Best luxury golf resorts in the UK & Ireland

Trump Turnberry offers one of the world’s greatest golfing experiences thanks to its iconic Ailsa Course and the new King Robert the Bruce Course. The former is an Open Championship venue and is described as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Ayrshire golf and is regarded as one of the toughest courses on the Open rota. The Ailsa Craig and Arran create a stunning backdrop to add to the already incredible experience. The King Robert the Bruce Course is named after the former King of Scotland and features distinctive bunkering, visually attractive wetland areas and swathes of gorse.

Boasting four courses, three of which are on site, it is no wonder that Celtic Manor is such a popular getaway for golfers in Wales. The most well-known golf course here is the Ryder Cup hosting Twenty Ten Course, but the other two onsite courses, the Montgomerie and the Roman Road, both offer their own stern tests. Caerleon Golf Club is a five-minute drive from the resort, in the historic Roman town of Caeleon.

Designed in 1926 by J F Abercromby, the Championship golf course at the five-star Bovey Castle is one not to be missed in Devon. It was designed to rival its sister courses in Turnberry and Gleneagles, and is often described as an experience of golf never to be forgotten as it presents such a pure challenge.

With three 18-hole courses and a nine-hole, par-3 course, Gleneagles really is a true golfing paradise. You may recognise the Jack Nicklaus designed PGA Centenary Course, as it was the host of the 2014 Ryder Cup of which Europe were victorious. The Queen’s Course here is filled with natural beauty, whereas the King’s Course is brimming with history having tested the aristocracy of golf since opening in 1919.

There are two Arnold Palmer designs at the K Club in the Palmer North Course and the Palmer South or 'Smurfit Course'. The Palmer North charms and entices, making it one of Europe’s most spectacular golf courses. The Ryder Cup was hosted here, as well as the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open (won by Rory McIlroy) and 11 European Opens. The Palmer South is a testing inland links, set across a dramatic landscape, making for a truly incredible challenge.

This resort is without a doubt a top contender. With its selection of 61 luxury bedrooms, an award-winning spa, and three fantastic restaurants, Rockliffe Hall offers the perfect luxury hideaway in the idyllic countryside village of Hurworth. You’ll discover here the finest hospitality and service in North East England, delicious locally sourced cuisine and of course the UK’s longest golf course. The course is set in over 375 acres of countryside featuring stunning lakes, wetland and woodland throughout.

The unmatched spa facilities include a hydro pool, outdoor hot tub, infra-red sauna, salt inhalation room and monsoon showers. Perfect after a day on the course. And, you’re looking for extra privacy, Rockliffe Hall also offers a traditional country home experience at The Woodland Mews Luxury Holiday Homes located in the grounds of the resort.

If you’re looking to escape to a grand, Jacobean-style manor house set in 200 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, then Hanbury Manor is the resort for you. Here you’ll find 161 charming hotel rooms with modern amenities, wood-panelled libraries and cosy fireplaces. Visit the spa to experience the stunning Romanesque pool, sauna and steam room for total relaxation and rejuvenation.

There is also a wonderful choice of dining options here. Visit The Oakes Grill with its warm, intimate setting and sumptuous, internationally-inspired dishes, or enjoy a refreshment and some snacks at The Oak Hall & Cocktail Bar with its wide-open fireplace. For those not wanting to miss out on any sports events, Vardon’s Bar is the perfect, lively spot to enjoy a cold beer while watching your favourite sport.

The best part about Hanbury Manor? Its got a 18-hole championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus II and is regarded as one of the finest layouts in Hertfordshire.

A loving restoration of what was once home to the Earls of Clarendon, The Grove lies within 300 acres of stunning Hertfordshire countryside and is the ultimate five-star retreat. The 217 rooms combine high-tech 21st Century features with traditional elegance and there is an amazing range of facilities and treatments available in the Sequoia Spa- so you can relax and unwind after a day on the fairways.

Blending seamlessly into the surrounding countryside and regarded as one of the best new golf courses in Europe, the par-72 golf course offers 18 immaculately conditioned holes and provides a testing round of golf. This is also a Kyle Philips design, so if you’re a fan of Kingsbarns and Valderrama, you’re in for a real treat.

Don’t forget to check out the three fantastic dining options, all of which provide a nice place to relax with a drink and a good hearty meal.