Royal & Fortescue Hotel

As part of the Brend Hotels group, the Royal and Fortescue delivers dependable service and the sort of comfort you want after a windswept day on the coast. Rooms keep a traditional feel that suits the building's coaching inn roots, but you still get the practical bits that matter on a golf trip, including 24-hour room service and satellite TV.

There's a good mix of room types for solo travellers, couples and small groups, so it's an easy one to configure for a society weekend. If you're the organiser, that flexibility helps when you're juggling different budgets and preferences in the group. Each bedroom retains attractive features from the building's past, with traditional furnishings and quality linens that give the place character without sacrificing the modern comforts you need after 36 holes.

A real bonus is access to the health and leisure club at the sister property, the Barnstaple Hotel, just nearby. You'll find indoor and outdoor pools, a well-equipped gym and fitness suite, two saunas and a solarium, ideal for loosening up before day two or easing the legs after back-to-back rounds. It's the sort of facility that makes a difference on a longer trip, particularly if you're playing multiple courses over consecutive days and need to keep your body in shape.

Food-wise, you can keep it simple without leaving the hotel. The coffee lounge is a good spot for afternoon tea or a lighter bite, perfect for recapping the day's golf over a pot of tea and a scone. For evening meals, the restaurant offers a more formal dinner setting with menus that lean on local produce and classic British dishes. It's comfortable, unfussy cooking that suits golfers looking for a decent meal without needing to venture into town, though Barnstaple's bars and restaurants are close at hand if you fancy a change of scene. The riverside has a decent selection, all within a short walk, so you've got options whether you want to stay in or stretch your legs after dinner.