Golf Holidays are a way to relax with friends and family in the sunshine. As the days start to get longer and brighter, take the opportunity to master your handicap, while catching some rays.
For men and a growing number of women, a golf break over a long weekend can be a way to spend quality time together. While you chat and walk within attractive grounds, before relaxing with a refreshment or two.
If you’re new to golf, or an avid player, we’ve found the best places to enjoy new surroundings while you improve your skillset. Attractive and challenging courses are not hard to find to embark on a glorious golf holiday in the UK, but here are some ideas for where to start.
Dust off your golf clubs, (or hire some new ones) and we’ll show you the top places that you can tee off from.
Golf Holidays for beginners
If you’re new to golf or want to brush up your skillset, book a golf tuition break. You can attend a residential golf school with courses designed for beginner to advanced players. Here you’ll learn in small groups with a professional on the driving range, short game area, or within indoor swing studios. Whatever the weather you’re sure to improve your handicap by the end of your break.
Where can I find a golf tuition break for beginners in the UK?
- Shropshire where golf was first played in 1889 at Ludlow Golf Club.
- East Sussex, which is home to two championship golf courses within 1100 acres.
- Loch Lomond Scotland where you can learn under the watchful eye of PGA Golf Professionals.
A Golf Holiday in Scotland
St Andrews
With over 550 golf courses to choose from in Scotland, you will be spoilt for choice! However, we recommend visiting St Andrews for a golf break known as the ‘Home of Golf’. Although the Old Course is said to be on every golf fanatics list, the surrounding areas are full of historic and high-quality courses too. Try playing at New Course, Jubilee, or Castle Course at St Andrews Golf Links, each of which with outstanding designs coupled with luxury accommodation.
Golf Breaks in England
Yorkshire
As one of the biggest counties in England, Yorkshire has 190 golf courses. There are hidden gems as well as the better known locations found around the country’s major cities of York, Leeds, and Wakefield meaning plenty of accommodation options. So don’t just book the best course or resort ahead of time – snap up some good accommodation near the course in advance too. Then before you head off, Free Spirit will cover you for cancellation and curtailment, in the unlikely event that you need to cut your trip short.
If you’re looking for a flat course with heritage, head to Harrogate Golf Club which is home to a 100-year-old colonial-style clubhouse. For an enjoyable journey from tee to green on every hole, go to Ganton Golf Club, near Scarborough. Ganton is ranked as one of Europe’s top 30 Championship Courses, meaning you’ll find greens in top condition throughout the year.
The Midlands
The Midlands includes Derbyshire, Hertford, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire, which will provide you with a medieval backdrop of ancient woodlands. The Notts Golf Club at Hollinwell and the Sherwood Forest Club are two to head for if this interests you. The course at Sherwood Forest is within an area of special scientific interest. The Notts is within a natural valley called Kirkby Forest and has fairways that sweep throughout wooded hillsides, heather, fern, gorse clad, and valleys. However, to play at a famous golfing center, stay at The Belfry, which has hosted the Ryder Cup 4 times between 1985 and 2002.
Devon
For novices and professionals, a golf break in Devon will test your abilities due to its varying landscape, if you tee off with coastal views, or inland, at Dartmouth, within Dartmoor’s National Park. Dartmouth Golf Club has two courses, a relaxing 8 hole course, which will test your mid to short iron play, and an 18 hole Championship Course. However, if you really want a challenge, tee off on the coast at one of Sauton Golf Club’s courses. Each is a links course, which means they’re full of uneven fairways, thick, rough, and small deep bunkers – not to mention exposed to unforgiving coastal crosswinds and driving rain.
Cornwall
A golf holiday in Cornwall is a popular destination because of its mild climate all year round and challenging rugged, windswept, headland links courses for experienced golfers. For a course fit for both experienced players and amateurs, try Trevose Golf and Country Club, Near Padstow, with its charming views of Constantine Bay. There’s a short course for beginners to refine their skills and a technically challenging 9 hole Championship course, ranked as one of the best in the UK. Other highly rated golf destinations in Cornwall include St Mellion, Watergate Bay, and Fowey.
Golf Holidays in Wales
Some of the best golfing holidays in Wales can be found in the south. Although there are only seven they all come in different shapes and sizes. Each will offer something special. Play the long game at Vale Resort, which covers 7,433 yards and includes one of the longest par-fives in Wales. A par five is a hole that an expert golfer is projected to accomplish, with five strokes (hits). If your aim is to beat your best during your golf holiday this course might be for you! On the other hand, if you long for picture-perfect shots, tee off at Llanymynech, Aberdyf, Aberystwyth, or Cardigan Golf Club.
Golf and Spa Breaks for couples
To relax and unwind after a long day on the fairway, combine your golf holiday with a spa break. Luckily the best golf courses in the UK are usually linked with some of the best spas. There are many benefits of visiting a spa after a game of golf too, which help you forget any nightmare shots and alleviate your muscle tension.
As you bath in hot water, your muscles and central nervous system will relax, as your body focuses upon the heat gain. When sitting in water, its natural buoyancy will reduce your body weight by 90%, to reduce the stress on your joints. A therapeutic sports massage will also prevent future injuries and improve your posture during future games of golf. Just book in advance to enjoy all the facilities!
Where can I find a golf and spa break in the UK?
- The Old Course Hotel Golf Resort and Spa in St Andrews for a luxurious golf holiday.
- The Mere Golf Resort and Spa in Cheshire, where you can test your driving skills.
- Old Thorns Golf and Country Estate in Liphook, Hampshire, which has 51 self-catering apartments that you can book into.
Family golf holidays
Want to take all your family on a golf holiday? Just book a golf break that’s family-friendly, with courses suitable for experienced golfers, families, and beginners.
If you’d like a range of activities to do on a golf holiday, stay at Slayley Hall in Northumberland. Slayley Hall offers golf classes, with two championship layouts to choose from and different activities for children. When the weather’s fine, take a dip in the swimming pool. When dry, follow an adventure trail around the grounds. Dukes Meadow in London can offer your group not only three golf courses but a game of tennis or a slide down the ski slopes! However, if you just want a relaxed game, play at Ferndown Forest Golf Club in Dorset, before dinner at its country pub, overlooking the 18th hole.
Travel Insurance for Golf Holidays
We hope we’ve provided you with a range of attractive and challenging golf breaks to choose from. Whichever golf holiday you go for, don’t forget Free Spirit UK holiday insurance.
When you book a golf holiday for all the family, everyone will be insured – a Free Spirit insurance policy has no upper age limit. Also, over 100 activities are included for free as well as golf. Great for when you add some other activities to your itinerary to mix things up!
You could also book a golf break around a future event in your calendar, such as a family wedding or party. Just remember that the price of your policy will be based on the total cost of your trip.