The South East region of England that surrounds London offers the avid golfer a superbly diverse range of options for their next golf break.
Within easy reach of the country’s capital you can find tremendous golf resorts like the excellent East Sussex National and Hanbury Manor, which are ideally equipped to offer unrivalled value to travelling groups, couples and families.
What the South East offers above all else, to the delight of the huge population of London golfers, is a collection of top class resorts within easy reach of the city. Among the options for your next break are Hanbury Manor, Manor of Groves, Foxhills, and the top end luxury of Luton Hoo or The Grove.
The sandy shores of Kent’s coastline are dotted with some of England’s best links courses. With the likes of Royal St George's, Prince's, Royal Cinque Ports & Littlestone those travelling from the city will surely appreciate the convenience of so many golfing treats.
Away from the coast the double layouts at Walton Heath and Sunningdale are great options to challenge your golfing ability.
Uckfield, East Sussex
Luton, Bedfordshire
Ware, Hertfordhire
Chertsey, Surrey
Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire
Colchester, Essex
Sandwich, Kent
Deal, Kent
Ascot, Berkshire
Tadworth, Surrey
Sandwich, Kent
New Romney, Kent
Royal St George's (where Darren Clarke secured his maiden major) is one of three venues on the Kent coast to have hosted the Claret Jug, along with former Open host courses Princes Golf Club and Royal Cinque Ports.
Wentworth, and in particular its famed West Course, has been flying the flag for English golf on the professional scene for years. It is the spiritual home of the World Matchplay Championship and the host of the European Tour’s flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship.
Just north of London is the Kyle Phillips designed course at The Grove, which hosted the American Express World Golf Championship in 2006, won by none other than Tiger Woods.
If you’re looking for something more than just your typical resort golf experience, then East Sussex National comes highly recommended. It’s two outstanding golf courses have welcomed European Tour events and even the sternest of critics in your group will find it hard not to be satisfied by the challenge presented.
Stoke By Nayland’s two championship courses are highly reputed, having regularly hosted PGA Europro Tour events and the 2006 PGA Seniors’ Championship, while the hotel’s restaurant terrace is an unrivalled spot for a post-round meal and a few well earned beverages.
There is terrific value to be enjoyed at the Essex Golf & Country Club, where large groups can enjoy a challenging round, a delicious meal and a range of leisure facilities - all for a great price.
For the all-encompassing break, Hanbury Manor is an opulent 5* destination with extensive spa and leisure facilities, two restaurants and one of the region’s best golf courses. Your better half will be enchanted by the fragrant walled gardens and the striking mansion house, providing the perfect setting for a romantic getaway.
Foxhills is another delightful venue for a couples holiday, with everything you need on site (including an award-winning restaurant, bar & leisure facilities and there is also a crèche on-site) plus a serene and scenic location.
What Brocket Hall lacks in spa facilities it more than makes up with its superb Auberge Du Lac restaurant, which is worth the visit alone.
The Essex Golf & Country Club is situated just a short drive from the vibrant towns of Chelmsford and Colchester, offering various nightclub options.
Maidstone offers some of the best nightlife in Kent and is easily accessed from the nearby Tudor Park. For something closer to London, Foxhills, located just south of the capital, is only a cab or short train ride from the city and its endless array of evening entertainment options.
Situated just outside of London, The Grove offers supreme five star luxury throughout - from the critically acclaimed spa, choice of restaurants (including the three Rosette awarded Colette’s) and palatial mansion house. It’s arguably one of the finest resorts in the country and promises a truly unforgettable break.
Luton Hoo is home to similarly lavish accommodations, including five state rooms previously reserved for visiting dignitaries. Guests can stroll through the estate’s immaculately landscaped gardens and enjoy sumptuous fine dining in the extravagant Wernher Restaurant.
The South Lodge Hotel and attached Mannings Heath Golf Club are set in an area of immense natural beauty, with the facilities and top class service to match.
The peak season for golf in the South East of England is during the Summer when the warmer weather means golfers of all abilities take to the fairways. This is usually accompanied by higher green fees, so why not grab a bargain and look to book a golf break during the autumn or spring seasons.
When to visit
May - September
April & October
May, June & September
November - March
Golfers travelling from central London are best placed to go to the likes of Selsdon Park and Coulsdon Manor which are close to Croydon. Other golf courses and resorts which are within easy reach of London are Kingswood Golf Club near Epsom and Walton Heath Golf Club which previously held The Ryder Cup and British Masters.
Popular golf and spa resorts include East Sussex National, Five Lakes and Hanbury Manor. These golf resorts include access to championship golf courses as well a host of leisure and spa facilities which are perfect for those travelling as a couple or groups.
Popular golf breaks for societies include two-course resorts such as East Sussex National and Five Lakes. These have not only 36 holes of golf to enjoy but also an excellent 19th hole and restaurant which are perfect to relax after a round with friends.