1 Night, 2 Rounds
Set in 10,000 acres of glorious Warwickshire countryside, the Forest of Arden is one of the Midlands' flagship golf resorts, combining two championship courses by Donald Steel with a 4-star hotel and spa. The headline layout is the Arden Course, a three-time host of the European Senior Masters and a proper test of accuracy and course management. Its sister, the Aylesford, offers a contrasting but equally rewarding round. Despite being less than 30 minutes from Birmingham city centre and 10 minutes from the NEC and Birmingham Airport, the resort feels properly rural, with mature woodland, open parkland and a sense of space that's rare this close to a major city.
Off the course you've got the full 4-star set-up: spacious rooms, solid service and enough on-site facilities that you can actually switch off between rounds. The Cedarwood Spa is a standout feature, while the Fairway Bar & Grill serves quality food in a relaxed setting. Whether you're here for a quick overnight or a longer stay, the Forest of Arden strikes a smart balance between serious golf and proper downtime.
Who is this for?
Golfers who want an easy Midlands escape with two strong courses, a proper hotel and spa, and no faff getting there.
Who is it best for?
Groups and societies who want 36 holes with a bit of variety, couples who like the golf-and-spa combo, and mid-to-low handicappers who'll appreciate the Arden's tighter test.
* Where applicable, the relevant promotions will be applied during the booking process. T&Cs may apply.
1 Night, 1 Round
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
The Championship Arden Course at the Forest of Arden Golf Club is one of the country's most established tournament layouts, having hosted the cream of the European Tour for the British Masters from 1997-1999 and in 2003, and the English Open between 1993-1997, from 2000-2002 and again in 2020 where the event changed its name to the Hero Open.
Scoring was often good during these professional events with low scoring totals achieved by Ian Woosnam (1993) and Per-Ulrik Johansson (1997) with 4-round scores of -19. Champions at Forest of Arden also include Colin Montgomerie (1994) and Darren Clarke (2000 & 2002) and Sam Horsfield in 2020 with an overall score of -18.
This is indicative of the quality of the course, which has some truly distinctive holes, especially the 18th, an exacting par-3. The layout suits golfers of all abilities and when stretched to its fullest, the Arden will measure 7,213 yards, demanding the absolute best in striking in order to score well. Should you manage to find the green in regulation, the outstanding putting surfaces will give you a good chance to convert. With the quality of the course it is easy to see why so many enjoy golf breaks at The Forest of Arden each year.
| Par | 72 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Donald Steel |
| Opened for play | 1992 |
| Previously hosted | British Masters (1997-98, 2003-05) |
| Championship | 7,213 yards | SSS 73 |
|---|---|---|
| White | 6,707 yards | SSS 73 |
| Yellow | 6,451 yards | SSS 71 |
| Red | 5,654 yards | SSS 72 |
The Aylesford Resort Course at the Forest of Arden Golf Club is considerably shorter than its prestigious neighbour, but the expert attention of the greenkeepers ensures that it remains in equally immaculate condition. The Aylesford may be less than 6,000 yards, but underestimate it at your peril, as there are penalties to be paid for the wayward. This charming little course adds good variety to the Forest of Arden's repertoire, and emphasises the quality of a golf break at the resort.
| Par | 69 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Donald Steel |
| Opened for play | 1992 |
| White | 5,809 yards | SSS 68 |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 5,579 yards | SSS 69 |
| Red | 5,068 yards | SSS 69 |
In addition, the Forest of Arden Golf Club is home to a first class golf academy, where visitors can seek the guidance of one of the resident PGA professionals.
Alongside the two golf courses there is a 16 bay floodlit driving range with an extensive short game and bunker area including a separate putting green.
The Forest of Arden's 214-room hotel sits at the heart of the resort, offering the kind of space, comfort and service you'd expect from a 4-star property. Rooms are contemporary in style, tastefully furnished and genuinely spacious, making them ideal for golfers who want to unwind properly after 36 holes. The hotel's location, surrounded by countryside yet within easy reach of Birmingham, the NEC and the airport, makes it a practical choice for groups flying in or driving from across the UK.
The Fairway Bar & Grill is the main dining option, serving international cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients. It's a proper sit-down restaurant rather than a casual clubhouse setup, and the quality reflects that. Breakfast is a full English or continental spread, while afternoon tea is also available for those who want a more leisurely pace. For something lighter, Zest offers all-day snacks and casual dishes, with an outdoor terrace that's perfect for a post-round drink when the weather plays along. Big screens around the bar areas mean you won't miss the sport, and the atmosphere is relaxed without being overly formal.
The Cedarwood Spa is the pick of the bunch, offering a full menu of treatments including body scrubs, wraps, facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. It's a proper spa rather than a token leisure add-on, making the Forest of Arden a strong choice for mixed groups or couples where one half wants serious golf and the other prefers serious relaxation. The leisure club includes a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym, plus outdoor options such as tennis courts, table tennis and croquet. For golfers, that means you can stretch out tired legs, loosen up before a round, or simply switch off completely between tee times.
The combination of two championship courses, quality accommodation and extensive leisure facilities makes the Forest of Arden one of the most complete golf resort experiences in the Midlands. It's particularly well suited to groups who want variety, couples looking for a mix of golf and spa time, and anyone after a convenient but high-quality UK break.
Address: Maxstoke Lane, Meriden, Birmingham, Warwickshire, CV7 7HR
Keith
✓18 Jun 2026
We stayed in a standard twin rooms, which were clean and comfortable. Set slightly away from the restaurant and bar area the rooms were quiet.
William
✓17 Jun 2026
Everything was good apart from the choice of food in the main restaurant very disappointing for the money. Additionally the food and drinks were expensive.
Tom
✓15 Jun 2026
Steve
✓10 Jun 2026
The hotel was very good. The staff at reception and in the restaurants were also very good.
Alex
✓9 Jun 2026
Ken
✓2 Jun 2026
Hotel and staff very accommodating, no issues with check in or golfing arrangements. Certainly recommend to golfers.
Kevin
✓1 Jun 2026
Drinks very expensive. No discounts in hotel or spike bar. On arrival checked availability of buggies was told book the day before/then told fully booked the full 4 days
Nigel
✓31 May 2026
Absolutely perfect for my party of 26 golfers , I would highly recommend recommend it.
Michael
✓27 May 2026
Very slow service in the bars, enjoyed our stay but waiting on the tees and in the bars spoilt a great over night stay. More bar staff a longer times between 4 balls we’re required.
Sam
✓26 May 2026
Keith
✓18 Jun 2026
We played Arden on the Friday when there was a large corporate society going out which caused play to slow. However when we played the course on the Saturday we had none of these issues and kept a good pace of play. Part of the course is fenced off and a large head of deer from freely across several of the holes making for some picturesque and interesting shot placement. Water plays its part on the course with two par 3 holes, 8 and 18 playing across lakes.
Keith
✓18 Jun 2026
The course is well maintained and suitable for all handicaps. Speed of play was good and the greens well kept a great course with some beautiful views.
William
✓17 Jun 2026
Na
William
✓17 Jun 2026
Tom
✓15 Jun 2026
Tom
✓15 Jun 2026
Steve
✓10 Jun 2026
Everything was fine. The only minor negative would be the half way house facility was a bit lacking. Wouldn’t have even mentioned it if the previous day on the Arden course hadn’t been so good.
Steve
✓10 Jun 2026
Everything was well organised. The pro shop was well staffed. Buggies were great.
Alex
✓9 Jun 2026
Alex
✓9 Jun 2026
