Why Choose the UK for a Golf Holiday
The UK is one of the world's most rewarding places to combine golf with a short break. You don't need to fly abroad to play a course with real pedigree. Several UK resorts have hosted professional tournaments, including Ryder Cup and European Tour events, and most pair the course with a hotel, spa, and restaurants right on-site.
A UK golf resort break works well because:
- Courses are close to home: many top resorts are a 2-4 hour drive from major UK cities, making even a weekend trip realistic.
- Facilities go beyond the fairway: spa access, indoor pools and fine dining mean non-golfing partners or friends have plenty to do too.
- Variety of terrain: from parkland courses in the Midlands to sweeping countryside estates in the North East, the UK's golf resorts don't all look or play the same.
- Season flexibility: most resort courses are playable from spring through autumn, and many stay open (with indoor leisure as backup) through the colder months.
Top UK Golf Holiday Resorts
Here's a regional look at some of the UK's standout golf resorts - each one a genuine golfing destination in its own right, alongside everything else the resort offers.
Premium golf resorts in the North East
Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort - 4* hotel Located in Hexham, Northumberland, set across a 1,000-acre countryside estate - one of the North East's standout golf-and-leisure retreats.
- Golf facilities: 36 holes of championship golf across two courses, including the Hunting Course, which has hosted the Compass Group English Open and the Seve Trophy.
- Resort amenities: Three on-site dining venues, a health club with pool, sauna and steam room, and easy access to Hadrian's Wall and Northumberland National Park.
Top golf resorts in the Midlands
The Belfry - 4* hotel Located in Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield. Widely regarded as the UK's most iconic golf resort.
- Golf facilities: Three courses headlined by the world-famous Brabazon Course, host to the Ryder Cup four times -more than any other venue globally.
- Resort amenities: A full leisure complex, dining and bar venues and extensive golf academy facilities built entirely around the game.
Telford Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort - 4* hotel Located in Telford, Shropshire. A resort that balances serious golf with an all-inclusive leisure break.
- Golf facilities: On-site golf course set within the Shropshire countryside.
- Resort amenities: Spa access, dining and drinks packages and afternoon tea - geared toward mixed groups, not just golfers.
Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel, Golf & Spa - 4* hotel Located in Whitchurch, Shropshire, close to Chester and the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- Golf facilities: Two professionally designed golf courses on-site.
- Resort amenities: Indoor pool, ELEMIS/ishga spa treatments, and the on-site Borders Restaurant and bar.
Whittlebury Hall & Spa - 4* hotel Located in Whittlebury, Northamptonshire - home to the Whittlebury Park golf estate.
- Golf facilities: An 18-hole championship course that has hosted European Tour Qualifying events.
- Resort amenities: Leisure club, dining, and spa facilities aimed at both golfers and non-golfing guests.
Leading golf resorts in East Anglia
Ufford Park Hotel, Golf & Spa - 4* hotel Located in Woodbridge, Suffolk, overlooking the Deben Valley near the Suffolk coast.
- Golf facilities: An 18-hole parkland golf course set above the valley.
- Resort amenities: Spa treatments, leisure access, and afternoon tea, with easy reach of the Suffolk coastline.
Dunston Hall - 4* hotel Located just outside Norwich, Norfolk, around a striking Elizabethan-style hall.
- Golf facilities: The Duke's Course, one of Norfolk's better-known parkland layouts.
- Resort amenities: Spa access, dining, and prosecco packages, with Norwich city centre a short drive away.
Notable golf resorts in Lincolnshire
Belton Woods - 4* hotel Located near Grantham, Lincolnshire, set within open countryside.
- Golf facilities: Multiple golf courses on-site, appealing to golfers who want more than one round across a stay.
- Resort amenities: Spa treatments, leisure facilities, and luxury afternoon tea.
Forest Pines Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort - 4* hotel Located near Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, within woodland close to the Lincolnshire Wolds.
- Golf facilities: Three golf courses on-site, making it one of the region's most golf-focused resorts.
- Resort amenities: Spa access, ELEMIS treatments, and afternoon tea.
Yorkshire's standout golf resort
Oulton Hall 4* hotel Located just outside Leeds, within a country estate.
- Golf facilities: A parkland golf course on the estate grounds.
- Resort amenities: Spa treatments, leisure access, and afternoon tea - a golf resort experience close to a major city.
Golf Breaks & Spa Days
Booking a full multi-night golf package isn't the only way in. Many of these resorts also offer stay and spa deals that give you access to the wider resort - pool, leisure club, dining and grounds, often at a lower entry price than a dedicated golf package. It's a good way to experience the resort itself (and, in many cases, book golf separately or as an add-on) before committing to a golf-focused trip. Check each deal for what's included, as golf access, dining credit and spa treatments vary by resort and package.
What to Look for in a UK Golf Break
Before booking, it's worth checking a few things so the break matches what you actually want:
- Golf access included vs. bookable separately: some packages include green fees, others require booking tee times directly with the resort.
- Number of courses on-site: useful if you're staying more than one night and want variety.
- Non-golf facilities: spa, pool, and dining matter if you're travelling with a partner or friends who aren't playing.
- Room and board options: bed & breakfast, dinner-inclusive, or room-only packages can significantly change the value.
- Location and drive time: resorts near the coast or National Parks (like Slaley Hall or Ufford Park) suit those who want sightseeing alongside golf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best golf resorts in the UK?
Some of the UK's best-known golf resorts include The Belfry (Sutton Coldfield), Slaley Hall (Northumberland), Forest Pines (Lincolnshire), and Whittlebury Hall (Northamptonshire) - each offering on-site courses alongside hotel and leisure facilities.
Can I book a golf break at these resorts?
Yes, most resorts allow you to book golf either as part of a package or separately alongside a hotel stay. Check each deal's inclusions, as this varies by resort.
What's typically included in a UK golf resort stay?
Depending on the package, a stay can include accommodation, breakfast or dinner, spa or leisure access, and in some cases golf or a dining credit. Always check the specific deal for what's included.
Best time of year for a UK golf holiday?
Spring through autumn (April-September) generally offers the best playing conditions, though many resorts remain open with indoor leisure facilities year-round.
Are these resorts suitable for non-golfers too?
Yes, most of the resorts featured here offer spa, dining and leisure facilities, making them a good choice for mixed groups or couples where not everyone plays golf.