One of the fastest growing sectors in the golfing travel market is the golf and spa break, in particular, golf and spa weekend breaks UK wide. There are numerous resorts offering golf spa hotels and fortunately, they are spread throughout the UK and Ireland. So wherever you are or wherever you want to go, there will be a fabulous experience waiting for you.
The best Golf and Spa resorts in the UK offer an ideal combination of sporting activity combined with restorative relaxation!
The Top Parts of the UK for a Golf & Spa Break:
Rockliffe Hall
This five-star resort was voted England’s Large Hotel of the year in 2016 and it’s one of the North’s premier golfing destinations. The golf course is exceptional and it’s hard to believe it hasn’t been there for years such is its quality.
It’s a fearsome challenge from the real back tees being one of England’s longest courses at nearly 8000 yards. However, there are a variety of different tees to choose from so you can enjoy the course whatever your handicap. The property sits in 375 acres of beautiful countryside and when you combine that with the relaxing treatments available in the modern and well-equipped spa Rockcliffe Hall is an oasis of calm.
Spa Facilities:
- Swimming pool
- Steam room
- Sauna
- Hydrotherapy pool
- Outdoor pool
- Indoor and outdoor hot tubs
- Ice room
- Full range of treatments available.
Linden Hall Golf And Country Club
Set in 450 acres of rolling Northumberland countryside the Macdonald Linden Hall resort has an 18-hole championship golf course and luxury accommodation and facilities in an 18th century manor House.
The golf course is parkland in style with a challenging par of 72 and, as it is set in a secluded private sweet, it is one of the most picturesque courses in the area and is a haven for wildlife. The greens are of high quality and careful planning is needed to avoid the strategically placed water hazards.
The building has its own character and the rooms have been furnished in keeping with its style blending classical furniture with the modern facilities you would expect from a four-star Hotel. This level of quality is maintained in the three restaurants that are on site where the best local produce is crafted into both traditional and international cuisine.
If you are after a taste of luxury, then the Linden Hall Spa is the place to go. A full range of massages and relaxing treatments for the mind and body are on offer and there is a well-equipped gym to get you ready for the next day’s round.
Spa Facilities:
- Heated Indoor swimming pool
- Beauty treatments using Elemis products
- Massage rooms
- Fully equipped gym
The Mere Golf Resort And Spa
Set in the beautiful Cheshire countryside the Mere Golf Resort is set in over 250 acres of grounds but is less than 10 miles from Manchester airport. The golf course has been regularly modified to keep pace with golfs changing technology, but this parkland layout is very playable.
There are one or two water hazards to avoid and the course seems to improve the further round you go culminating with the eighteenth hole which is a challenging par 5 that gives you the chance to be aggressive and try to make the green in two shots if you’re brave enough.
The Spa and health club is well known throughout the area and provides the perfect place to recuperate from the days golf or relax you for the following days round. The complex won the award for the Best Health Club Spa in 2018 and was awarded 5 bubbles by the Industry bible -the Good Spa Guide.
Spa Facilities:
- Swimming pool (indoor 20 metre pool)
- Aroma and Steam room
- Hammam
- Full range of spa treatments and massages available.
- Fully equipped gym and fitness centre
DoubleTree by Hilton Forest Pines Spa & Golf Resort
Set in the Lincolnshire countryside Forest Pines is an extremely popular Resort with excellent golf and spa facilities. Ideally located with easy access from all parts of the UK it has 27 holes of Championship quality golf with fairways that wind through towering pine trees. It has been called the Augusta of the North which may be an exaggeration, but it is a spectacular location and a test of golf you will want to return to again and again.
There are 188 generously sized bedrooms with standard rooms, Deluxe rooms and suites available all furnished in a relaxed and comfortable style. The grill restaurant uses the best local produce to craft exceptional mainly Mediterranean style food and the two bars also offer a less formal menu if you just fancy a snack.
The Spa has six treatment rooms offering a full range of treatments to relax both the body and the mind. There is an excellently equipped gym packed with the latest machinery to help you improve your physical fitness and the fully trained staff are happy to provide a personalised programme for you to follow.
Spa Facilities:
- Heated Indoor swimming pool
- Fully equipped gym
- Six treatment rooms
- Sauna, steam room and jacuzzi
- Relaxation room
- Spa lounge
Forest Of Arden Marriott Hotel And Country Club
Set in 10000 acres of wooded countryside in between Birmingham and Coventry the Forest of Arden Golf Resort is easily accessible from all parts of the UK and with two championship golf courses, excellent accommodation and a spa its no wonder it is such a popular venue.
The Arden is the Championship course and it has hosted several major professional tournaments. The Donald Steel design is a par 72 of just over 7200 yards from the back tees but is a great example of what a top-class parkland golf course should be.
The course sits comfortably in the rolling landscape and the fairways wind through ancient oaks and around the many trout lakes. The sister Aylesford course whilst shorter at around 5800 yards is usually kept to the same high standard and is well worth playing.
The Cedarwood Spa offers a comprehensive range of massage and beauty treatments in a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere in luxurious surroundings. Whether you are wanting to recover from a tough day on the course or be preparing for the next days round you can be sure to find some comfort here. For the more energetic there is a well-equipped gym with qualified staff ready to help you tone the golfing muscles!
Spa Facilities:
- Steam room
- Massage rooms
- Body wrap and other beauty treatments
- Indoor pool
- Well equipped gym
Oulton Hall
Nestled just outside of Leeds to the east of the City is the elegant Oulton Hall, an 18th century building, that once was a hospital during the First World War, is now a stay and play golf resort with three loops of nine holes to keep you occupied on the fairways, as well as a fantastic Spa facility to unwind in.
The golf course is designed by Dave Thomas, who worked with Perter Allis to design the Brabazon at The Belfry, and offers variety as it is split into three 9 hole tracks making it ideal for a weekend. break.
As popular for a spa break as it is a golfing getaway, this resort features a lot of facilities to relax in; including everything you would expect for a high quality resort such as an indoor heated pool, fitness centre with all the latest equipment, sauna and steam rooms and a jacuzzi. Spa packages can be booked for those looking for an all-day pampering experience or you can select individual treatments such as facials, massages, manicures and pedicures.
Spa Facilities:
- Indoor pool
- Well equipped gym
- Steam Room
- Sauna
- Jacuzzi
- Juice bar area
The Belfry
The Belfry has a worldwide reputation due to it hosting the Ryder Cup on 4 occasions. There are three golf courses on site with the Brabazon being the most famous, following the success of the Ryder Cup. There are at least two outstanding holes, the iconic par four 10th hole was made famous by Seve Ballesteros going for the green and it’s almost guaranteed that all visitors will try to emulate the feat.
The eighteenth is without doubt one of the best finishing holes in golf and if you can make a par 4 there you will finish the round with a smile. If you don’t fancy playing the Brabazon then the two other courses are well worth a visit and it is without a doubt one of the UK’s best premier golf resorts.
The Hotel has 319 bedrooms and suites and two restaurants and bars on site. It is a self-contained property offering luxury accommodation and facilities. The Spa offers a full range of treatments and products to ensure that you leave there in a more relaxed and refreshed state of mind.
There are at least eleven treatment rooms some of which are bio thermal where you can experience hot and cold treatments to invigorate the senses and leave you feeling completely refreshed. A number of different beauty packages are available from a full body scrub to massages with different oils and lotions to leave your skin and body ready to go for the next round of golf.
Spa Facilities:
- Fire & Ice sensorium
- Foot spa
- Feature showers
- Sauna
- Igloo
- Steam and tranquillity room
- Indoor pool
- Full range of ESPA products
- Fully equipped gym
Breadsall Priory Marriott Hotel And Country Club
The Breadsall Priory dates back to 1266 and is bordered by the Peak District Park in the rural Derbyshire countryside. It’s the oldest Marriott Hotel in the world but despite its age it offers all the facilities you would expect from a four-star property.
There are two golf courses set in the 400-acre grounds The Priory which opened in 1977 and the Donald Steel designed Moorland course and both are around 6200 yards. They are not long by modern standards, but the fairways are tree lined and the greens well protected by bunkers, so it Is a good test of golf whatever your standard.
The bedrooms range from Deluxe rooms to Junior Suites traditionally furnished but still offering all you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. There are also two restaurants on site offering a range of traditional British and International cuisine.
The Priory Spa is dedicated to helping you to relax and have a feeling of well being after your visit. Modern techniques and traditional practices are used to pamper the visitor and whether you are looking for a relaxing massage or a range of beauty treatments it’s the ideal place to emerge refreshed and calmer. The gym has cardiovascular equipment, free weights and offers a variety of classes and personalised instruction from experienced personnel.
Spa Facilities:
- Fitness classes
- Manicures
- Massages
- Facials / body scrubs/ body wraps
- Indoor pool
- Gym
East Sussex National Resort
Everything about the East Sussex oozes quality and if you are looking for two championship courses that have hosted European Tour events as well as quality accommodation in luxurious surroundings then the East Sussex is the place for you.
The two courses, the East and the West, play over 7000 yards from the back tees but offer a great challenge whichever set of tees you use but also provide an experience that is a joy to the senses. Both courses are “American” in style and opened in 1990, the East was designed as a stadium course and was the venue for the Two European Open Championship events.
The West is slightly longer and could be said to be the prettier of the two as it winds through oak trees across gently rolling parkland. There are several memorable holes on each course and it’s a necessity to play both rather than just choosing one of them.
The health club is based around a large luxurious indoor pool area. Here you will find facilities to help you unwind and relax or for the more energetic they can try their hand at Aqua- aerobics. There is a very well-equipped gym with over 50 workstations and a qualified gym team to assist you in a variety of aerobic classes.
Spa Facilities:
- 20 Metre heated swimming pool
- Spa pool
- Sauna, steam room jacuzzi
- Aerobic classes
- Specialist advice from personal trainers
- Various yoga, Pilates classes etc
Stoke Park
If you are looking for something that little bit special and want to make your weekend a memorable one then Stoke Park is the perfect choice. It is considered one of the finest golf and Spa hotels in the UK, and for good reason.
Upon arrival you may recognise this stunning 18th century mansion from the big screen as it features in James Bond’s Goldfinger and Tomorrow Never Dies as well as Bridget Jones’ Diary and Layer Cake.
It’s not just the past guests that are A-list at this resort – the golf and Spa facilities are dazzling too, with Stoke Park providing 27 holes that were designed as far back as 1908 by Harry Colt. This course has matured wonderfully and is considered to be in the Top 100 courses in England by Golf World magazine.
Away from the fairways the hotel is draped in luxury and this continues into the on-site Spa. Facilities include a gym with all the equipment you need, a heated indoor pool, steam rooms created using Italian marble, hot tub, relaxation room, outdoor Scandinavian Sauna, nail bar and boutique.
Spa Facilities
- Indoor heated pool
- Sauna, Steam room and Jacuzzi
- Tennis courts
- Gymnasium
St Mellion International Resort
This four star resort prides itself on showcasing the best in Cornish hospitality whilst offering a contemporary resort in tranquil surroundings.
Golf here is played on either of the two courses – the Kernow course which underwent significant development in 2008 to increase it by 9 holes before opening officially in 2010, and the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course which opened in 1988 with the hosting of a match between the man himself and Tom Watson.
St Mellion’s Elemis Spa is the ideal spot to relax away from the golf course! Reminisce over that birdie putt you holed in the Jacuzzi, or, if you still have energy to burn, then the state-of-the-art gym could be the place for you. This Spa offers all the treatments you would expect from a resort with such a great reputation as well as a hair salon.
Spa Facilities:
- Steam room
- Jet pool
- Sauna
- Jacuzzi
- Gymnasium
Dalmahoy Hotel And Country Club
Set in 1000 acres of parkland and only 7 miles from Edinburgh City Centre the Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club has undergone an extensive programme of refurbishment in 2019. The 18th century property can now compete with the very best golf and spa breaks in Scotland. It was originally a country club when it opened in 1976 and has since been developed from having just 10 bedrooms into a modern four-star property with 215 rooms and extensive facilities.
Of the two golf courses the East is generally regarded as the tougher of the two and was the venue of the 1992 Solheim Cup. Designed by James Braid the course is a combination of moorland and parkland from the back tees and can stretch to 6800 yards with several memorable holes; especially the closing three.
The West course is shorter with a par of 68 but it’s no walk over as the fairways are tree lined and the small greens provide a test of accuracy as they are very well protected by bunkers.
The Leisure Club contains a beauty treatment salon, a well-equipped gym and spa area. There is a full range of treatments available to ensure that you will feel relaxed and pampered after your visit. The air-conditioned gym contains the latest LifeFitness weight machines as well as an area for free weight use.
There is an indoor 18 metre swimming pool with a sauna and steam room next to it. Various classes are available so no matter what your fitness level or ability there is something for everyone.
Spa Facilities:
- Indoor pool
- Fully equipped gym
- Sauna and steam room
- Massage and relaxation therapies available
- Beauty treatments from foot massages to facials
- Floodlit tennis courts
- Dr Renaud Skincare products
The Gleneagles Hotel
The scene of this year’s Solheim Cup, he Gleneagles Hotel is without doubt one of the very best golfing destinations in the UK. It’s truly a five-star destination with an outstanding Hotel and three very high-quality golf courses that have a long history of hosting prestigious events culminating with the Ryder Cup in 2014. Known as the “palace of the glens” the Resort sits in wonderful rolling countryside and as well as Golf there are other outdoor activities with a large clay pigeon and riding centre.
As you would expect the 232 bedrooms are superbly fitted out maintaining the traditional look but providing the very best in modern facilities. Everything is done to make the guest have a unique experience that they will never forget.
For food lovers there are outstanding restaurants and if you are a whisky lover, they have one of the finest collections in Scotland. On site there is Scotland’s only two-star Michelin restaurant as well as a brasserie, a silver service restaurant and a number of bars offering different types of cuisine.
The Spa at Gleneagles has been recognised as Scotland’s top spa offering a range of traditional spa and therapies and treatments in the most luxurious surroundings. From head to toe there is a treatment that will help you to relax and you will feel revitalised and ready for the next days golf having had the experience of a lifetime.
The gym has the latest Technogym equipment with qualified instructors on hand to assist. There are also numerous classes available to help get your body in shape or just improve your general level of fitness. This resort is truly one of the best UK golf breaks available.
Spa Facilities:
- Scotland’s number one spa
- Fully equipped fitness centre
- Full range of health and beauty treatments
- Hair Salon
- Various outdoor activities
- Tennis courts
Wales
Celtic Manor Golf Resort
Situated in the Usk Valley near Newport Wales Celtic Manor is a top-quality golf resort that hosted the Ryder Cup in 2010 and also has three golf courses. The twenty ten course is a real test of golf but due to the number of different teeing grounds it can still be enjoyed by players of all abilities. The Roman Road and the Montgomery courses should not be overlooked and a three- or two-night stay incorporating a round on each of the courses is a great golfing experience.
There are a number of different accommodation options available from the luxurious five star Resort Hotel, the four star Manor House Hotel and the three star Coldra Court Hotel. There are seven restaurants on site, plus numerous bars so an evening in the Resort offers plenty of opportunity to reflect on the days play or look forward to tomorrows round.
Settle in, with two luxury spas, a gym, a pool and staff dedicated to providing everything you need for a relaxing and invigorating experience. The Forum Spa has recently been updated with new treatment rooms and relaxation areas; so it’s hardly surprising that it has won several prestigious awards.
The highlight of the stay is the Herbal Steam Temple based on Arabian cleansing techniques dating back hundreds of years. Using different Chakra muds and herbal essences followed by a warm tropical rain style shower you are sure to come away feeling completely relaxed and refreshed.
Dylan’s Health Club provides slightly fewer complex treatments but, for those wanting a quick way to relax, it’s the perfect place to get ready for the next round or recover from a long day on the course.
Spa Facilities:
- Two spas with over 20 treatment rooms
- Facial and beauty treatments
- Full range of massage treatments
- Indoor pool
- Water treatments
- Signature treatments
- Special packages for men
- Fully equipped gym
The Vale Resort
Just ten miles outside Cardiff city centre lies The Vale Resort. Home to two 18 hole golf courses, a wide range of sporting facilities, and a comprehensive Spa.
This 143 bedroom resort has hosted the Welsh national rugby team ahead of many Six Nations Championship and Autumn Internationals, as well as the Welsh football team before their switch to Celtic Manor as their training base. It has also hosted the Wales Challenge event on the Challenge Tour in 2005, and from 2007 to 2010 as well as the Wales Senior Open on the European Seniors Tour in 2006.
However if rugby and football aren’t your thing then The Vale Resort is still the perfect golf and Spa hotel in the UK for you – as you would expect from any quality Spa resort there is a gym, sauna, steam room, relaxation room and ton of treatments and therapies!
Spa Facilities
- Gymnasium
- Sauna
- Steam Room
- Relaxation rooms
- Tennis courts
- Squash courts
Which are your favourite luxury golf and spa hotels in the UK? Let us know and check out the full range here.
