2024 Editor's Choice Hotels for Golfers
Editor’s Choice Golf Hotels
Headlam Hall - 'Summer Escape' Special Offer
Darlington
Golfing breaks and packages are on offer at this country-house hotel, with an enjoyable nine-hole course in rolling pastureland around the gardens, with streams and ponds to test your skills. Tuition is available from a resident PGA professional, while the golf shop stocks equipment, clothing and accessories.
The Atlantic Hotel
St Brelade
While ocean-facing bedrooms are sought after at this hotel above St Ouen’s Bay, golf fans opt for those overlooking neighbouring La Moye Golf Course; guests have the opportunity to book tee time. It’s a beautiful but challenging links course, with spectacular views to neighbouring islands.
Chewton Glen
New Milton
From 10am guests at this luxury country-house hotel can get out on the nine-hole par three golf course or the driving range. Equipment is free to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis, with lessons from £70. Superb heathland Parkstone and Broadstone courses are an easy drive away.
Budock Vean
Falmouth
Golf is inclusive for residents at this family-owned resort hotel’s 1920s, nine-hole, 18-tee course. Designed by the legendary course architect James Braid, it is within gardens and woodland on the Helford River. There’s an on-site golf shop and golfers’ bar.
St Enodoc
ROCK
Right by renowned St Enodoc Golf Club, and sharing views over the Camel Estuary, this hotel is ideally placed for a golfing break. ‘The very turf rejoiced to see/ That quite unprecedented three,’ wrote Sir John Betjeman in ‘Seaside Golf’, celebrating a rare birdie on the dramatically situated links course.
Greywalls
Gullane
When the Hon. Alfred Lyttelton engaged Sir Edwin Lutyens to build an Arts and Crafts holiday home, he decreed that it be ‘within a mashie niblick shot of the 18th green at Muirfield’. Several bedrooms overlook the world-class course, in the golfers’ paradise of East Lothian.
2023 Editor's Choice Hotels for Golfers
Editor’s Choice Golf Hotels
Park House, Hotel & Spa - Midweek Spa Break Special Offer
Midhurst
An Edwardian country house originally catering to the polo set has evolved over four generations into a leisure resort with a six-hole, 18-tee golf course and a putting green. Day visitors are also welcome at neighbouring Cowdray Park Golf Club, in the lovely setting of the South Downs national park.
Headlam Hall - 'Summer Escape' Special Offer
Darlington
To the east of this country house hotel on the outskirts of Darlington lies a nine-hole golf course in gently undulating pastureland with woodlands, ponds and streams. A resident professional is on hand to give tuition, while equipment and accessories can be bought from the golf shop.
The Atlantic Hotel
St Brelade
Some rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the links course of La Moye Golf Club, bordering the grounds of this leisure-oriented hotel. Founded in 1902, redesigned by James Braid in 1935, and further developed over time, the course has panoramic views across St Ouen’s Bay.
Trefeddian Hotel - 'Summer Escapes' Special Offer
Aberdovey
Book tee time when staying here and join men of Harlech in the hollows, on the greens and in the rough of Royal St David’s links, overlooked by Harlech Castle, with views to Snowdonia. Or there is Aberdovey’s own magical course, one of the best 18-hole links courses in Wales, right below.
The Peat Inn
Cupar
The world-renowned Royal and Ancient at St Andrews is just 12 minutes’ drive from Geoffrey and Katherine Smeddle’s Michelin-starred restaurant-with-rooms, a magnet for golfer and gastronome. There is an enticing choice of other historic courses within easy reach, but for foodies the most compelling courses will be on the inn’s tasting menus.
Beechwood Hotel
North Walsham
Hugh and Emma Asher, owners of this creeper-smothered hotel, have teamed up with Mundesley Golf Club to offer two-night, half-board packages that include a voucher for a full day’s golfing. The course offers a fair challenge to beginners and more advanced players, and the ambience, as at the hotel, is friendly and unstuffy.
Star Castle
St Mary's
Subject to availability, guests at this historic hotel have complimentary use of the Isles of Scilly Golf Club, England’s most south-westerly course. The nine-hole, 18-tee course is maintained by volunteer members and has been cherished by islanders since it was founded in 1904.
Stella Maris
Ballycastle
If you can tear yourself away from the sea views at this former coastguard’s HQ on the Wild Atlantic Way, two superb links courses, Enniscrone and Carne, are 40 minutes’ drive away. Both designed by the late Eddie Hackett, they are thrilling to play and sensitive to their beautiful natural surroundings.
2023 Editor's Choice Hotels for Golfers
Editor’s Choice Golf Hotels
Park House, Hotel & Spa - Midweek Spa Break Special Offer
Midhurst
An Edwardian country house originally catering to the polo set has evolved over four generations into a leisure resort with a six-hole, 18-tee golf course and a putting green. Day visitors are also welcome at neighbouring Cowdray Park Golf Club, in the lovely setting of the South Downs national park.
Headlam Hall - 'Summer Escape' Special Offer
Darlington
To the east of this country house hotel on the outskirts of Darlington lies a nine-hole golf course in gently undulating pastureland with woodlands, ponds and streams. A resident professional is on hand to give tuition, while equipment and accessories can be bought from the golf shop.
The Atlantic Hotel
St Brelade
Some rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the links course of La Moye Golf Club, bordering the grounds of this leisure-oriented hotel. Founded in 1902, redesigned by James Braid in 1935, and further developed over time, the course has panoramic views across St Ouen’s Bay.
Trefeddian Hotel - 'Summer Escapes' Special Offer
Aberdovey
Book tee time when staying here and join men of Harlech in the hollows, on the greens and in the rough of Royal St David’s links, overlooked by Harlech Castle, with views to Snowdonia. Or there is Aberdovey’s own magical course, one of the best 18-hole links courses in Wales, right below.
The Peat Inn
Cupar
The world-renowned Royal and Ancient at St Andrews is just 12 minutes’ drive from Geoffrey and Katherine Smeddle’s Michelin-starred restaurant-with-rooms, a magnet for golfer and gastronome. There is an enticing choice of other historic courses within easy reach, but for foodies the most compelling courses will be on the inn’s tasting menus.
Beechwood Hotel
North Walsham
Hugh and Emma Asher, owners of this creeper-smothered hotel, have teamed up with Mundesley Golf Club to offer two-night, half-board packages that include a voucher for a full day’s golfing. The course offers a fair challenge to beginners and more advanced players, and the ambience, as at the hotel, is friendly and unstuffy.
Star Castle
St Mary's
Subject to availability, guests at this historic hotel have complimentary use of the Isles of Scilly Golf Club, England’s most south-westerly course. The nine-hole, 18-tee course is maintained by volunteer members and has been cherished by islanders since it was founded in 1904.
Stella Maris
Ballycastle
If you can tear yourself away from the sea views at this former coastguard’s HQ on the Wild Atlantic Way, two superb links courses, Enniscrone and Carne, are 40 minutes’ drive away. Both designed by the late Eddie Hackett, they are thrilling to play and sensitive to their beautiful natural surroundings.
2022 Editor's Choice Hotels for Golfers
Editor’s Choice Golf Hotels
The Dog at Wingham
Canterbury
This jolly village gastropub is popular with players as it has partnerships with several Kent clubs, and offers packages, tee times and transport. Choose from Canterbury Golf Club, Faversham Golf Club, Princes in Sandwich Bay, and The Royal St George’s.
Lake Country House Hotel & Spa
Llangammarch Wells
Practise your swing on the hotel’s own nine-hole, par-three course; beginners on a luxury break can borrow clubs from reception. Proficient players who want a challenge can drive a few miles to first-class 18-hole Welsh courses, such as Cradoc and Builth Wells.
Beechwood Hotel
North Walsham
Any stay at this hotel entitles you to 10% off the green fees at two excellent north Norfolk golf clubs – the Mundesley and the Royal Cromer. Book DB&B for two nights, and you will receive a complimentary full-day green-fee ticket for two people, worth £70.
Stella Maris
Ballycastle
This former coastguard’s house on the Wild Atlantic Way is between two of Ireland’s top links courses, Enniscrone and Carne, each about a 40-minute drive away, and, like the hotel itself, boasting beautiful ocean views. Long hours of daylight in summer mean you can play after an early dinner.
Greywalls
Gullane
Golfers are spoilt for choice at this East Lothian hotel. Muirfield golf course is next door – the hotel offers limited tee times for handicaps of 18 or over – and the championship courses of Gullane, Luffness, North Berwick, Renaissance and Archerfield are just a few miles away.
2021 Editor's Choice Hotels for Golfers
Editor’s Choice Golf Hotels
Park House, Hotel & Spa - Midweek Spa Break Special Offer
Midhurst
If you like to mix your golf with other activities, Seamus O’Brien’s South Downs leisure hotel may be the place. As well as a putting lawn and six-hole 18-tee golf course, there are two pools and a spa, plus tennis, croquet and bowls.
The Atlantic Hotel
St Brelade
There are ocean views from every hole at Jersey’s La Moye golf course, plus a few rocky outcrops on the fairway. At the adjacent Atlantic Hotel, rooms without sea views overlook the fairways. The food is well above par.
Trefeddian Hotel - 'Summer Escapes' Special Offer
Aberdovey
The nine-hole putting course at this family-friendly, dog-friendly hotel on the coast is just a warm-up for the real thing: Trefeddian overlooks Aberdovey’s 18-hole championship golf course. Coaching and caddies are available if needed.
Budock Vean
Falmouth
The golf bar has views over the fairway, Sky Sports is tuned to the golf channel, and the nine-hole course has one of the longest par-fives in the country. Better still, green fees at the Barlow family’s resort hotel are included.
Beechwood Hotel
North Walsham
Guests at Emma and Hugh Asher’s country house hotel can enjoy special deals at Mundesley and Royal Cromer golf clubs. In the evening, there’s a different clubby atmosphere back at Beechwood, with a rolling programme of evening events.
Ballymaloe House
Shanagarry
For a bit of fun or practice, there is a five- hole course in front of this hotel, with golf balls and clubs available at reception. For something more serious, there are courses at nearby Castlemartyr, Fota Island and Harbour Point.
Greywalls
Gullane
The only thing separating this Lutyens- designed house from Muirfield golf course is a ha-ha. Some rooms have links views, and you can drink or dine overlooking
the green of the 18th hole. It is possible to tee off on 22 golf courses within ten miles.
the green of the 18th hole. It is possible to tee off on 22 golf courses within ten miles.
2020 Editor's Choice Hotels for Golfers
Editor’s Choice Golf Hotels
Mallory Court
Leamington Spa
To tee or not to tee, that is the question facing guests at this Lutyens-style Arts and Crafts country house. Do you head out to imbibe culture at Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, when Royal Leamington Spa Golf Club is just across the way and the game’s afoot?
The Dog at Wingham
Canterbury
Mark Bridgen’s village pub has teamed up with some great clubs to offer golf packages, with transport provided. Choose Faversham, Canterbury, Princes in Sandwich Bay, or maybe Royal St George’s, Sandwich, 15 minutes' drive away. It hosts the US Open in July.
Budock Vean
Falmouth
Green fees are included in room rates at Martin Barlow’s resort hotel with golf shop and its own course, bounded by the Helford river. The original 1920s design by James Braid envisaged 18 holes. With the sale of some land it was reduced, but this is possibly Cornwall’s best nine-hole, 18-tee golf course.
Star Castle
St Mary's
Guests at the Francis family’s Elizabethan fortified mansion have complimentary use of the course at St Mary’s Golf Club. The nine-hole, 18-tee course is a mix of traditional links and gently rolling moorland sprigged with heather and gorse, affording fabulous sea views.
Prestonfield
Edinburgh
James Thomson’s sumptuous hotel at the foot of Arthur’s Seat is right by Prestonfield’s James Braid-designed golf course and Royal Holyrood Park. Tee times are available to guests – or the concierge can arrange them at such iconic Scottish courses as Gleneagles, Turnberry and St Andrew’s.
Castle Cottage Inn
Harlech
Residents at Glyn and Jacqueline Roberts’s restaurant-with-rooms receive a 10% discount on green fees at Royal St David’s Golf Club, one of the world’s finest traditional links courses. For variety-seekers there are 18 courses within one hour’s drive.
Greywalls
Gullane
Built in 1901 by Sir Edwin Lutyens as a golfing retreat for sporting celebrity Alfred Lyttelton, the Weaver family’s country house gazes out to the Firth of Forth across Muirfield course. Golfing parties of up to 40 can have exclusive use, and take drinks on the lawn overlooking the 18th green.
2019 Editor's Choice Hotels for Golfers
Editor’s Choice Golf Hotels
The Atlantic Hotel
St Brelade
Most guests choose a room with a glorious sea view at this upmarket, family-run hotel in landscaped gardens above a sandy beach. However, golf fanatics may prefer a room overlooking La Moye golf course, with its hills, pot bunkers, gorse and ocean breezes.
Trigony House - Summer Complimentary Dinner Special Offer
Thornhill
Golfers are spoilt for choice, with no fewer than 30 golf course, in driving distance of this 18th-century former sporting lodge. It’s just a mile to Thornhill, set in heathland and parkland in the Nith Valley, and Royal Troon an hour to the north.
Prestonfield
Edinburgh
A historic, luxurious hotel with theatrical interiors, Prestonfield stands in parkland under Arthur’s Seat, beside picturesque Duddingston course with a meandering burn running through. It’s handy, too, for James Braid’s Prestonfield course – and all just minutes from the shops and city bustle.
Castle Cottage Inn
Harlech
Just above the historic castle, this restaurant-with-rooms is run with a personal touch by the chef/proprietor and his wife. Guests receive a discount on green fees as world-renowned Royal St David’s Golf Club, host to the Ryder Cup in 2010, and there are 18 courses within an hour’s drive.
The Neptune
Old Hunstanton
There’s Michelin-starred cooking at this 18th-century coaching inn turned restaurant-with-rooms. Home-baked croissants set guests up for a round at 125-year-old Hunstanton golf course, amid the dunes and link grasses, overlooking The Wash.
Rathmullan House
Rathmullan
You drive along the shores of Lough Swilly from this welcoming, family-run country house, to find Otway golf course, one of the oldest in Ireland, founded in 1893, bordered by sand coves, with spectacular views across the lough to the Inishowen hills.
2018 Editor's Choice Hotels for Golfers
Editor’s Choice Golf Hotels
Park House, Hotel & Spa - Midweek Spa Break Special Offer
Midhurst
An Edwardian country house in long-time family ownership is run as a spa hotel, restaurant and leisure destination with facilities for golf, tennis, bowls, croquet, swimming.
The Atlantic Hotel
St Brelade
Glamorous ocean vistas are on show through the floor-to-ceiling windows of this hotel, which sits on a headland above St Ouen’s Bay.
Lake Country House Hotel & Spa
Llangammarch Wells
A Victorian mock-Tudor fishing lodge in wooded grounds on the River Irfon is today a spa hotel and foodie destination with a country house ambience and views to the Cambrian mountains.
Budock Vean
Falmouth
With golf, tennis, kayaking and powerboating, indoor pool and outdoor hot tub, this spa hotel in 65 acres of garden and woodland on the Helford river is a holiday resort in its own right.
Rathmullan House
Rathmullan
Pass the little gate lodge to drive up to this bay-fronted country house in wooded grounds edged by a beach on Lough Swilly.
2017 Editor's Choice Hotels for Golfers
Editor’s Choice Golf Hotels
Park House, Hotel & Spa - Midweek Spa Break Special Offer
Midhurst
An Edwardian country house in long-time family ownership is run as a spa hotel, restaurant and leisure destination with facilities for golf, tennis, bowls, croquet, swimming.
The Atlantic Hotel
St Brelade
Glamorous ocean vistas are on show through the floor-to-ceiling windows of this hotel, which sits on a headland above St Ouen’s Bay.
Trefeddian Hotel - 'Summer Escapes' Special Offer
Aberdovey
The Cave-Browne-Cave family have kept a welcome in the hillside at their big, white hotel above Cardigan Bay since the days of silent film, when men wore bowler hats to the beach.
Chewton Glen
New Milton
This quintessential English country house with spa, pools, kids’ club, elegant bedrooms and fun tree houses, hits all the right luxurious notes for a romantic or family stay.
Budock Vean
Falmouth
With golf, tennis, kayaking and powerboating, indoor pool and outdoor hot tub, this spa hotel in 65 acres of garden and woodland on the Helford river is a holiday resort in its own right.
Gilpin Hotel and Lake House
Windermere
With its indulgent bedrooms, Michelin-starred dining, attentive staff and guaranteed privacy, many look to Gilpin as the ultimate in Lakeland luxury.
2016 Editor's Choice Hotels for Golfers
Editor’s Choice Golf Hotels
St Enodoc
ROCK
There are ‘great views of the Camel Estuary’ from this 1920s, family-friendly hotel that is 'virtually on the famous golf course’.
Castle Cottage Inn
Harlech
Two 16th-century buildings above the medieval castle combine as one inn with seven well-presented bedrooms, an aviation-themed bar, and a restaurant serving modern British cooking with a Thai twist.
Stella Maris
Ballycastle
The sea is a powerful presence at this former coastguard’s HQ overlooking Bunatrahir Bay, with fascinating architectural features, of cosy public rooms, blazing fires, an ocean-view sunlounge, antique furniture and contemporary Irish cuisine.
Glenapp Castle
Ballantrae
A tree-lined drive leads to this splendid Victorian Scottish baronial pile and luxury hotel in landscaped grounds, where dinner can be a grand occasion or a more informal affair.
Golf can be such a beautiful way to experience different parts of the UK, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding amateur. Combining that great pleasure with beautiful places to stay, wonderful food and exceptional hospitality, whether you’re staying at a spa hotel or a family-friendly retreat on the coast.
Choose from a mix of traditional links and gently rolling moorland sprigged with heather and gorse, or a wonderfully atmospheric Championship Links. Choose from Faversham, Canterbury, Princes in Sandwich Bay, Royal St George’s or iconic Scottish courses as Gleneagles, Turnberry and St Andrew’s. You can play rounds at locations that have hosted the Open and The Masters. Then return to the hotel in the evening for good food, drink and maybe even a massage.