Best golf resorts in South England

Home to some of the UK’s finest courses, golf breaks in South England combine championship pedigree with postcard-worthy scenery and easy access from London and beyond. From legendary links to lush parkland layouts, this region offers something for every golfer, alongside elegant hotels, charming villages, and iconic landmarks like Stonehenge and the Jurassic Coast.

Join us as we reveal the very best golf resorts in South England for your next stay & play getaway. To create this list, we’ve included resorts with at least 70 verified reviews and ranked them based on customer feedback, ensuring a selection that reflects real player experiences.

Golf: Bovey Castle Old Course | Customer rating: 4.7 | Best for: Country charm & heritage luxury

Why stay here?

Located in Devon, in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle Hotel & Golf Resort offers an enchanting escape into English countryside elegance. A striking neo-Elizabethan mansion set in 275 acres of rolling greenery, Bovey Castle delivers a refined blend of traditional grandeur and modern comfort. Perfect for couples, groups, or families seeking world-class golf in a serene and historic setting.

The hotel features 60 individually designed rooms and 22 luxury self-catering lodges, ideal for longer stays or group getaways. Interiors mix classic British style with modern luxury, while on-site amenities include award-winning dining, a holistic spa, and an array of country pursuits like archery, falconry, and fishing.

Golf course:

Bovey Castle Old Course: Designed by J.F. Abercromby in 1926, this historic 18-hole is one of the finest courses in the South West of England. The course winds through the River Bovey valley, with tree-lined fairways, natural water hazards, and stunning views of the Dartmoor hills. While playable for all abilities, its narrow fairways and small greens reward accuracy and smart shot-making.

Resort highlights:

• Renowned ESPA spa with indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and indulgent treatments
• Multiple dining options, including the 3 AA Rosette Great Western Restaurant and the relaxed Smith’s Brasserie
• Traditional activities such as clay pigeon shooting, croquet, and horse riding
• Family-friendly amenities including a kids' club, animal encounters, and off-road driving experiences

Travel tips: Take time to explore Dartmoor’s dramatic moorland landscapes, visit the charming nearby town of Moretonhampstead, or enjoy stargazing under some of the UK’s clearest skies. In spring and summer, the resort’s gardens and terraces are especially beautiful.

Golf: The Park, The Woods & The Lakes | Customer rating: 4.6 | Best for: Relaxed countryside charm & flexible golf layouts

Why stay here? Located in Hampshire, against the rolling chalk hills of Watership Down, Sandford Springs Hotel & Golf Club offers a peaceful, modern retreat surrounded by scenic English countryside. This four-star resort is just an hour from London, making it an accessible yet tranquil choice for golf breaks, weekend getaways, or events.

The hotel features 40 stylishly designed rooms that combine contemporary comfort with thoughtful touches, including climate control, luxury bedding, and sleek en-suite bathrooms. Guests can enjoy views over the manicured golf course or nearby countryside, while the elegant Fairway Restaurant offers seasonal British cuisine and panoramic views from its elevated position. A relaxed clubhouse lounge and terrace provide informal dining and a cosy spot to unwind after your round.

Golf course:

Sandford Springs Golf Course offers 27 holes across three distinct nine-hole loops—The Park, The Wood, and The Lakes—set in scenic Hampshire countryside. The Park is the most forgiving, though its signature 9th demands precision over water. The Wood is the toughest, winding through mature trees with a standout dogleg 13th. The Lakes brings water into play on five holes, most notably the long par-3 21st.

Resort highlights:

• Scenic 27-hole layout offering variety and flexibility, ideal for multiple-day golf breaks or varied group abilities
• Elegant hotel rooms with golf course views, climate control, and modern amenities
• Contemporary clubhouse and elevated Fairway Restaurant, serving refined British cuisine
• Indoor/outdoor driving range, practice greens, and well-stocked pro shop

Travel tips: Located within easy reach of the M3 and M4 motorways, Sandford Springs is a great base for exploring nearby attractions like Highclere Castle. For the best value, consider midweek golf packages or booking as a group to take advantage of great group golf offers.

Golf: Bowood Park Golf Course | Customer rating: 4.6 | Best for: Grand country estate tranquillity & refined leisure

Why stay here? Set in beautifully landscaped parkland in Cornwall, the Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort offers a sophisticated blend of heritage and luxury. Located just a short drive from the M4, it provides a peaceful escape with a refined country atmosphere.

The hotel features 47 elegantly designed rooms and suites, many with Juliet balconies and views across the golf course or surrounding estate. Interiors are warm, contemporary, and comfortable, with luxurious bedding, spacious bathrooms, and high-end amenities. Dining options include the AA Rosette Shelburne Restaurant, which showcases locally sourced seasonal ingredients, and the more relaxed Clubhouse Brasserie, perfect for casual lunches or post-round drinks.

Golf course:

Designed by renowned architect Dave Thomas, Bowood’s 18-hole Course is set within rolling parkland and stretches over 7,300 yards from the back tees. This challenging layout features dramatic elevation changes, natural hazards, and strategic bunkering, making it a favourite for many. The course is supported by a PGA Academy, practice facilities, and a driving range. Highlights include the par-5 4th with bunkers flanking the fairway, and a demanding par-4 18th with water guarding the final green.

Resort highlights:

• Award-winning spa and wellness centre with an infinity pool, rock sauna, crystal steam room, and more
• PGA Golf Academy with coaching services, a three-hole practice course, putting green, and indoor swing studio
• Luxurious rooms and suites with estate views, high-quality furnishings, and thoughtful details throughout
• Access to Bowood House & Gardens during the open season, ideal for walks, history lovers, and family days out

Travel tips: Bowood is easily reached from London, Bristol, or Bath and offers excellent value midweek or off-season. From spring through autumn, guests also receive complimentary access to the Bowood estate, including formal gardens and woodland trails.

Ranked the 27th best golf resort in the UK & Ireland by Today's Golfer Golf: Prince’s Golf Course (27 holes) | Customer rating: 4.6 | Best for: Authentic links experience & coastal tranquillity

Why stay here? Located in Kent on the edge of Sandwich Bay, The Lodge at Prince’s offers relaxed boutique‑style accommodation framed by sweeping coastal views. Just steps from the renowned links, the lodge blends understated elegance with modern comfort in an intimate, low‑rise setting. Easily reachable in under two hours from London or via train to Sandwich, it’s ideal for links lovers seeking a convenient and stylish base beside championship golf.

With 38 rooms across The Lodge and adjoining Houses, including two standout suites (Bay and Links) with floor‑to‑ceiling windows. Many overlook the rolling greens or the English Channel.

Golf course:

Prince’s Golf Club offers 27 holes across three distinctive nine-hole loops—The Shore, The Dunes, and The Himalayas—forming one of England’s most historic links venues. The Shore follows the coastline and includes the green where Gene Sarazen won the 1932 Open. The Dunes is a classic championship stretch, bordering Royal St George’s. The Himalayas, revamped in 2018 by Mackenzie & Ebert, is a member favourite, featuring the longest par-5 on the property and a striking double green.

Resort highlights:

• Two AA Rosette restaurant, Brasserie on the Bay, serving fresh Kentish cuisine
• Boutique accommodation with modern amenities, many rooms offering views of the sea or golf course
• Located adjacent to Royal St George’s and a short drive from Royal Cinque Ports, forming part of England’s elite links trio
• Comfortable guest facilities including a lounge bar, snooker room, meeting space, and electric car charging points

Travel tips: After your round, visit the charming town of Sandwich with its medieval streets, riverside pubs, and boutique shops. For golfers wanting to discover more courses, a stay here pairs perfectly with a UK golf tour of the historic Kent coastline, playing Prince’s, Royal St George’s, and Royal Cinque Ports in one unforgettable trip.

Golf: Longcross & Bernard Hunt Courses | Customer rating: 4.6 | Best for: Country club luxury & all-round sport and wellness

Why stay here? Set within 400 acres of beautiful Surrey countryside just 30 minutes from Heathrow and under an hour from central London, Foxhills Club & Resort is one of the UK’s best golf destinations.

The resort features 66 individually styled bedrooms and suites, blending modern comforts with classic English charm. Rooms are set around a picturesque courtyard or within the 19th-century Manor House, offering peaceful views and easy access to the resort’s facilities.

Dining is a highlight, with multiple venues including The Fox dining rooms for elegant evening meals, and more relaxed options in Flo’s Deli and The Manor Lounge. A full-service spa, five swimming pools, tennis courts, and a cycling centre add to the resort’s all-round appeal.

Golf courses:

• Longcross Course: Widely regarded as one of the top parkland courses in southern England, the Longcross weaves through towering pine and oak trees, with tight fairways and fast greens demanding precision and control. Tree-lined from start to finish, it provides a challenging yet fair test for golfers of all levels and is the more picturesque of the two layouts.
• Bernard Hunt Course: Named after the former Ryder Cup captain, this is the more forgiving of the two main courses but still offers a strong challenge with longer, wider fairways and varied elevation changes. It’s a favourite for society days and relaxed rounds, with a mix of risk-and-reward holes and several memorable par 5s.

Resort highlights:

• Two 18-hole championship courses and a 9-hole par-3 course, The Manor, ideal for short-game practice or beginners
• Award-winning wellness spa with thermal suites, indoor and outdoor pools, and a comprehensive fitness programme
• Tennis, cycling, yoga, gym, and family activity options available throughout the estate
• Choice of formal and casual dining, including an AA Rosette restaurant and a relaxed deli and bar

Travel tips: Foxhills is perfectly placed for all kinds of trips from weekend breaks or corporate golf retreats, with easy road access via the M3 and M25. For families, summer holidays offer a full range of children’s activities, including bike hire, kids’ clubs, and junior golf.

Golf: East Course & West Course | Customer rating: 4.5 | Best for: Championship pedigree & countryside seclusion

Why stay here? East Sussex National Golf Hotel offers a relaxed, all-in-one golf resort experience with two highly regarded championship courses set within 1100 acres of beautiful East Sussex countryside. Just 30 minutes from Brighton and around 90 minutes from London, it’s a peaceful and accessible retreat for golfers looking to test their skills on professional-grade layouts while enjoying spacious accommodation and tranquil views of the surrounding countryside.

The hotel features 104 rooms and suites, many with balconies or floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the golf courses. Interiors are clean and modern, with generous space, plush bedding, and all the essentials for a comfortable stay.

Golf courses:

• East Course: Former host of the European Open and an Open qualifying venue, the East Course is the star of the resort. A long, challenging layout with wide fairways, deep bunkering, and fast, undulating greens, it rewards strategic play and solid ball striking. The back nine, in particular, features some dramatic holes where elevation and wind come into play, making for a memorable round.
• West Course: Slightly shorter and more forgiving than its eastern counterpart, the West Course winds through more wooded terrain and is a favourite for its variety and rhythm. Water hazards, doglegs, and well-positioned bunkers create a fun and thoughtful challenge for mid-handicap players.

Resort highlights:

• Two 18-hole championship courses ranked among the best in southern England
• Large, modern rooms with golf course or countryside views
• Full-service spa and health club with swimming pool, gym, sauna, and treatment rooms
• The Pavilion Restaurant and casual bars offering local produce and hearty meals

Travel tips: The resort is a convenient base for exploring the South Downs or visiting nearby Brighton. For the best experience, plan your visit between April and October when the courses are in prime condition and the Sussex countryside is at its most vibrant.

Golf: Donnington Valley Golf Course | Customer rating: 4.5 | Best for: Boutique comfort & relaxing golf getaways

Why stay here? Nestled in the Berkshire countryside just outside Newbury, Donnington Valley Hotel and Spa offers a peaceful and stylish escape with an 18-hole parkland golf course, an award-winning spa, and elegant dining, all under one roof.

The hotel features 111 contemporary rooms and suites, many overlooking the golf course or gardens. Rooms are furnished with plush beds, marble bathrooms, and subtle touches of modern luxury. The 2 AA Rosette restaurant serves seasonal British cuisine in a refined setting, while the bar and lounge offer a cosy space for post-round drinks or afternoon tea.

Golf course:

• Set in a quiet, rolling landscape with mature trees and gentle elevation changes, the 6,353-yard Donnington Valley Golf Course is both scenic and challenging. Designed for thoughtful play rather than brute power, it features narrow fairways, strategic bunkers, and small, fast greens. The back nine is especially memorable, with the 15th and 16th offering dramatic views and risk-reward opportunities.

Resort highlights:

• 18-hole parkland course onsite with practice area, pro shop, and buggy hire
• Award-winning spa with swimming pool, steam room, sauna, aromatherapy treatments, and modern gym
• Elegant rooms and executive suites with marble bathrooms and luxury toiletries
• Fine dining at the WinePress Restaurant, plus a cosy lounge and terrace for lighter fare

Travel tips: Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Highclere Castle, historic Newbury, or a day at the races. Best visited spring through early autumn for prime course conditions and long, peaceful evenings on the terrace.

Golf: Gainsborough & Constable Courses | Customer rating: 4.5 | Best for: Parkland golf, spa relaxation & countryside escapes

Why stay here?

Tucked away in the rolling Constable Country of Suffolk, Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa offers an idyllic countryside escape with two top-quality parkland courses and a full-service wellness spa. Just under two hours from London, the resort strikes a balance between challenging golf and relaxing leisure.

Set within 300 acres of Dedham Vale’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the hotel features 80 comfortable rooms, many with balconies overlooking the fairways, lakes, and surrounding countryside. The stylish contemporary interiors are complemented by classic rural views. For more privacy or longer stays, self-catering eco-lodges are also available nearby.

Golf courses:

• Gainsborough Course: The championship layout at Stoke by Nayland, Gainsborough is a mature parkland design known for its strategic bunkering, water features, and strong finishing holes. It rewards accurate play with immaculate greens and year-round conditioning.
• Constable Course: Slightly more forgiving but no less enjoyable, Constable winds through rolling terrain with tree-lined fairways, gentle doglegs, and picturesque water hazards. It’s an ideal complement to Gainsborough and provides a relaxing but engaging test for all levels.

Resort highlights:

• Two 18-hole championship parkland golf courses, both set in stunning countryside
• Peake Spa featuring a swimming pool, thermal suite, and extensive treatment options
• On-site dining including the fine-dining Lakes Restaurant and casual Clubhouse Bar
• Fitness centre, driving range, putting green, and PGA professionals on site

Travel tips: Beyond the fairways, explore the surrounding landscapes that inspired the painter John Constable, ideal for walking, cycling, or a riverside picnic. Nearby villages like Lavenham and Dedham offer classic English charm, while the Suffolk coast is just over an hour’s drive.

Golf: Championship Course | Customer rating: 4.5 | Best for: Tournament-level golf & countryside luxury

Why stay here? Set amid the gentle hills of the Chilterns near Thame, The Oxfordshire Golf, Hotel & Spa offers a refined yet accessible retreat with championship-calibre golf and modern resort comforts. Just an hour from London and close to the historic city of Oxford, this sleek, purpose-built golf hotel combines first-class amenities with a course that’s hosted multiple European Tour events.

The 50-room hotel is contemporary in design, with spacious bedrooms that include private balconies, many with sweeping views over the course and Oxfordshire countryside. Dining is centred around The Sakura Restaurant, which serves seasonal British cuisine with international influences in a refined setting overlooking the 18th green. The Lounge and Spike Bar provide casual alternatives, with drinks, snacks, and golf course views.

Golf course:

Designed by Rees Jones, the Championship Course is a bold and modern layout featuring dramatic water hazards, large bunkering, and slick, undulating greens. A former venue for the Benson & Hedges International Open and Ladies European Tour events, it offers a serious test from the back tees while remaining playable for higher handicaps thanks to multiple tee boxes and generous fairways. A strong finishing stretch ensures every round ends on a high.

Resort highlights:

• Championship 18-hole course designed by Rees Jones, with a history of professional events
• Tempus Spa featuring pool, thermal suite, gym, and range of treatments
• Sakura Restaurant serving upscale seasonal cuisine in elegant surroundings
• Extensive practice facilities including driving range and putting green

Travel tips: Pair your stay with a visit to Oxford’s iconic colleges or indulge in some shopping at nearby Bicester Village. For leisure guests, the surrounding countryside is perfect for scenic walks and local pub lunches. Best visited spring through autumn for prime playing conditions and longer daylight hours.

Golf: Championship Course | Customer rating: 4.4 | Best for: Social golf breaks, spa retreats & all-in-one leisure

Why stay here?

Set within 400 acres of picturesque Hampshire countryside, Old Thorns Hotel & Resort is a vibrant and multifaceted destination that blends championship golf with spa relaxation, stylish accommodation, and lively social spaces.

The resort features over 150 rooms and apartments, ranging from classic hotel rooms to spacious self-catering penthouse suites. Interiors are modern and comfortable, with many rooms offering panoramic views across the golf course and surrounding hills. The on-site eco-friendly apartments and glamping-style Eco Pods offer flexible, fun alternatives.

Golf course:

Originally designed by Peter Alliss, the Championship Course at Old Thorns features tree-lined fairways, natural elevation changes, and strategic water hazards. With stunning views over the Hampshire countryside and a welcoming layout that suits all abilities, it’s perfect for leisurely rounds or competitive group play. A large practice area, putting green, and well-stocked pro shop round out the golf facilities.

Resort highlights:

• 18-hole parkland course designed by Peter Alliss, ideal for casual or competitive play
• Full-service resort with spa, gym, pool, bars, and dining options
• Large health club and spa offering treatments, personal training, and group fitness classes
• Many dining options including The Kings Restaurant, Sports Bar, and Atrium Champagne Bar

Travel tips: Make time to explore the nearby South Downs National Park for walking, cycling, and scenic drives. This resort is perfect for a golf & nightlife trip, enjoy one of the resort’s themed party nights or weekend live events.

Golf: Lingfield Park Golf Course | Customer rating: 4.4 | Best for: Resort golf, racecourse views & relaxing Surrey escapes

Why stay here? Set within the grounds of Lingfield Park Racecourse in the heart of the Surrey countryside, Lingfield Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club offers a unique blend of championship golf, modern accommodation, and raceday excitement. Just over an hour from central London and close to the M25, it’s an ideal escape for golfers looking for a polished countryside retreat with standout leisure facilities.

The hotel offers 116 stylish, contemporary rooms and suites, many overlooking the golf course or the racecourse itself. Interiors are sleek and thoughtfully designed, with Marriott bedding, plush bathrooms, and modern in-room amenities.

Golf course:

Designed to USGA specifications, Lingfield Park’s 18-hole layout is a scenic, tree-lined parkland course that weaves through gently rolling terrain alongside the racecourse. Water hazards, undulating greens, and elevated tees provide variety and challenge, while wide fairways make it playable for all levels. The course is a former host of PGA EuroPro Tour events and offers year-round playability.

Resort highlights:

• Championship 18-hole course set within the Lingfield Park Racecourse estate
• Breathe Spa with indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and beauty treatments
• Practice facilities including a driving range and putting green
• On-site racecourse with regular events and hospitality options

Travel tips: Check the race calendar and time your visit to coincide with one of Lingfield’s race days for a unique golf-and-racing getaway. Nearby, explore the scenic countryside of the High Weald AONB or visit Chartwell, the former home of Winston Churchill.

Golf: Championship Course | Customer rating: 4.4 | Best for: Heritage golf, spa luxury & tradition

Why stay here? Located within 200 acres of scenic Hertfordshire parkland, Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club occupies a striking Jacobean-style manor house surrounded by rolling countryside just 45–60 minutes from central London. This elegant estate couples historic charm with modern resort amenities, making it an ideal destination for golfers seeking a relaxing getaway.

Inside, the hotel blends wood‑panelled libraries and cosy fireplaces with contemporary guest rooms and suites, ranging from classic Manor House rooms to spacious deluxe rooms with plush bedding and modern bathrooms.

Golf course:

A mature 7,052‑yard, par‑72 parkland layout originally designed by Harry Vardon and redesigned by Jack Nicklaus II, Hanbury Manor is consistently ranked among England’s best golf courses. Hanbury Manor has hosted events include the English Open, European Senior Tour, and most recently the Legends Tour in 2023 and 2024. Strategic tree-lined fairways, water hazards, bunkers and undulating USGA‑spec greens challenge players of all levels.

Resort highlights:

• 18‑hole championship golf course with PGA‑standard maintenance and tournament history
• Stylish, heritage‑filled accommodation in Manor House and modern wings with fine garden views
• Thriving leisure club and spa with a 17‑metre indoor pool, sauna, steam room, whirlpool and seven treatment rooms
• Practice facilities including driving range, putting/chipping greens, golf simulator and PGA coaching clinics

Travel tips: Time your visit to coincide with twilight tee times, you’ll enjoy reduced rates and golden-hour scenery across the greens. Explore nearby attractions like Hatfield House, Knebworth, historic Ware, Lee Valley Park or even Warner Bros. Studio Tour.

Golf: Nicklaus Signature & Kernow Courses | Customer rating: 4.4 | Best for: Championship golf & full-service Cornish retreats

Why stay here? Located in the rolling countryside of southeast Cornwall, St Mellion Estate is one of the UK’s leading golf resorts, blending two top-class golf courses, elegant accommodation, and extensive health and wellness facilities. As the home of the first Jack Nicklaus Signature Course built in the UK, it’s a must-visit for serious golfers, but also offers a complete resort experience that appeals to couples, families, and groups.

The main hotel features over 80 contemporary rooms, many with private balconies overlooking the fairways or surrounding woodland. Interiors are stylish and functional, with plush bedding and modern bathrooms. For more space or a self-catering option, the on-site Cottage Collection offers a range of recently refurbished lodges, ideal for longer stays or group bookings.

Golf courses:

• Nicklaus Signature Course: Opened in 1988 and designed by Jack Nicklaus himself, this 7,000+ yard layout is one of the UK’s true championship tests. It combines dramatic elevation changes, tight landing areas, and water hazards, requiring strategic thinking and precision shot-making. It’s a bold, exciting course that remains a bucket-list round for many UK golfers.
• Kernow Course: More forgiving than its big brother, the Kernow is a fun and varied parkland course built on the foundations of the original Old Course. With wide fairways, scenic views, and water in play on several holes, it’s perfect for casual rounds, warmups, or mixed-ability groups.

Resort highlights:

• Two 18-hole courses, including the iconic Jack Nicklaus Signature design
• Full leisure club with indoor pools, spa facilities, sauna, and fitness centre
• Dining options from casual brasserie fare to upscale Cornish cuisine
• Dedicated golf academy with Toptracer range, practice greens, and coaching

Travel tips: St Mellion is perfectly placed for a wider golf tour, consider combining your stay with rounds at nearby courses like Trevose, and Carlyon Bay. Off the fairways, explore the stunning South West Coast Path, the Eden Project, or nearby villages like Looe and Polperro.

Best time to visit: Late Spring to early Autumn is the prime golf season in England, with summer months (June to August) offering peak conditions, longest daylight hours, and vibrant course scenery. For those seeking better value and fewer crowds, April/May and October are excellent alternatives; courses are still in great shape, and the weather is often pleasantly mild.

Booking tips: Book tee times and accommodation well in advance, especially during bank holidays and peak weekends. Look for midweek golf packages or Sunday Driver deals for better value, and consider early morning or late afternoon tee times for quieter rounds and softer light.

Q: Is South England good for golf? A: Yes, South England is one of the UK’s premier golf regions, offering a diverse mix of championship links, classic heathlands, and top-tier resorts.

Q: When is the best time to play golf in South England? A: The best time to play is between May and September, when the weather is warm, courses are dry, and daylight hours are long.

Q: What is the best golf county in South England? A: Surrey stands out as the top golf county, home to iconic heathland courses like Sunningdale and St George’s Hill.

Q: Is it expensive to play golf in England? A: Golf packages in England vary depending on the quality of the golf course, hotel, and the number of nights. Golfbreaks customers can book an England golf package from as little as £59 per person for 1 night, dinner, bed & breakfast, and 2 rounds. Find out more about the best-selling deals in the UK.

Q: Do I need a handicap to play golf in South England? A: You're unlikely not to be asked to present your handicap certificate upon arrival at your chosen golf course; however, we always recommend checking with your Golf Travel Expert at the time of booking.

Whether you're seeking a seaside challenge or a peaceful countryside escape, South England offers golf resorts to match every preference. These standout destinations showcase the region’s finest, blending scenic landscapes, exceptional course design, and timeless tradition.