The Best Golf Holidays in England: Top Stay-and-Play Destinations
Golf holidays in England are a great way to combine quality golf with comfortable accommodation, good food and plenty of time to relax away from the course. From championship golf courses and traditional links courses to scenic countryside resorts with spa facilities, England offers a wide range of stay-and-play options, making it easy to find a golf break that suits your style. There are plenty of destinations for golf breaks in England, with a wide selection of golf courses and memorable experiences to enjoy.
Why Choose a Stay-and-Play Golf Holiday?
A stay-and-play golf holiday takes much of the organisation out of a golf trip. With your accommodation and golf course at the same destination, you can spend less time travelling and more time enjoying your rounds.
A course-and-stay package can be particularly convenient when you’re planning a weekend away or travelling with a group. Rather than arranging transport between a hotel and several different courses, everyone can stay in one place and head straight from breakfast to the first tee. After your round, you can return to the resort for dinner, drinks or some time in the spa.
Stay-and-play packages can also suit different lengths of trip. A one-night stay with 2 rounds works well for a quick escape, while 2-night golf packages give you more opportunity to play additional rounds and enjoy the destination without rushing.
2 Rounds or 36 Holes: How Much Golf Should You Play?
The amount of golf you include will depend on the type of trip you have in mind. A short weekend golf break could centre around 2 rounds of golf, giving you the chance to play on consecutive days without making the trip feel too rushed.
For golfers who want to make the most of their time away, a 2-night golf package can allow for three rounds, while some resorts offer longer stays with 36 holes of golf or more. If you’re travelling with friends, playing multiple rounds also gives you the opportunity to experience some of the top golf in the area.
Playing more than one course can add variety, too. Rather than tackling the same fairways twice, you can experience different layouts and challenges during one golf holiday. For anyone planning a longer golf tour, this can be a great way to discover different styles of English golf.
Finding the Best Golf Courses in England
One of the biggest attractions of golf courses in England is the variety, from traditional parkland and heathland layouts to dramatic coastal links. This makes England an appealing destination for golf travel, with courses to suit different playing styles and experience levels.
Links golf is particularly popular, with open fairways, natural terrain and changing coastal conditions creating a different challenge from inland courses. England is also home to famous venues such as Royal Liverpool, where playing a round of links golf offers a memorable opportunity to experience some of England’s best golf.
For a resort-based experience, The Belfry offers three courses, including the championship Brabazon, while Slaley Hall has two championship courses surrounded by countryside. However, you don’t necessarily need to play one of the top 100 golf courses to enjoy a great golf holiday, with many golf courses in the UK offering superb golf, comfortable accommodation and excellent facilities.
Popular Golf Destinations for a UK Golf Break
The right destination can shape the entire feel of an England golf break, and different regions offer very different experiences. For golfers considering golf breaks in the UK, England provides the opportunity to experience everything from coastal links to countryside resorts without travelling overseas.
North West England
North West England is a strong choice for golfers interested in both championship and links golf. The region’s famous Golf Coast is home to several established courses, making it possible to build a golf tour around multiple venues.
Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa, between Liverpool and Southport, is one stay-and-play option in the region. The resort has a championship parkland course, accommodation and a spa, making it suitable for golfers looking for superb golf alongside a relaxing break.
Golf in the South of England
Golf in the south offers plenty of variety, from parkland layouts to heathland golf courses. The south of England is particularly appealing for golfers looking for a quieter countryside setting, while the south-west of England combines golf with coastal scenery and traditional holiday destinations.
The region is also home to a range of highly rated golf venues, making it a good choice for anyone looking to combine a golf trip with sightseeing, good food or a few extra days away.
East England Golf Breaks
East England offers another varied option, with established golf resorts, countryside courses and historic properties. It can be particularly well suited to weekend golf breaks for golfers who want to stay somewhere comfortable without travelling too far.
The region also has options for groups looking for several rounds, allowing you to make golf the main focus while still having plenty of time to enjoy the destination.
The Best Time to Plan a Golf Holiday in England
England’s changing seasons mean there is no single best time for a golf holiday. Summer offers longer daylight hours, which can make it easier to fit in additional rounds or activities. Spring and autumn can provide a quieter atmosphere and cooler conditions, although the weather is naturally less predictable.
If you’re planning to play links golf, remember that coastal conditions can change quickly. Wind can have a significant effect on your game, turning a familiar course into a completely different challenge.
For 2026 golf trips, booking ahead is also worth considering if you have specific tee times or dates in mind, particularly when travelling as a larger group. Comparing resort packages can also help you find a stay that includes the rounds, accommodation and facilities you actually need.
Golf Holidays in England for Groups and Societies
A golf tour with friends or a society can turn a few rounds into a proper weekend away. Rather than travelling to a course for the day, a stay-and-play package gives everyone the chance to socialise before and after the golf.
A 2-night golf trip can be a good middle ground, giving groups enough time for several rounds without requiring a full week away. Resorts with multiple courses are particularly useful, as golfers can experience different layouts while keeping accommodation in the same location.
The same principle works for corporate golf days. A resort with quality golf facilities, dining and accommodation can provide a relaxed setting for entertaining clients or bringing colleagues together. Some packages can also include additional touches, such as meals, leisure access or time to browse the golf shop between rounds.
Book a Golf Break for Your Next Golf Getaway
From famous links golf and championship courses to peaceful parkland layouts and full-service resorts, there is plenty of choice when it comes to golf holidays in the UK.
Whether you want a quick weekend golf break, a society golf tour or a longer stay at a premium resort, England makes it possible to build a trip around the type of golf you enjoy. With destinations stretching from north-west England to the south-west of England and across the east, your next golf getaway could be closer than you think.