Golf Guide: Whittlebury Hall

In a picture perfect location in Northamptonshire, our friends at Your Golf Travel explain why Whittlebury Hall makes such a good golf destination!

Getting there … Whittlebury Hall and the nearby Whittlebury Park golf course are just a short drive from the M1 and around half an hour from Northampton and Milton Keynes. The club may back onto the famous Silverstone motor racing circuit, but you’re best advised to stick to the limit.

When to go … Put your faith in Mother Nature to stick to the run sheet and pick a summer weekend, where (fingers crossed) you’ll be presented with a glorious day for golf. Depending on your tastes, you could always try for a date around British Grand Prix week(early July) but I’d advise you to book well in advance. Outside of the winter months, Whittlebury Park tends to drain well - so a turn in weather shouldn’t impact on your stay.

What to do … It’s the fun on the fairways which grabs the attention of visiting golfers to Whittlebury Park. Four separate nine-hole layouts will provide a test to any standard of golfer, from the historic 1905 course to the gently undulating grasslands of the Grand Prix course. But there is plenty away from the course to keep you entertained, with a world-class spa and state-of-the-art leisure club. At night, visit the AA Rossette awarded Murrays restaurant for classic British fare with a refreshing modern twist. From there, the Silverstone Bar boasts an impressive collection of racing memorabilia and is a great spot for one or two (OK, lets be honest - several) evening libations before signing off for the day.

Who to take … Whittlebury Park is the perfect venue to assemble a group of friends or workmates for a golf weekend. The four nine-hole loops all vary in difficulty, offering something for everyone in your travelling party - from the golfing showpony, right through to the twice-a-year hacker. And with a well-stocked bar that overlooks the golf course … what more could a group of mates need?

Favourite feature … The clubhouse, called The Atrium because of its glazed central roof, is certainly an impressive structure (it’s rumoured to be the largest of its kind in Europe!). Inside you will find the only indoor golfing centre in the UK, with everything from simulators and self-teaching video systems to a 24 bay, two-tiered driving range. There really are few more impressive places to warm up or sneak in some practice while your buddies duck off to the hotel spa.

Top Tips

• Arrive early for your round and shake off the cobwebs at the two-tier driving range. At just £1.00 per 17 balls, you’ll do well to find a better value practice facility in the UK.
• Of the four courses at Whittlebury Park, the Wedgewood Course is best suited to beginners or high handicappers.
• For a slightly more informal meal, head to Bentley’s (Mediterranean) or Aston’s (Contemporary) at the Whittlebury Hall hotel.