5 UK golf trips you can book this week

No long-haul flights, no months of planning, just great golf, quality hotels and tee times ready when you are. If the weather’s looking good and your clubs are calling, a last-minute golf break might be exactly what you need.

From countryside escapes to Ryder Cup fairways, these five UK golf trips are available to book this week, so you can spend less time planning and more time playing.

Perfect for: Budget-friendly breaks, smaller groups and golfers looking for a hidden gem.

If you’re after a simple, great-value golf escape, this one ticks all the boxes. Tucked away in the Gloucestershire countryside, the Forest of Dean offers a laid-back setting that’s perfect for a spontaneous trip.

Why book now? Last-minute availability and excellent value make this an easy win for a quick getaway, especially if you’re looking to keep costs down without sacrificing the golf.

Getting there: Easily accessible from the Midlands and South West, just a 40 minute drive from Hereford and a touch over two hours from London.

The golf: The Forest of Dean is one of England’s oldest courses, and it shows in all the right ways. Expect tight, tree-lined fairways, a classic parkland feel and a layout that rewards accuracy over power.

Course highlights

• Tight, tree-lined fairways that reward precision off the tee
• Natural undulations adding variety to every round
• A peaceful, unspoilt setting with minimal distractions

Accommodation: Bells Hotel offers a comfortable and convenient base just a short drive from the course. While it keeps things simple, it delivers everything you need for a relaxed golf break, including spacious rooms, an on-site bar and a welcoming, informal atmosphere. It’s particularly well suited to groups looking for a sociable stay, where you can unwind with a drink after your round and enjoy a no-fuss experience that keeps the focus firmly on the golf.

Perfect for: Relaxed golf breaks, couples and groups looking to combine golf with a countryside escape.

For a golf trip that blends scenic views with charming surroundings, The Cotswolds Hotel & Spa in Oxfordshire is hard to beat. Set on the edge of the Cotswolds near Chipping Norton, it offers the perfect balance of relaxing surroundings and easy, on-site golf which is makes it ideal for a spontaneous escape.

Why book now? With its stay-and-play setup and strong availability, it’s a great option for a hassle-free last-minute trip. You can arrive, check in and head straight to the first tee without overthinking the logistics. With new padel courts built on-site as well, the stay offers more than just golf!

Getting there: Well positioned for a wide range of golfers, the resort is under 2 hours from London, 1 hour from Birmingham and approximately 2 hours from Bristol. It’s also easily accessible from the M40, making it a straightforward journey for those travelling from the Midlands or South East.

The golf: The on-site Cotswolds Club, provides an enjoyable test with wide fairways, rolling terrain and plenty of scoring opportunities. It’s a course that suits all abilities, offering enough challenge to stay interesting while still being playable for higher handicaps.

Course highlights:

• Rolling fairways with elevation changes throughout
• Undulating greens that reward a sharp short game
• A mix of forgiving holes and strategic challenges

Accommodation: The modern hotel is perfectly geared towards golf breaks, with stylish rooms and apartments that cater well for both small groups and larger parties. There is on-site spa treatments available as well that adds an extra layer of relaxation. The bar and restaurant provide a sociable setting to unwind after your round. With everything in one place, it’s an easy, comfortable option that makes last-minute golf trips feel effortless.

Perfect for: Small groups, weekend breaks and golfers looking for a premium feel.

For a last-minute golf break with a touch of class, Donnington Grove is a fantastic option. Set within picturesque grounds, it combines a quality course with a refined hotel experience, making it ideal for a more premium short break.

Why book now? It offers a higher-end experience without needing to plan months in advance, perfect if you’re looking to upgrade your next golf trip.

Getting there: A great option for golfers in the South, with excellent accessibility. It’s just 1 hour from West London, around 45 minutes from Oxford, and roughly 1 hour 30 minutes from Birmingham. Even from further afield, it’s manageable, around 2 hours from Bristol, making it a strong choice for a convenient, last-minute trip.

The golf: Donnington Grove Golf Course, is a well-designed parkland course that winds through mature woodland with water hazards and cleverly placed bunkers adding to the challenge. It’s a thinking golfer’s course that rewards smart course management.

Course highlights:

• Tree-lined fairways that shape many tee shots
• Water hazards in play on several key holes
• Fast, true greens that test your putting

Accommodation: The manor house hotel adds a real sense of occasion to your stay. Set within beautiful grounds, it combines traditional charm with modern comfort, offering well-appointed rooms and a relaxed but refined atmosphere. After your round, you can enjoy a drink overlooking the course or settle in for a quality evening meal, making it a great option for those who want their golf break to feel that bit more special.

Perfect for: Golf groups looking for convenience and a sociable atmosphere.

Forest Pines Hotel & Spa, is a go-to for golfers who want everything in one place. With 27 holes, a modern hotel and plenty of off-course facilities, it’s perfectly set up for a relaxed and sociable golf break.

Why book now? Its stay-and-play setup makes it incredibly easy to organise a last-minute trip, with multiple course combinations available throughout your stay.

Getting there: Ideal for golfers in the North and Midlands, Forest Pines is around 45 minutes from Hull, 1 hour from Leeds, and approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Sheffield. From Nottingham, you’re looking at around 1 hour 30 minutes, while Manchester is roughly 2 hours away, making it a solid central meeting point for groups travelling from different directions.

The golf: The three loops of nine at Forest Pines, (Forest, Pines and Beeches) offer variety and flexibility. The layout is playable for all levels, while still providing enough challenge to keep things interesting.

Course highlights:

• 27 holes offering different combinations across multiple rounds
• Wide fairways with strategically placed hazards
• Consistent course conditions year-round

Accommodation: The on-site hotel provides everything you need for a seamless golf break. Comfortable rooms, a lively bar and restaurant and full spa and leisure facilities mean you can relax and recharge without ever leaving the resort. It’s particularly well suited to groups, with plenty of space to socialise after your round and enjoy a drink or meal together in a laid-back setting.

Perfect for: Special occasions, group trips and bucket-list golf experiences.

For a last-minute trip that still feels like a big occasion and comes with an opportunity to play a Ryder Cup Course, it is hard to beat Celtic Manor. With three courses and several accommodation options including a five-star resort, it delivers a complete golf experience without the long lead time.

Why book now? Its scale and variety mean there’s often availability, even at short notice, making it one of the best ways to secure a premium golf break quickly.

Getting there: Despite its five-star feel, Celtic Manor is surprisingly easy to reach. It’s around 30 minutes from Cardiff, just over one hour from Bristol, and approximately 2 hours from Birmingham. From London, you can expect a journey time of around 2 hours 30 minutes via the M4, making it a realistic option even for a short break.

The golf: The Twenty Ten Course is the headline act, offering a championship layout that hosted the 2010 Ryder Cup. Alongside it, the Roman Road and Montgomerie courses provide variety and different tests.

Course highlights:

• Ryder Cup-hosting Twenty Ten Course with iconic holes
• A mix of parkland and championship-style layouts
• Immaculate conditioning across all three courses

Accommodation: Celtic Manor offers a five-star resort experience, along with a range of alternative options, providing everything you need for a memorable golf break. Whether staying at the Colda Court Hotel by Celtic Manor or the Tŷ Hotel by Celtic Manor, you will get spacious rooms and a wide choice of nearby restaurants and bars. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, the resort delivers a premium feel from start to finish, making it just as enjoyable off the course as it is on it.

If you’re thinking about booking a golf break at the last minute, you’re not alone and it’s often easier than you might expect. To help you plan with confidence, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about short-notice golf trips in the UK.

Q: Can I really book a golf trip just a few days in advance? A: Yes, many UK resorts and courses keep tee times available for short-notice bookings, especially midweek. Larger resorts are particularly good for last-minute availability.

Q: What’s the best type of venue for a last-minute trip? A: Stay-and-play resorts are usually the easiest option, as everything is in one place and availability is easier to manage.

Q: Can I book a last-minute trip online? A: Yes, you can book a last-minute golf trip online and get you and your group on the course as soon as this weekend!

Q: Can large groups book last minute? A: It’s possible, but flexibility is key. You may need to accept split tee times or adjust your schedule slightly.

Q: Is it worth booking just one night? A: Definitely. Many UK venues are perfect for a quick overnight break, especially if you can fit in two rounds across your stay.

Planning a golf break at short notice doesn’t mean compromising on quality. With a few smart choices, you can secure great courses, comfortable stays and excellent value, all without the long lead time. here are a few of our Golf Travel Experts tips for getting your stay right:

Travel early, play more Make the most of your trip by getting on the road early. Many resorts offer tee times from early morning, so you can squeeze in an extra round on arrival day.

Look for stay-and-play packages Booking accommodation and golf together is usually the easiest and most cost-effective option, especially when time is tight.

Pack for all conditions UK weather can be unpredictable, so bring waterproofs and layers even if the forecast looks good.

Is it worth booking just one night? Definitely. Many UK venues are perfect for a quick overnight break, especially if you can fit in two rounds across your stay.