The Best UK Golf Breaks to Experience in 2023
By: Liam Moore | Wed 10 May 2023
There is a collection of fabulous golf courses throughout the UK that should be experienced by any serious golfer. Whilst the alluring sunshine and warm climate of foreign countries is undoubtedly enticing, it’s often significantly cheaper to experience a golf break within the UK.
We’ve identified six venues that you should visit during the 2023 season - all offering a fantastic experience of golf and hospitality.
The Belfry Hotel & Resort
It is no secret that The Belfry Hotel & Resort is one of the greatest British offerings for the sport of golf. All three courses can provide a stern challenge, with The Brabazon Course being the premium layout on site. The iconic golf course has hosted the Ryder Cup on four occasions - the most in history - and it is a frequent stop off for the DP World Tour. The PGA National and Derby Courses are fantastic alternatives and present a blissful experience of golf.
Considering its popularity for both domestic and international golfers, there are plenty of rooms available at The Belfry - 319, to be exact. They range from elegant rooms to Manor House suites, with many providing beautiful views of the golf courses and the surrounding countryside. The two primary restaurants are Sam’s Club House and the Ryder Grill, where guests can indulge in tantalising dishes.
Golfshake Review:
“I had the pleasure of playing the Brabazon recently and it was a fantastic experience. The course was in immaculate condition and it was easy to recognise several holes from past Ryder Cups. The layout itself was challenging but still very playable.”
The Celtic Manor Resort
Celtic Manor is another highly popular UK-based golf resort that welcomes thousands of international golfers to the premises every year. Three fantastic championship golf courses are located on site - The Twenty Ten, Montgomerie and Roman Road - all of which are regarded as superb golfing experiences. The state-of-the-art Top Tracer range rounds off this sensational golfing hub.
Celtic Manor’s 5* hotel has a collection of 330 newly refurbished and luxurious rooms, all of which are set in garden landscapes and come equipped with the amenities needed for your stay. There really is little need to leave the resort as there are seven restaurants attached to the grounds to accommodate the wide range of visitors on an annual basis.
Golfshake Review:
“I had the pleasure of playing the Twenty Ten in 2022 and I was thoroughly impressed! The course was in fantastic condition, with greens like glass and a real challenge. The setting was beautiful and the club has a great history and quality.”
Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Deep in the Northumberland countryside lies Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, a golf resort that is part of The QHotels Collection. Slaley Hall proudly boasts two courses of championship quality - Hunting and Priestman - with the favourable Hunting hosting professional competition on a frequent basis. Both courses are visually beautiful; the stunning landscape was seemingly curated specifically for golf.
There are plenty of practice facilities at Slaley Hall, including a driving range, chipping green and putting green located closely to the clubhouse. From an accommodation perspective, there is a variety of choice with 137 rooms available. The Claret Jug bar is the perfect place to reflect on your round of golf, with fantastic views of the 1st and 10th holes from the bar area.
Golfshake Review:
“The staff were incredibly friendly and the courses were challenging yet varied. The accommodation and food were really good and the condition of the courses pristine. The location was stunning and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a golfing getaway.”
The Gleneagles Hotel
The Gleneagles Hotel has long been an inviting destination for ardent golfers, highlighted by the fact it was awarded Best Golf Resort in the World for three consecutive years from 2012 onwards. There are three superb golf courses to choose from, with The King’s Course dating back to 1919. The PGA Centenary was the result of Jack Nicklaus’ expert opinion, whilst The Queen’s joins The King’s as historically impressive layouts.
Considering the sheer amount of golf on offer, the 232 luxurious guest bedrooms and suites that The Gleneagles Hotel offers are often in demand. Furthermore, there is a selection of eateries on site to cater to the varied guests, with the Mediterranean-themed Deseo Restaurant attracting customers daily. Gleneagles is far beyond a golf resort, however; there are several options to spend your free time when away from the course. This Scottish resort really is in a league of its own.
Golfshake Review:
“The condition of the PGA Course was outstanding; fairways were like walking on carpet and the greens absolutely true.”
The Oxfordshire Golf, Hotel & Spa
The golf course at The Oxfordshire has seen some of golf’s most influential figures walk its fairways, as it previously hosted the Ladies English Open and The Benson & Hedges International Open. The most impressive aspect of the design is the fact it can accommodate a wide range of golfers, so novices of the sport should not be deterred from a potential visit.
There is plenty of accommodation for travelling golfers, with 50 bedrooms on offer at the hotel. There are two restaurants on site and the signature Sakura proudly offers delicious meals with a glowing view of the golf course. There’s also a spa located on the premises, meaning The Oxfordshire is ideal for a couple’s retreat.
Golfshake Review:
“I had a great time playing at The Oxfordshire. The course was in great condition with new bunkers and water hazards. The layout was well done and the course not too busy. The greens were in good condition and the course was very picturesque - well worth playing!”
St Mellion Estate
St Mellion Estate is one of the leading golf resorts situated within the South of England, and the surrounding landscape is breathtakingly beautiful. There are two courses at St Mellion - Nicklaus and Kernow Course - with both providing a fantastic experience of golf. This was the location for Jack Nicklaus’ first European design, which has resulted in 12 European Tour visits to date.
The accommodation options mirror both course’s quality, which signifies just how appealing this Cornwall-based resort is. There is a collection of 80 comfortable guest rooms, with guests being able to choose from a variety of restaurants - although we highly recommend the No 18 Brasserie. A trip to the superb spa is the perfect ending to what is a weekend in paradise.
Golfshake Review:
“The championship course was demanding and interesting. The fairways and greens were in immaculate condition; staff were extremely attentive and helpful.”
Many golfers assume that a golf trip must take place on foreign land, but that certainly isn’t the case. The UK can proudly boast a collection of world-class golf courses and fantastic hospitality options to match.
If you’re hoping to book a golf holiday this year, remember to check Golfbreaks for all the latest offers.
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