Inconnection's 10 Best UK Golf Hotels 2018
10 April 2018
Great golf incentives and rewards start with great golf hotels – and the UK is home to some of the world’s best. That’s why every year we share our list of the 10 very best UK golf hotels out there right now.
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From experiences suited to high-level execs who regularly tread the world’s best fairways, to hotels offering one-on-one tuition and facilities for near-beginners, let’s take a look at the 10 best UK golf hotels for 2018. In no particular order...
1. The Belfry
West Midlands, England
England’s Leading Resort, Europe’s Best Golf Hoteland England’s Best Golf Course at the World Travel Awards 2017, and host to more Ryder Cup matches than any other venue, The Belfry is undeniably one of the best UK golf hotels for 2018.
It’s also the home of the PGA and offers world-class, PGA-accredited tuition. The hotel itself is outstanding, and just eight miles out of central Birmingham and 20 mins from Birmingham International Airport.
2. Gleneagles
Perthshire, Scotland
Not just one of 2018's best UK golf hotels, 'the glorious playground in the glens' is legendary.
It’s opulent and immersive, especially after recent redevelopment. The golf is exceptional (the PGA Centenary course hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup), and the hotel boasts both the best spa in Scotland and Andrew Fairlie's two Michelin-starred restaurant.
3. K Club
Nr. Dublin, Ireland
This extravagant, timeless country hotel sits on a 550-acre estate around 30 mins from Dublin airport.
The Ryder Cup was held here in 2006, and the estate's two courses cover much of the best of its grounds. Elsewhere on site guests can fish, shoot and ride horses. Award-winning in-house restaurant The Byerley Turk is great.
4. Celtic Manor
Newport, Wales
Just off the M4, half an hour from Cardiff and Bristol airports, and under 2 hours from Heathrow, Celtic Manor is not only one of the best UK golf hotels – it’s fast becoming a one-stop-shop for corporate incentives and events.
The golf here is superb, with three world-class championship golf courses (including one specifically designed for 2010’s Ryder Cup) as well as great restaurants and bars.
5. Slieve Donard
County Down, Northern Ireland
Slieve Donard serves the incredible Royal County Down golf course (host of the British Seniors, the Walker Cup, Irish Open and many more).
30 miles south of Belfast, Slieve Donard boasts panoramic views over the Mountains of Mourne and County Down coast. In summer finish with a drink under the glass dome in Chaplin's Bar; in winter head for the cosy, informal Percy French Inn for whisky by the fire.
6. The Grove
Hertfordshire, England
Host of the 2016 British Masters, The Grove is just 18 miles from central London – 20 mins by train from Euston and half an hour from Heathrow and Luton.
For an unforgettable start to your time here, arrive by boat from Regent’s Park – the Grand Union Canal runs through the grounds. As well as its five-star hotel, The Grove’s on-site bars and restaurants include triple AA Rosette-winner Colette’s.
7. The Fairmont St Andrews
Fife, Scotland
A grand, extravagant modern hotel overlooking the dramatic and unforgettable St Andrews Bay near St Andrews, the spiritual home of golf.
The hotel's facilities are outstanding, and optional activities include cycling, sailing and horse-riding, but people come here to play golf –The Fairmont is nestled between two outstanding championship courses.
8. Trump Turnberry
Ayreshire, Scotland
Turnberry is still one of the very best UK golf hotels (despite the afternoon piper), boasting three outstanding courses just an hour from Glasgow or two from Edinburgh.
Sitting in 800 acres of Scottish countryside, the resort also offers a huge range of imagination-firing extra activities – off-road 4x4 experiences, quad biking, archery and more.
9. The Mere
Cheshire, England
For all its breathtaking estate, enveloping spa and sleek, contemporary rooms, golf is still the real pull at The Mere.
Its 18-hole championship course is widely known as one of the best courses in the north, and some imaginative golf tie-ins are the icing on the cake for one of 2018’s best UK golf hotels (post-round swing-muscles massage, anyone?).
10. Close House
Cheshire, England
Close House’s rise to being one of the UK's best golf hotels has been meteoric. The Championship 'Colt' course was opened in 2011, and within months was heralded as one of the UK’s best. 2017 saw Close House host the 2017 British Masters.
Less than 10 miles from Newcastle upon Tyne’s Central Railway Station and International Airport. The hotel's five-star setting and facilities are very, very good, and extras include tuition from PGA pros.