Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa

The hotel sits at the end of a mile-long private drive, framed by parkland and open views across the estate. You've got 198 rooms spread across the main building, finished to a comfortable 4-star standard. Classic King and Twin rooms come with en-suite bath and power shower, flat-screen satellite TV, tea and coffee kit and complimentary Wi-Fi. Many overlook either the Nicklaus Course or the Cheshire countryside beyond, so you're waking up to proper estate views rather than a car park.

The rooms are spacious, well-lit and designed with golfers in mind. There's plenty of wardrobe space for hanging wet-weather gear, decent-sized desks if you need to catch up on emails, and blackout curtains for an early night ahead of a morning tee time. Beds are king-size as standard in the Classic King layout, and the bathrooms are a good size with both bath and separate power shower. Twin options are available for groups and society trips. The setup works equally well for a lads' golf trip, a couples' weekend or a society outing where half the group wants to relax in the spa while the other half plays 36.

Food & Drink

On the dining front, you've got five distinct options depending on mood and appetite. Jack's Bar sits in the clubhouse overlooking the Cheshire Course, ideal for a post-round bacon sandwich, seasonal light bites or a pint with a view. It's open to golfers and non-golfers alike, relaxed atmosphere, no need to change out of your golf shoes if you're grabbing a quick lunch between rounds.

The Vines is the fine-dining option, two AA Rosettes, inspired by the estate's own vineyard and built around an eight-course tasting menu that changes with the seasons. Expect locally sourced Cheshire produce, precise plating and a wine list that leans heavily on English and European bottles. Book it for a celebration dinner or when you want to make an occasion of the evening rather than just refuel after golf.

Redmond's Brasserie is the all-rounder, popular with both residents and locals, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that covers most bases. You've got succulent steaks, grilled options, traditional favourites like beer-battered haddock and chips, and the signature Carden steak burger. It's the go-to for groups with mixed tastes or anyone who wants a decent meal without the formality of The Vines.

Morgan's Bar and Goldie's Lounge serve as the central social hub, where you'll end up most evenings, whether that's for a nightcap, a coffee or just to compare scorecards with the group at the next table. Friendly service, good drinks selection and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in for the evening.

Leisure Facilties

Beyond the golf and dining, the leisure facilities are genuinely useful rather than token additions. The Hotel Leisure Club was fully renovated in 2020 and now features a modern gym, dedicated spin studio, 20-metre swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room. It's open to all hotel guests and gives you a proper option for loosening up after a long day on the course or getting in a workout before your morning tee time.

The Spa at Carden, also opened in 2020, is a five-star setup with a spa garden, indoor thermal facilities and a full treatment menu. It makes Carden Park work for non-golfing partners or groups who want to mix golf with genuine relaxation rather than just squeezing in a quick massage between rounds.

Getting here is straightforward. Carden Park is located in Broxton, 20 minutes south-east of Chester, 50 minutes from Manchester International Airport and under half an hour from the M56. If you're driving from the Midlands or the North West, it's an easy run up the M6, and if you're flying in, Manchester is the obvious choice with direct motorway access. The address is Broxton Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 9DQ.

Build Carden Park into a two-night package and you can play both courses without rushing, with plenty of time to enjoy the spa, dining and estate views between rounds.