The best golf hotels

Stay and play

Golf's enduring popularity is easy to understand. A day on the fairways comes hand in hand with fresh air, a healthy boost to your step count, and the chance to catch up with friends.

Even better, then, is a golfing getaway. We've rounded up 12 of our favourite golf hotels where you can take to the tee and play to your heart's content.

Five-star golf stays

Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa, Bedfordshire

Set in over 1,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown designed parkland, Luton Hoo has an 18-hole, par 73 golf course with the River Lea meandering through. Relax after a busy round in the Country Club, or head back to the hotel to dine in your choice of the Wernher Restaurant or more informal Adam’s Brasserie.

Rockliffe Hall, County Durham

This impressive hotel boasts an 18-hole Championship golf course on the banks of the River Tees. All golfing getaways here come complete with a full English breakfast, use of the spa and wellness facilities, and the option to include a two-course dinner in The Clubhouse Kitchen & Bar.

Lough Erne Resort, County Fermanagh

Home to two Championship courses – the Faldo Course and the Castle Hume Course – Northern Ireland’s Lough Erne Resort provides the ultimate 36-hole golfing experience. The rooms here are beautifully designed and furnished, and the dining options also don’t disappoint – the 3 AA Rosette Catalina Restaurant is particularly noteworthy.

Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, Fife

St Andrews is known as the Home of Golf, and the five-star Old Course Hotel sits alongside one of the world’s most famous courses; the eponymous Old Course. A number of well-curated packages are available, allowing you to make the most of the hotel’s superb facilities which include and award-winning spa and AA-Rosette restaurants.

The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport

With three championship golf courses, you’ll be spoilt for choice at the home of the 2010 Ryder Cup. Packages range from one-night breaks to two-night championship experiences – book a Hunter Lodges Golfers Escape to truly follow in the footsteps of the golfing greats.

The Gleneagles Hotel, Perth & Kinross

This acclaimed retreat is known as the Glorious Playground for good reason. As recent hosts of the Ryder and Solheim Cups, the three courses here are among the best in the world. Choose the Tee it Up package for a tailored break, with complimentary use of the resort’s first-rate facilities.

Four-star golf stays

Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, Cheshire

Surrounded by 1,000 acres of Cheshire countryside, Carden Park provides an ideal setting for a golf break. There are two legendary courses to challenge yourself on – The Cheshire and The Nicklaus. The latter was famously designed by Jack Nicklaus and his son, Steve.

China Fleet Country House, Cornwall

Overlooking the beautiful Tamar estuary, China Fleet is one of the South West’s leading country clubs and boasts an 18-hole course. The apartment-style accommodation offers wonderful flexibility, as do the golfing packages on offer, which can be adjusted to suit your specific needs.

Sandford Springs Hotel and Golf Club, Hampshire

Sandford Springs’ unique 27-hole layout (comprising of a trio testing nine-hole circuits) makes it an instant hit with golfers. Get ready for the day with a hearty full English breakfast, enjoy the panoramic views over Watership Down, and refuel with a three-course dinner before retiring to a spacious and comfortable room.

The Belfry, Warwickshire

A true golfer’s favourite, this award-winning hotel has three golf courses, two of which – The Brabazon and PGA National – are recognised as world-class. With a range of luxury suites to choose from and a spa to unwind in too, the Belfry has all the components for a first-class getaway.

Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort, Wiltshire

This boutique-style hotel is one of Wiltshire’s finest, offering luxury accommodation and unrivalled leisure facilities. The renowned championship PGA 18-hole course here meanders through woodland – the wonderfully secluded Queenwood Lodge, nestled in the heart of the golf course, proves popular with those seeking a tranquil golf break.

Three-star golf stays

Ashbury Hotel, Devon

With no fewer than seven golf courses and a club house with bar and dining facilities, Ashbury Hotel is a golfer’s paradise. All guests are welcome to enjoy up to 27 holes of free golf each day throughout their stay, along with a wide range of equally excellent leisure facilities.