With its diverse landscape of picturesque parkland courses and ancient links, the United Kingdom is a golfer’s dream. The UK is home to some of the most famous and beautiful golf courses in the world, perfect for avid players and casual spectators alike. For your next round of golf, consider these well-chosen courses.
The best places to stay: hotels and golf resorts
Enhance your golfing experience by staying at these renowned hotels and resorts, each offering unique amenities and recreational activities.
Gailes Hotel & Spa – Ayrshire, Scotland
Nestled in the heart of Ayrshire, the Gailes Hotel & Spa is a luxurious boutique hotel renowned for its exceptional service and proximity to world-class golf courses. The hotel features the award-winning Si! Spa, offering over 50 bespoke treatments, a thermal suite, and a champagne bar for ultimate relaxation. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s TopTracer driving range, PGA coaching academy, and a variety of dining options, including the nautical-themed Coast Restaurant & Bar. For those seeking additional entertainment, the hotel provides access to nearby attractions and scenic coastal trails. Additionally, if you’re in the mood for some online excitement after your golf game, you can visit Book of Ra, an online casino that offers a variety of games for those looking to unwind.
Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa – Newbury, Berkshire, England
Situated amidst the picturesque Berkshire countryside, Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa offers a tranquil retreat with an 18-hole golf course and a luxury health club. The spa boasts an 18-meter indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and the innovative Aqua Sun treatment room, designed to combat seasonal affective disorder. Guests can indulge in fine dining at the two-AA rosette restaurant, enjoy a glass of wine from the unique wine vending machine, or just relax in the cosy bar area. The hotel also provides easy access to local attractions such as Highclere Castle and Blenheim Palace.
Adelphi Portrush – County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Located on Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast, the Adelphi Portrush offers a boutique stay with elegant interiors and stunning sea views. The hotel features the Red Sail Dining Room and Bar, serving Italian-influenced cuisine with local twists, and a snooker room for entertainment. Guests can explore nearby attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway and enjoy access to the renowned Royal Portrush Golf Club.
Each of these resorts offers a unique blend of luxury, recreation, and proximity to top-tier golf courses, ensuring a memorable experience for golf enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for relaxing spa treatments, exquisite dining, or a little online gaming excitement, these hotels have something for everyone.
Courses
St. Andrews Links – Old Course in Fife, Scotland: The birthplace of golf
St. Andrews’ Old Course, sometimes called the “Home of Golf,” is a holy spot for golfers all around the globe. Famous structures such as the Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker date back to the 15th century. Enjoy a round of golf on a course rich in history thanks to its unusual twin greens and shared fairways.
The Old Course Hotel is the perfect place to unwind after a round of golf, thanks to its five-star spa, several dining choices, and breathtaking views of the course. Indulge in a night of gourmet food and cocktails at the Sundial Restaurant for a touch of nightlife.
The Championship course at Royal Dornoch Golf Club in Sutherland, Scotland
This course is famous for its scenic beauty and difficult design, with the Dornoch Firth as a background. Set against a breathtaking seaside landscape, this course is often considered to be among the best in the world.
Places to unwind: Dornoch Castle Hotel is a delightful boutique hotel that was formerly a castle in the 16th century. Indulge in a hearty lunch at the Sutherland Inn, a hidden treasure in the area famous for its seafood and whisky menu. The Dornoch Whisky Festival is an absolute must for all whisky connoisseurs seeking an unforgettable experience.
Muirfield – East Lothian, Scotland
Muirfield has played host to The Open Championship sixteen times and is home to The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. Any golfer may expect a difficult round because of its distinctive two-loop design, which guarantees a range of wind conditions.
Locate the nearby Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa if you’re looking for a place to relax. Spa treatments, drinks overlooking the Firth of Forth, and a tour of North Berwick’s local watering holes are all on the menu.
The Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry in Ayrshire, Scotland.
Tom Watson’s and Jack Nicklaus’s renowned “Duel in the Sun” is just one of many historic events that have taken place on the Ailsa Course, which overlooks the rocky Ayrshire shoreline. Its standing among premier courses has been further enhanced by the current remodelling.
Places to Unwind: The Turnberry Resort is home to opulent rooms, a spa, and several excellent restaurants, one of which being 1906 Restaurant. The Turnberry Casino is the ideal spot for a night of gambling and leisure for individuals who prefer a little of excitement.
Royal Birkdale GC, Southport, England
Royal Birkdale, set among lofty dunes, has played host to The Open Championship on 10 occasions. Golfers just must play this course at least once because its fair yet difficult layout, which rewards accuracy and strategy.
After a game of golf, unwind in style at Southport’s The Vincent Hotel & Spa. The lively ambience and many gaming possibilities at Genting Casino Southport make it the perfect place to try your luck for a great evening.
Sunningdale GC, Berkshire, England
At Sunningdale, you may play golf on two world-class courses: the Old Course and the New Course. Golfers will find a tranquil yet demanding location among its heathland backdrop and rich history.
Places to Unwind: Enjoy luxurious lodgings and scenic grounds at the Sunningdale Park hotel. At the Royal Foresters Hotel, you’ll find a delightful restaurant with an excellent wine selection, perfect for a night of relaxation. Those looking for a change of pace might spend a day exploring the old town and taking in the sights at nearby Windsor Castle.
Royal St. George’s GC, Kent, England
Royal St. George’s is a golfer’s nightmare because of its steep bunkers and rolling fairways. Because of its difficult layout and long history of hosting The Open Championship, it is a popular course.
Places to Unwind: A charming hotel with a great restaurant and bar, The Crown & Sceptre is a great place to stay. Spend some time at the White Cliffs of Dover, which provide breath-taking vistas and beach hikes, or explore the neighbouring Deal Castle.
Royal Portrush GC, Antrim, Northern Ireland
The Dunluce Links is a difficult course with stunning vistas, situated against rugged coastal cliffs. It is considered one of the best courses in the United Kingdom, having played host to The Open Championship in both 2019 and 2025.
Places to Unwind: For a contemporary stay with convenient course access, book a room at The Fitzwilliam Hotel. For a more historic experience with breath-taking views of the Giant’s Causeway, try The Causeway Hotel, or settle inside the clubhouse of The Portstewart Golf Club for a relaxing evening.
Royal County Down GC, County Down, Northern Ireland
The picturesque setting and difficult layout of this course make it well-known. It is located between the Mourne Mountains and the Mourne River. Golfers from all over the globe love it for its beautiful scenery and strategic layout.
Places to Unwind: Conveniently located, the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa provides five-star lodgings, a full-service spa, and views of the Mourne Mountains. The Mourne Seafood Bar is famous for its locally caught seafood, so after a round of golf, you may relax there.
Royal Porthcawl GC, Bridgend, Wales
Featuring both classic links golf and state-of-the-art amenities, Royal Porthcawl looks out over the Bristol Channel. Coastal scenery and a difficult course design combine to make for an unforgettable round of golf.
Places to Unwind: For a laid-back stay with a view of the sea, choose the Porthcawl Hotel. The Celtic Manor Resort has a spa, gourmet restaurants, and live shows for those who want to unwind and have fun.
Last Remarks
Every golfer may find their perfect course in the United Kingdom. St. Andrews’s ancient fairways and Royal Portrush’s rough beauty are just two of the many courses that offer something special to golfers. You will surely get your money’s worth if you plan your next golf vacation around these prestigious courses. These locations have a lot to do off the course, from world-class spas to great restaurants and even gambling, so you can unwind and enjoy yourself.
