rooms eminently comfortable (the Estate Rooms and suites have the best views, which you pay for) the dining options include the two Michelin starred Andrew Fairlie.
Website: www.gleneagles.com
Where: Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland, PH3 1NF
Stoke Park
Within easy striking distance of London, Stoke Park has something for everyone.
For the golfing fanatic, the play is solid, not the most challenging course I’ve encountered but beautiful and fun in equal measure. Of the 27 holes, the main 18 includes some brilliant par 3s (the seventh is considered the course’s signature, inspiring the infamous 16th at Augusta, no less).
And yet Stoke Park regularly gets name-checked with only a cursory mention of the golf because of the hotel, restaurant and facilities are just as noteworthy (ideal if you’re visiting with a non-player you’d like to keep entertained for as long as possible to maximise your time on the course). Spas, restaurants and a fabulous hotel await guests.
Plus, though the golf nut won’t care, the clubhouse is notable as the backdrop for movies like Layer Cake, Bridget Jones’s Diary and, of course, Goldfinger.
Website: www.stokepark.com
Where: Park Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, SL2 4PG
The Belfry
Famed for hosting more Ryder Cup tournaments than any other venue in the world, The Belfry Golf Club actually boasts three courses, and while you’ll be obviously keen to jump onto the famous Brabazon Course (it’s a beast, casual golfers beware), the more recent PGA National Golf Course is truly stunning.
The four star hotel is eminently comfortable, an ideal respite after a day of play, without being so opulent that you’ll be find it difficult to leave in the morning for an early tee time.
Where: Lichfield Road, Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, B76 9PR
Website:www.thebelfry.com
Trump Turnberry
We all know there’s an elephant in the room – we’re going to leave it right there and simply remark that Trump Turnberry is one of the country’s most beautiful and fulfilling golf courses.
The ninth hole of the Ailsa course is set on a stony ridge overlooked by a lighthouse and it’s as iconic as it is breathtaking. The other two courses are equally formidable
The accompanying hotel is expansive and the rooms smart and comfortable, or you can stay in the famed lighthouse itself…
Where: Turnberry, Ayrshire, KA26 9LT
Website:www.trumphotels.com
Old Course Hotel, St Andrew’s
There is no more famous view in golf than this. Wake up looking down the 18th hole of the Old Course and you’re in golf paradise. Meanwhile, the hotel’s course, The Duke’s, is considered one of the finest heathland championship courses in the country. The hotel includes six different dining options (the views from the Road Hole Restaurant are unbeatable) while the suites include balconies overlooking the Old Course.
The hotel includes six different dining options (the views from the Road Hole Restaurant are unbeatable) while the suites include balconies overlooking the Old Course.
Website: www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk
Where: Old Station Road, St Andrews, KY16 9SP
Fairmont, St Andrews
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more dramatic backdrop to tee off against than Fairmont St Andrews. Set within a spectacular 520-acre estate atop the North Sea cliffs, it offers the ultimate base for exploring Scotland’s premier golfing destination. Alongside world-class fairways, you’ll find family-friendly restaurants, a stunning wellness spa, and easy access to the historic charm of St Andrews itself.
On the greens, aficionados will need no introduction to the world-class Torrance and Kittocks championship courses. Both boast a rich tournament legacy, having played host to The Open Championship Final Qualifying and welcomed some of the world’s greatest players over the years.
Post-game, head inside to indulge in the resort’s exclusive new spa partnership with Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons. The blissful yet hard-working signature facial is masterfully designed to revive tired skin and deliver visible results – a perfect antidote to a windy day on the course.
website: fairmont.com
where: Fairmont, St Andrews, KY16 8PN
Bovey Castle
A championship golf course set on the edge of Dartmoor, Bovey Castle is a perfect weekend break kind of a place. Designed as a sister course to Turnberry and Gleneagles, the golfing experience won’t disappoint, but nor will the Devon welcome at the five star hotel. The spa is worth a mention, while restaurant dining overlooking Dartmoor while a fire crackles is unforgettable.
Website: www.boveycastle.com
Where: Dartmoor National Park, North Bovey, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ13 8RE
De Vere Wokefield Estate
If Reading wasn’t enticing enough already, with The Oracle, the railway station and *checks notes* okay that’s about it, then thankfully De Vere Hotels are here with another brilliant reason to venture west of London.
Wokefield Estate Golf Club is a 6,996-yard, par 72 championship course designed to US PGA standards. There’s also a fully lit eight-bay driving range and, importantly, a grant hotel to enjoy it from.
With its historic grounds, fully equipped gym and indoor swimming pool visitors can also enjoy a range of wellbeing sessions. And should you want to venture further afield, then there’s plenty to see in the surrounding area, not least the real-life Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle. Even more notably, De Vere Wokefield Estate is only a short distance from Bombay Sapphire distillery where you can get a tour and samples!
Website: www.devere.co.uk
Where: Goodboys Lane, Reading, RG7 3AE
