Golf Breaks in Norfolk
Golf Breaks in Norfolk
by Katie Thompson
With such varied countryside, Norfolk is ideal for a golf break. Here, you can tee off in luscious surroundings and experience championship courses that are both breathtaking and challenging.
Think verdant fairways, picturesque water features, sprawling views and a welcoming local community. Combine that with expert practice facilities, mouthwatering food and drink, and a sumptuous bed awaiting you at the end of each day’s play and you’re in for an indulgent getaway. (Not to mention proximity to Norwich for a few hours of exploring to make the most of your stay.)
These are our top picks for a golf break in Norfolk!
Barnham Broom
Nestled in a lush blanket of Norfolk’s natural landscape- 300 acres to be exact- is Barnham Broom. This tucked-away retreat is just a few miles from our cultured capital, yet feels peacefully secluded, perfect for a golf getaway no matter the season. Think weeping willows and bright wildflowers fluttering in spring’s soft breeze and babbling waters rushing beneath bridges in autumn. (In winter, the hotel still offers a full 18-hole course, fiery sunsets as your backdrop; in summer, a refreshment buggy is on hand to keep you as hydrated as the greens you’re playing on!)
With 46 sumptuous bedrooms and not one, but two, scenic golf courses, a stay here is a tonic. Play at your own pace and soak in the views- Barnham Broom’s selection of ‘stay and play’ packages caters to your needs, whether you’re here for one night and one round, two nights and three rounds or even a blend of golf and spa (we recommend booking as early as possible for your chosen tee time)! Each one includes a moreish breakfast and a 3-course meal in The Brasserie– a stylish restaurant where seasonality and creativity pair with refined fine-dining and a curated wine list to offer dishes like roasted seabass, tempura cauliflower flowers and poached pear.
Barnham Broom is one of the Top 100 Golf Resorts in the UK for a reason. Its 36 holes are crafted with the player in mind- and with heritage too. Recent updates mean that the classic Valley and Hill courses have been reconfigured, with both now beginning and ending within 50 yards of the clubhouse. Newly named for original course architects Frank Pennink and Donald Steel, the flagship Pennink (men: par 71, ladies: par 74, 6454 yards) is defined by the winding River Yare- which even cuts across one hole, favours precision over power and embraces Norfolk’s natural contours, while The Steel (men: par 72, ladies: par 74, 6689 yards) features wide fairways, carefully placed bunkers and sweeping breezes across its open landscape.
“By restructuring the courses, Barnham Broom has become more attractive- both have become equally as challenging just by swapping two holes over.”
If it’s scenery you favour, take note of PGA Pro Tony Varney’s chosen signature hole: “For me, [it’s] the 18th on The Steel (originally the 11th on The Valley). This challenging par-4 hole demands a good drive before being faced with a small, slightly elevated green. That it’s now the final hole will prove crucial in many matches.”
At the heart of the golf course, you’ll find a custom-designed 5-hole academy course, ideal for novices or if you don’t have time for a full 18. There’s also a driving range- its “grass is maintained to a perfect fairway height”, DryRainge cover to aid all-weather practice and tuition, putting green and dedicated short-game area for perfecting your pitch before the first tee. Alongside this, there’s the chance to elevate your technique with expert PGA tuition from Tony.
Beyond the fairways, Barnham Broom’s Sports Bar is ready to welcome you for well-deserved refreshment. It’s all about community here (this goes for ladies too- Barnham Broom celebrates female golf with ladies-only coaching and an inclusive atmosphere). So, whether you’re a pro or yet to pick up a club, sit back and relax on the terrace with views of The Steel and Pennink (first tees and final greens).
Golf breaks available from £149 for 1 night for 1 person.
“There are also two beautiful [signature] par-3 holes on The Pennink, the 7th & 17th. Both challenging, both tricky, both boasting beautiful views over the Norfolk countryside beyond.”
Dunston Hall
South of Norwich, Dunston Hall is an Elizabethan-style country hotel surrounded by acres of picturesque Norfolk countryside and boasting a gloriously green 18-hole course which glows in morning sunlight.
Here, you can treat yourself to weekday and weekend golf breaks, ranging from one night with two rounds of golf to a three-night unlimited golf stay. Each break includes a buffet breakfast and dinner (up to the value of £35pp), perfect for fuelling the round ahead and rewarding yourself after a day’s effort! Plus, you can unwind with an hour or two in Dunston Hall’s popular health club- think a dip in the pool or recharging sauna session.
When it comes to facilities, Dunston Hall caters to every player from novice to pro (including children), with a putting green, short game area, Footgolf course, TrackMan driving range and 18-hole course (par 71, yardage 6,179). The hotel’s championship course is USPGA-rated, contouring around the hotel with well-manicured greens, challenging water features (or hazards!) and strategically placed bunkers. Meanwhile, the 22-bay, floodlit driving range combines technology and ball tracking to properly hone your practice before heading out for a game!
And for a delicious lunch between rounds (or breakfast bap beforehand), Dunston Hall’s Bunkers Bar offers plates including loaded fries, thick cut sandwiches and ciabattas, and even tempting desserts for those with a sweet tooth.
Golf breaks available from £290 for 1 night for 2 people.
Visit Norwich While You’re Here
If you’re extending your stay to two or even three nights, why not visit Norwich while you’re here? After all, it’s just a short drive away (20 minutes from Barnham Broom, 15 minutes from Dunston Hall).
Continue the golf theme at City Greens Golf (from £15pp for 1 hour), where city life meets the golf course- only it’s indoors. The venue’s high-performance TrackMan simulators are designed with golfers in mind, meaning you can play and practice no matter the weather on a game or course of your choice- including Royal Melbourne and St Andrews.
For those who love to be active, we recommend Pub & Paddle– hire a canoe for a couple of hours and explore Norwich from the water, stopping off at local favourites like The Red Lion Bishopsgate for a refreshing pint in the beer garden. Or if you prefer dry land, amble along our riverside walk before a pub lunch in the aforementioned spot!
And you can’t go wrong with a round of padel! Court de Padel offers super-panoramic indoor courts, while Pace Padel in Taverham boasts outdoor courts to make the most of balmy spring sunshine.
On the fringes of the Broads National Park, see more of the city’s natural side at Whitlingham with a relaxed 2-mile stroll around the lake. Follow this with an alfresco stone-baked pizza and locally brewed beer at Redwell Brewery (less than one mile away).
Before heading home, especially if you’re staying at nearby Barnham Broom, head to the Goat Shed for a tasty souvenir. Peruse the Norfolk produce in their deli- from creamy cheeses to giant sausage rolls and crisp English wines. Say hello to the resident goats on your way out!
