Discover the ultimate guide to Britain's finest golf holidays. From Scotland's legendary links to England's championship courses, Wales' spectacular coastal golf, and Northern Ireland's dramatic mountain-backed courses, we've curated the 15 best golf breaks in the UK for 2024.
The United Kingdom is the birthplace of golf, offering unparalleled variety and quality for golf enthusiasts worldwide. From the windswept links of Scotland where golf began over 600 years ago, to England's prestigious parkland courses and Wales' spectacular coastal layouts, a UK golf break provides experiences you simply cannot find anywhere else.
What makes UK golf breaks special? Accessibility, heritage, and diversity. You can play championship courses that have hosted The Open Championship, experience golf's most historic venues, and enjoy world-class hospitality all within a relatively compact area. Whether you're seeking the ultimate links challenge or a luxury resort experience, the UK delivers.
Our comprehensive guide covers 15 carefully selected golf breaks representing the best value, most memorable experiences, and highest quality golf across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each destination has been chosen for its combination of outstanding golf, excellent accommodation, and overall experience quality.
From Scotland's legendary links courses to England's championship parkland venues, Wales' dramatic coastal golf, and Northern Ireland's mountain-backed masterpieces, discover the UK's finest golf break destinations that combine world-class golf with exceptional accommodation and unforgettable experiences.
Experience golf's most sacred ground where the game began over 600 years ago.
Book Old Course ballot 2 days in advance. Consider package deals.
Old Course Hotel, Rusacks Hotel, Fairmont St Andrews
Scotland's premier golf resort combining luxury accommodation with world-class golf.
Package deals offer best value. Consider midweek rates.
Gleneagles Hotel
Dramatic clifftop links golf with luxury accommodation and stunning coastal views.
Resort packages include meals. Weather can change quickly.
Trump Turnberry Resort
Experience the famous Postage Stamp and one of Scotland's great championship links.
Book well in advance. Combine with other Ayrshire courses.
Marine Hotel, Piersland House
Play one of England's finest links courses with impeccable conditions year-round.
Member introduction required. Book well in advance for weekends.
The Vincent Hotel, Bold Hotel, Prince of Wales Hotel
Play the home of European Tour golf on one of England's most prestigious courses.
Member introduction required. Consider corporate packages.
Pennyhill Park Hotel, Macdonald Berystede
Relive Ryder Cup history on the course that hosted four dramatic competitions.
Golf packages include accommodation. Book early for major events.
The Belfry Hotel & Resort
Experience England's finest heathland golf on two championship courses.
Member introduction required. Both courses essential.
Pennyhill Park, Macdonald Berystede
England's hidden gem offering two championship links courses at exceptional value.
Both courses excellent. Stay on-site for convenience.
Saunton Sands Hotel, Watersmeet Hotel
Experience the only resort to host the Ryder Cup with world-class facilities.
Golf packages include accommodation. Book spa treatments early.
Celtic Manor Resort
Consistently ranked the world's greatest golf course with breathtaking mountain views.
Handicap certificate required. Book 6 months ahead for peak season.
Slieve Donard Resort, Burrendale Hotel
Test your skills on one of golf's toughest Open Championship venues.
Book Championship Course early. Consider staying on-site.
Carnoustie Golf Hotel, Station Hotel
Convenient Midlands location with excellent golf and resort facilities.
Golf packages available. Good for corporate groups.
Doubletree by Hilton Forest of Arden
Luxury hotel setting with challenging parkland golf in the North West.
Resort packages include accommodation. Good for groups.
Marriott Worsley Park Hotel
Outstanding value golf break with two quality courses in stunning countryside.
Great value packages. Popular for society groups.
MacDonald Hill Valley Hotel
St Andrews, Royal Birkdale, Gleneagles - these require advance planning
Celtic Manor, The Belfry - package deals often available
Saunton Sands, Royal Dornoch - excellent value with shorter lead times
Best weather, longest days, highest prices. Book early.
Great value, good weather, fewer crowds. Ideal for golf breaks.
Lowest prices, winter rates, challenging conditions. Indoor alternatives recommended.
Use our professional golf calculators and planners to optimize your UK golf break experience.
Plan your entire UK golf break with detailed costs, itineraries, and recommendations.
Plan Your TripCalculate your WHS handicap index for course bookings and competitions.
Calculate HandicapThe best months are May, June, September, and October. These offer the ideal combination of good weather, reasonable prices, and course availability. July and August are peak season with highest prices but longest days.
Most championship and private courses require a valid handicap certificate. Maximum handicaps are typically 28 for men and 36 for women. Resort and municipal courses are usually more flexible.
For premium courses like St Andrews or Royal Birkdale, book 6+ months ahead. Resort courses can be booked 3-4 months in advance, while lesser-known gems may only need 1-2 months lead time.
Budget £300-600 for excellent value breaks, £600-1200 for premium experiences, and £1200+ for luxury golf resorts. This includes accommodation, golf, breakfast, and resort facilities. Add transport, meals, and equipment hire separately.
Yes, most courses offer club hire at £25-40 per day. Premium venues have high-quality sets from major brands. Book equipment hire when making tee time reservations to ensure availability.
Standard packages include accommodation, breakfast, and greens fees for featured courses. Premium packages may add meals, spa access, equipment hire, and transfers. Always check what's included before booking.
Use our free golf trip planner to create detailed itineraries, compare costs, and book your ideal UK golf break. From St Andrews to Royal County Down, your perfect golf holiday awaits.