With the reopening of Linthwaite House in the Lake District on 31st July, it’s time to treat yourself to a golf staycation in one of England’s most popular summer destinations that promises plenty of space and fresh air in the great outdoors. Part of the Leeu Collection, the stunning hotel has teamed up with the nearby Windermere Golf Club to offer a ‘Golfing in the Lakes’ package that combines a two-night stay at the luxury property with 18 holes of golf for two at one of Cumbria’s most delightful and scenic golf courses, and a three-course set dinner at Michelin-starred Simon Rogan’s newest restaurant Henrock.
Whilst England’s largest National Park is best known for its spectacular walks around its numerous lakes and up mountains like Scafell Pike, it is also home to almost 40 golf courses making it the ideal destination to combine hiking with a round of golf or two, with both activities giving visitors the opportunity to soak up wonderful views of the surrounding landscape.
Less than a mile from Linthwaite House, the course at Windermere Golf Club offers panoramic views over Lake Windermere and across to the distant fells. Founded back in 1891, the layout was designed by George Lowe who – at the time – was the professional at Royal Lytham & St Annes (which has hosted 11 Open Championships), a course he also created. In true moorland style, each hole at Windermere follows the gently rolling and rugged character of the local terrain to create a layout that is both charming and demanding.
Though relatively short at 5,143 yards, this par 67 course presents golfers with a quite a challenge thanks to an array of blind tee shots, several elevation changes and numerous natural hazards such as rocky outcrops, abundant bracken and copses of trees that run alongside some of the fairways.
After the rigours of golf, Linthwaite House provides a tranquil retreat and all the comforts of a five star hotel. The Conservatory, Bar and Terrace are the perfect place for a light meal or early evening drink, while admiring the breath-taking views over Windermere towards Coniston. Breakfast and dinner are served in Henrock which showcases natural, seasonal ingredients in a relaxed and elegant setting.
That hotel stands in 14 acres of landscaped private gardens, which are dotted with arresting sculptures and offer a range of outdoor pursuits such as boating and fishing on the tarn (a small lake), boules, croquet and giant chess. At the end of the day, guests retire to one of the 36 luxurious, individually-designed bedrooms for a great night’s sleep in this peaceful bolthole.
Testifying to the quality of the hotel and its golf offer, Linthwaite House has been nominated in several of this year’s Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Readers’ Travel Awards including the Best Hotel for Golf category (winners will be announced in the Autumn).
Keen golfers may wish to try several of the other golf courses in the area, such as the Harry Colt parkland course at Ulverston just 15 miles away and the highly-regarded Silloth on Solway golf course, rated by Top 100 Golf Courses as the one number course in Cumbria, that is located on the coast about a 90-minute drive from Linthwaite House.
The ‘Golfing in the Lakes’ package includes two nights’ B&B accommodation, a three-course set meal in Henrock on one night and a round of golf for two at Windermere Golf Club (with scrumptious snacks to keep you going and return transfers to the club from Linthwaite House). Rates start from £615 for two people sharing a double room; book online at https://leeucollection.com/UK or email reservations@linthwaitehouse.com or call +44 (0) 15394 88600, quoting “Leeu Golf”.
