There are many fantastic golfing getaways to be found right here in England, from legendary courses that have hosted the big tournaments to historic clubs and modern resorts that cater to every need. Whether you’re after a quick weekend break or a week-long golfing holiday, there are plenty of places to make memories.
But picking what type of getaway to go for is one of the biggest dilemmas. Do you choose a dedicated golf resort where everything is on-site, or book a traditional hotel and travel to different courses?
Both options have their perks, but the right choice for you will come down to how much golfing you want to fit in, what you want to get up to away from the course, and how much convenience matters to you.
Golf Break or Golf Holiday: What Do You Actually Need?
Before you start booking, think about what you really want from your golf break. If golf is the main event of your trip, a resort will make the entire experience much less stressful.
Many golf resorts have a course right on site, which means you can have breakfast, grab your clubs and head straight to the first tee without delay. No more worrying about driving to the course and dealing with traffic, which is a real plus when you’re short on time.
This is especially useful for a 2-night golf weekend. If you only have a weekend to play, you can fit in 2 rounds without wasting loads of time getting between your accommodation and the course.
On the other hand, if you’re planning a longer golf holiday, a hotel might work better for you, especially if you want to explore the local area or play a few different courses.
Golf Booking: What Should You Look For?
When you’re booking, don’t just look at the price of the room. Think about what’s included in the package and what you’ll have to pay for separately.
Golf packages can include accommodation, breakfast, green fees and sometimes even extras like a buggy or access to practice facilities. If you’re planning on playing 3 rounds of golf, a package might be better value than booking each element separately.
Check the tee times before you book, too. Popular golf courses get rammed on weekends and in peak season, so getting the rounds you want confirmed can make your whole trip far less stressful.
Keep an eye out for a discount or special offer, as well. Midweek stays can be a better deal than weekend bookings, especially outside of the busiest months.
England Golf Break: Why Choose a Resort?
England has several different golfing destinations to choose from, making it the perfect spot for a dedicated golf break. You’ll find championship links courses, heathland courses, parkland layouts and established golf resorts all over the country.
The Midlands is a great place for resort-style golf breaks. The Belfry is one of the most famous examples, with the Brabazon course having hosted the Ryder Cup four times. Then there’s the Forest of Arden, another top option that combines golf with accommodation and leisure facilities on site.
If you want everything within easy reach, these types of venues are pretty hard to beat. You can play a round in the morning, grab lunch, chill out at the resort and head out for another round or evening meal without having to travel miles.
When Is a Hotel Better for Golf Breaks in England?
If you don’t want your whole getaway centred around one resort, a traditional hotel might be your best bet.
England’s got a massive range of golf courses spread all over the country, so staying in a town or city can give you access to several different clubs. You could play one course in the morning, explore the area and then try another course the following day.
This works particularly well in places like Cornwall and Bournemouth. The South West offers the chance to combine golf with coastal scenery, beaches and local attractions.
Hotels are also good for stag weekends, where golf is just one part of the itinerary. They give you the flexibility to enjoy restaurants, nightlife and other activities without being tied to a resort.
How Many Rounds of Golf Should You Play?
The number of rounds you want to play can have a big impact on your choice of accommodation.
For a short weekend golf break, 2 rounds might give you plenty of time to enjoy the experience without making the trip feel rushed. If you’ve got an extra day, you could plan 3 rounds and visit several courses during your stay.
A resort can be quite convenient if you want to play multiple rounds at the same venue. Some of the larger resorts have more than one course, so you can experience different layouts without having to change accommodation.
If you’re chasing championship golf, however, a hotel might give you more flexibility to visit several top courses in the same region.
Golf Tour: Resort or Hotel for Popular Golf?
A golf tour requires a slightly different approach. Rather than spending an entire trip at one venue, you might want to visit several of the best golf courses in England.
A hotel can be a useful base for this type of golf travel, particularly if you’re visiting a region with several highly rated courses. A tour operator can also help arrange tee times, accommodation and transport, taking a lot of the organisation off your plate. For groups of golfers, planning just got a whole lot easier. Rather than trying to sort out every last detail of the golf tour yourself, you can focus on one thing: choosing where you want to play.
A resort is the way to go when you want to settle into one location and concentrate on your rounds of golf.
Golf Packages vs Hotels: Which Offers the Best Value?
The cheapest place to stay isn’t always the best value.
A hotel room might seem like a bargain at first, but once you add in green fees, transport, breakfast and all the other extras, the difference can quickly disappear.
Golf packages are particularly good in resorts because several costs get bundled together into one price. If you’re planning a dedicated golf break, this can make budgeting a lot easier.
This doesn’t mean resorts always have the edge on value, though. If you only plan on playing one round and want to spend your time exploring the place you’re visiting, a hotel can be a far smarter option.
Think about the whole cost of your trip, not just the price of the accommodation.
Rated Golf Destinations: Where Should You Stay?
England certainly has no shortage of brilliant golf destinations. Lancashire is a particular gem for golfers who love championship links, with Royal Birkdale being one of the country’s most famous courses and a regular venue for the Open Championship.
The South West offers something rather different. Cornwall combines golf with simply stunning ocean views, while Bournemouth provides a brilliant base for getting out to courses all along the south coast.
If you’re a fan of inland golf, the Midlands has some excellent options, including the Brabazon and Forest of Arden.
England also offers a wide range of courses to suit different playing styles, from championship links and heathland courses to traditional parkland layouts. So whether you’re chasing world-class golf or just want a relaxing round in a beautiful setting, there’s plenty to choose from.
Book Online: Choosing a Tour Operator or Booking Direct
Once you’ve picked your destination, you can either book online directly with the accommodation and golf club or use a tour operator.
Booking direct is simple enough if you’ve already found the resort or hotel you want and are happy to go with them. It also gives you a lot more control over your accommodation, tee times and individual rounds.
A tour operator can be handy if your itinerary is a bit more complicated. If you’re planning 3 rounds of golf across several courses, for example, having someone coordinate accommodation, transport and tee times for you can be a massive time-saver.
Whichever option you choose, be sure to check exactly what’s included before you confirm your booking.
Golf Resort or Hotel: Which Is Right for You?
So, resort or hotel then? For golfers who want convenience, on-site facilities and easy access to the first tee, a resort is often the way to go. It’s especially good for short stays, weekend golf breaks and trips where playing lots of rounds is the main priority.
A hotel is far more flexible, however. It’s a good option if you want to play different courses, explore the local area or combine golf with other activities.
Whether you’re planning a midweek golf break, a longer golf holiday or an unforgettable golf tour, choosing a golf hotel or resort can make all the difference to your experience. With the right base, your next golf trip can be more convenient, more enjoyable and, most importantly, filled with great golf.
