As summer fades and makes way for the autumn, many of us are mourning the end of those long, hot summer evenings, days at the beach and lavish getaways enjoying the warmer weather – but the new season doesn’t have to mean an end to luxury breaks, and for golfing enthusiasts, autumn is the perfect time to escape to the country.
The UK is home to a number of impressive five-star golf resorts, many of which offer expansive championship courses and a range of other decadent facilities that provide the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind. From spas to fine dining eateries and a range of outdoor pursuits, there’s something to suit everyone – and with an emphasis on the great outdoors, it’s time to get kitted out in new season gear for the occasion. Don’t forget to pack your new set of clubs, and invest in a golf valuables pouch to keep precious items safe whilst out on the course. Once you’re all prepared, take your pick of these luxurious UK golf hotels, and prepare to tee off.
Carden Park, Cheshire, England
Nestled in sprawling and verdant grounds, the Carden Park in Cheshire is a lavish choice that offers an excellent array of facilities and amenities for guests to enjoy. Its not one, but two championship golf courses – one of which was designed by Jack Nicklaus – are of course a highlight, attracting guests from across the country and beyond each and every year. With the addition of adventurous activities like quad-biking, an aerial ropes course and Jeep off-roading, outdoor lovers will be well catered for all round.
For those who prefer a little R&R, it’s also home to an impressive leisure centre with pool, sauna and gym, a hairdressers and a three-acred vineyard, with wine tastings available to book on request. But the icing on the cake is the hotel’s new £10 million spa, which has already been dubbed one of the best in the country and offers expansive facilities and plenty of sumptuous treatments to enjoy.
Bovey Castle, Moretonhampstead, Dartmoor, England
Set in the scenic south Devon countryside and overlooking verdant, wooded hills, guests at Bovey Castle can enjoy breath-taking views of the expansive Dartmoor National Park, and with an impressive 18-hole championship golf course set within its 275-acre grounds that hosts regular tournaments throughout the year, it’s a top pick for those who can’t resist teeing off at every given opportunity.
Once again, it’s a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts, with hunting, fishing and shooting all offered to those who wish to partake. You’ll also find a croquet pitch, tennis courts and an archery range – and thanks to its heated swimming pool and opulent spa, relaxing and unwinding after a long day outside is all lined up for you when you’re ready.
When you’re not playing a round of golf, take a moment to explore the grounds. The beautiful lakeside walks are a must and worthy of a quality camera to take some photos.
The Grove, Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire, England
You might remember this golfer’s paradise as the place where Tiger Woods won a World Golfing Championship back in 2006 – or more recently, the British Masters, which took place in 2016. It goes without saying, then, that its world-class golf course is a highlight and it is renowned across the globe for its extensive facilities.
Service at The Grove is impeccable, and you’ll want for nothing here during your stay. Have the staff book you in for a sumptuous spa experience, complete with hydrotherapy pool, jacuzzi and a relaxing massage, then head out on a Segway to tour the scenery of the grounds or curl up with a book by the fireplace in one of the hotel’s six elegant lounges.
Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth-on-Tees, Durham, England
This opulent Victorian-style mansion is the perfect pick for families, with its Wonderland-themed children’s facilities guaranteed to keep youngsters entertained all day while the adults enjoy the 18-hole golf course and training academy, which is ideal for polishing up those skills.
Bedrooms are large, spacious and well-equipped, and dining here is a veritable treat. From The Brasserie and The Clubhouse to Richard Allen’s decadent tasting menus, it ticks all the right boxes for those with a taste for stand-out cuisine. There’s a fully equipped gym, extensive spa and outdoor relaxation area, too, which means keeping fit and relaxing are both as easy as you’d expect.
