2022 Editor's Choice Hotels for Golfers
Editor’s Choice Golf Hotels
The Dog at Wingham - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast from £99 per Person per night Special Offer
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.
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.
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.
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.
Romney Bay House
New Romney
This white 1920s hotel on a private road overlooking the Channel backs onto Littlestone Golf Club, home to Championship Links and the Warren, which offers a shorter but still challenging game. True devotees can book a room overlooking the course.
Rayanne House
Holywood
Holywood Golf Club, where local legend Rory McIllroy fell in love with the game, is a two-minute walk from this Cesar-winning property. Rayanne offers discounted green fees at the club, or try one of 28 courses that are all within a 15-mile radius of the hotel.
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.
2021 Editor's Choice Hotels for Golfers
Editor’s Choice Golf Hotels
The Atlantic Hotel - Luxury Autumn Break Special Offer
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 - Autumn Coastal Break 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.
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.
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.
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.
Hilton Park
Clones
There’s a double bonus for guests staying at the sprawling Madden family estate, home to Clones golf course: not only are greens fees complimentary, but the rolling woodland course features 20 holes, after an extra two were added in 2005.
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.
Romney Bay House
New Romney
On one side of this 1920s mansion built by Clough Williams-Ellis lies the English Channel, while on the other is Littlestone golf course. It’s a scenic, isolated spot, whether you’re playing on the Championship Links or The Warren.
Park House, Hotel & Spa
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.
Boath House
Nairn
Two championship golf courses are in Nairn, while Castle Stuart, home of the Scottish open, is nearby, and Royal
Dornoch is one of 30 golf courses within an hour’s drive. But first you need to tear yourself away from the exquisite hotel grounds.
Dornoch is one of 30 golf courses within an hour’s drive. But first you need to tear yourself away from the exquisite hotel grounds.
2020 Editor's Choice Hotels for Golfers
Editor’s Choice Golf Hotels
Mallory Court - Warwickshire Escape Four Nights for the price of Three Special Offer
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 - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast from £99 per Person per night Special Offer
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.
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.
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.
Hilton Park
Clones
Guests at Fred and Joanna Madden’s glorious country house have complimentary use of Clones Golf Course, within the demesne. The 1920s nine-hole course was expanded to 18 in 2001, with a further two holes added in 2005, making this a rare 20-hole course. Drinks and good craic are on offer in ’the 21st hole’.
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.
Romney Bay House
New Romney
Hedda Hopper dreamt of creating an English Le Touquet when she engaged Clough Williams-Ellis to build this house on Romney Marsh between the English Channel and Littlestone Golf Club. The dream was in vain, but the two courses – the Championship Links and The Warren – are wonderfully atmospheric.
Rayanne House
Holywood
A 100-yard shot from Holywood Golf Club, and offering discounted green fees, Conor and Bernie McClelland’s characterful B&B celebrates a local golfing hero in the Rory McIlroy Room. Its bathroom has grass-effect tiles, a shower grab bar fashioned from one of your man’s golf clubs, engraved with ‘Rors’.
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.
2019 Editor's Choice Hotels for Golfers
Editor’s Choice Golf Hotels
The Atlantic Hotel - Luxury Autumn Break Special Offer
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 - Complimentary Tea and Scones on Arrival 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.
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.
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.
Viewmount House
Longford
A warm welcome awaits at this antique-filled Georgian mansion in parkland on the edge of town. It is right by County Longford Golf Club, founded in 1894 and one of Ireland’s oldest. A Guide inspector judged everything well above par.
Romney Bay House
New Romney
Built by Clough Williams Ellis for Hollywood actress and gossip-monger Hedda Hopper, this lovely hotel stands between the Strait of Dover and Littlestone golf course, a gem, with challenging Rye coursedown the road. Hopper dreamed of creating an English Le Touquet but this is so much more romantic.
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.
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.
Treglos Hotel
Padstow
In long-time family ownership, this seaside holiday hotel and spa offers golf breaks, tuition packages, buggy hire. Their 18-hole course is designed for beginners and more experienced golfers. Trevose Golf Club is nearby, and lovely St Enodoc a short drive away.
The Salutation
Sandwich
A fine Queen Anne-style Lutyens mansion with gardens inspired by Gertrude Jekyll, in a gem of a medieval town, this Guide newcomer is close to Royal St George’s Golf Club (host to the US Open in 2020), and handy for Deal’s Royal Cinque Ports course.
From £90 per night
2018 Editor's Choice Hotels for Golfers
Editor’s Choice Golf Hotels
The Atlantic Hotel - Luxury Autumn Break Special Offer
St Brelade
Ocean views are on show through the floor-to-ceiling windows from some of the rooms at this hotel, on a headland above St Ouen's Bay.
Marlfield House
Gorey
George the peacock struts some of the 40-acre grounds of this rural Regency-style country house, run as a hotel for more than four decades by the Bowe family (Relais & Châteaux).
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.
Riverwood
Pitlochry
You can gaze out at the River Tay over breakfast at Ann and Alf Berry’s Arts and Crafts-style B&B in wooded grounds on the edge of a conservation village.
Budock Vean
Falmouth
With golf, tennis, kayaking and powerboating, indoor pool and outdoor hot tub, this spa hotel is a holiday resort in its own right.
Lake Country House Hotel & Spa
Llangammarch Wells
A ‘narrow and hairy’ road leads to Jan and Pierre Mifsud’s hotel in wooded grounds on the River Irfon, with views to the Cambrian mountains.
Park House, Hotel & Spa
Midhurst
More than 70 years after the O’Brien family first opened their Edwardian country house to the Cowdray Park set, third-generation owner Seamus O’Brien presides over a thriving spa hotel.
Balcary Bay Hotel
Auchencairn
In ‘suitably isolated splendour’ on the shores of the Solway Firth, Graeme Lamb’s hotel gazes across the water to Hestan Isle and the peaks of the Lake District.
Ballathie House
Stanley
A Victorian ghost, a Russian duke and a former Prince of Wales have all graced this ‘lovely’ Scottish country house in a ‘delightful position’ on the River Tay.
Skeabost House Hotel
SKEABOST BRIDGE
Catch sight of this ‘impressive’ Victorian hunting lodge through the trees as you approach; closer up, discover the ‘manicured grounds’ running down to Loch Snizort.
2017 Editor's Choice Hotels for Golfers
Editor’s Choice Golf Hotels
Chewton Glen - Complimentary Breakfast for Two Special Offer
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.
The Atlantic Hotel - Luxury Autumn Break Special Offer
St Brelade
Ocean views are on show through the floor-to-ceiling windows from some of the rooms at this hotel, on a headland above St Ouen's Bay.
Trefeddian Hotel - Autumn Coastal Break 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.
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.
Riverwood
Pitlochry
You can gaze out at the River Tay over breakfast at Ann and Alf Berry’s Arts and Crafts-style B&B in wooded grounds on the edge of a conservation village.
Budock Vean
Falmouth
With golf, tennis, kayaking and powerboating, indoor pool and outdoor hot tub, this spa hotel is a holiday resort in its own right.
Park House, Hotel & Spa
Midhurst
More than 70 years after the O’Brien family first opened their Edwardian country house to the Cowdray Park set, third-generation owner Seamus O’Brien presides over a thriving spa hotel.
Ballathie House
Stanley
A Victorian ghost, a Russian duke and a former Prince of Wales have all graced this ‘lovely’ Scottish country house in a ‘delightful position’ on the River Tay.
2016 Editor's Choice Hotels for Golfers
Editor’s Choice Golf Hotels
Glenapp Castle
Ballantrae
At the end of a ‘beautiful tree-lined drive’, this romantic Victorian Scottish Baronial castle stands in landscaped grounds with views across the Firth of Clyde to Ailsa Craig.
Stella Maris
Ballycastle
Though it styles itself a ‘country house’ and stands amid gently rolling hills, the sea provides the drama at Frances Kelly-McSweeney's former coastguard’s HQ on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Castle Cottage Inn
Harlech
At the top of one of the world’s steepest streets, this inn occupies two 16th Century buildings just above Edward I’s formidable castle (faint hearts, take the High Street route).
St Enodoc
ROCK
In a fashionable resort on the Camel estuary, this child-friendly hotel has a light, Mediterranean decor with bright colours and original artwork. There are stone floors, open spaces in the public areas.
Carrig Country House & Restaurant
CARAGH LAKE
Landscaped and wooded gardens filled with rare shrubs surround this Victorian manor house and former hunting and fishing lodge on the shores of Caragh Lake. Frank and Mary Slattery bought and extended it in 1996, furnishing it throughout with antiques
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.