While England boasts half a dozen or so golf break destinations that describe themselves as ‘resorts’, few can compare when it comes to the quality and quantity of facilities to Carden Park in Cheshire, whose 1,000-acre estate not only boasts two 18-hole championship courses, but a myriad of leisure activities and experiences that guarantee a relaxing and memorable break for all the family
There are golf resorts where the hotel simply happens to overlook a course, and then there are destinations where golf is woven into every part of the experience. Carden Park, set within 1,000 acres of Cheshire countryside, just 12 miles west of Chester, firmly falls into the latter category.
From the moment you drive along the mile-long entrance road, flanked by immaculate fairways and mature woodland, it is obvious this is somewhere built with golfers in mind.
While Carden Park may lack the centuries-old grandeur of some country house hotels – it first opened in 1997 – what it offers instead is a modern, activity-filled resort centred around two championship golf courses, excellent practice facilities, superb accommodation and one of the finest spas you’ll find at any golf destination.
Whether you’re planning a golf society trip, a weekend away with mates or a couples’ escape where only one of you is obsessed with golf, it ticks an impressive number of boxes.
DOUBLE CHAMPIONSHIP DELIGHTS
The highlight for any golfer visiting Carden Park is undoubtedly the opportunity to play two championship layouts on the same site. Although they sit side by side, the Nicklaus and the Cheshire courses offer two very different tests, ensuring a stay of two or three days is required to benefit from the full ‘Carden Experience’.
I began on the Nicklaus Course, which, you won’t be surprised to learn, is the handiwork of Jack Nicklaus, although his son Steve was also involved in the project. And the influence of its legendary designer – whose only other English works are to be found at St Mellion in Cornwall and the London Golf Club’s Heritage Course – is apparent from the opening tee shot to the final putt.
With five teeing options, you can choose a tee to suit your game. For men, the championship black tees are way back yonder at 7,045 yards, while the forward yellow tees are 5,906 yards. I played off the whites, which at 6,302 yards perfectly suited my 230-240-yard average driving distance, although the blues, at 6,628 yards, are by no means out of reach for the mid-handicapper, especially if the fairways are running fast. The red tees are at 5,211 yards and play to the same par of 72.
Highlight holes for me include the short par-four second, which at 309 yards off the white tees, immediately tempts longer hitters into taking on the green, although bunkers positioned perfectly around the putting surface make the decision anything but straightforward.
The par fours at six and seven introduce water in dramatic fashion, demanding precision rather than power, while the excellent par-three 12th combines a picturesque setting with genuine jeopardy thanks to water on the right and four well-positioned bunkers.
My favourite hole was probably the closing par five. Playing uphill towards the clubhouse, and around the corner of a lake, it offers a superb risk-and-reward finish that encourages one final gamble while punishing anything less than a committed strike. It also provides a fitting conclusion to a course that is immensely enjoyable without ever becoming exhausting. Nothing feels overly penal, but every shot asks questions of your skill and your game management. Fairways are generous, yet strategically positioned bunkers and numerous water hazards ensure you still need to think your way around to put a score together. In other words, a classic Jack Nicklaus design.
While the Nicklaus Course has hosted a couple of EuroPro Tour and European Senior Tour events in the past, this September will see it host the fourth edition of the Women’s PGA Cup, a Ryder Cup-style team stroke play event that pits serving members of the PGA of America and The PGA of GB&I against each other. With the USA having won the first three matches since it was founded in 2019, our five-strong team, led by playing captain Heather McRae, would no doubt appreciate some local support if you’re free from September 3-5.
CHESHIRE CHALLENGE
The following morning brought a completely different challenge on the Cheshire Course. While the Nicklaus is open and expansive, the Cheshire, which first opened in 1993, winds through mature woodland, with towering pines framing many of the holes. Fortunately, the trees rarely feel claustrophobic off the tee, instead creating attractive corridors that draw your eye towards the fairway.
The unusual opening par three immediately grabs your attention. Starting a round with long iron rather than a driver certainly sharpens the senses, particularly before you’ve fully settled into your round and the swing is feeling a little rusty. It is followed by an excellent par five and then a demanding par four with out of bounds running the entire length of the right side, ensuring there is little opportunity to ease into the round.
The back nine is where the Cheshire really warms up to its task. The approach to the 10th, played towards a backdrop of towering Scots pines, is one of the most beautiful holes on the estate. The water guarding the 12th injects genuine tension, while the deceptively short 14th demands far greater precision than its modest yardage suggests.
The closing stretch is particularly memorable. The intimidating 16th threads through a narrow avenue of trees before the attractive par-three 17th offers one final test with a long iron. The elevated tee shot on the short par-four 18th is a wonderful finishing hole, requiring careful placement rather than simply reaching for the driver. It’s a course that grows on you with every hole and complements the Nicklaus layout perfectly.
I should add that the conditioning on both layouts was excellent throughout. The greens rolled beautifully, the tees and fairways were in great nick, despite the recent lack of rain, and the bunkers were all immaculately presented.
The golf courses are complemented by an excellent range of supporting golf facilities, including a PGA-accredited golf academy featuring an 11-bay floodlit driving range with Toptracer ball-tracking technology, a dedicated short-game practice area, a custom fitting studio, and a standalone clubhouse with a bar, lounge area and changing rooms.
ROOMS WITH A VIEW
Away from the golfing action, Carden Park’s impressive hotel boasts 197 rooms and 18 suites, many of which have benefited from a renovation that was completed earlier this year. The main building offers a range of spacious twin and double rooms, which are kitted out with plush double and king-size beds, Nespresso coffee machines, stylish bathrooms and all-important air conditioning. Make sure to ask for a room with an ‘estate view’ that offers attractive views across the golf courses towards the distant Welsh hills.
For those looking for even more space, the hotel also offers a range of Courtyard Suites that include a separate lounge with a fireplace and an outdoor seating area, plus floor-to-ceiling windows with views over the estate.
DINING OPTIONS
Hungry golfers have no shortage of dining options at Carden Park, with a diverse range of F&B venues to choose from depending on your tastes and budget.
Redmond’s offers a family-friendly brasserie menu in the evening and doubles up for buffet breakfasts in the morning, while Morgan’s is relaxed, central hotel bar serving a casual menu of sandwiches, salads, and light snacks alongside an extensive drinks list featuring cocktails, whiskeys, and over 20 gins. Goldie’s Lounge, located inside the main hotel, specialises in serving traditional afternoon teas and bespoke evening cocktails, while The Vines is the resort’s two-AA-Rosette restaurant, and focuses on fine dining in more formal surroundings.
Highlights at The Vines included the herb-fed chicken galantine, an outstanding butter-poached halibut and an expertly cooked Welsh hogget cutlet, while desserts such as the theatrical Baked Alaska and the estate strawberry trifle provided an indulgent finish. A very attentive sommelier, who was happy for us to taste a variety of wines before we settled on a particular style to match our food, added a level of service that I’ve rarely come across at a ‘golf’ hotel, and only added to what was a very enjoyable meal.
After a good night’s sleep, breakfast the following morning was equally impressive, with a generous buffet complemented by freshly cooked options ranging from kippers to pancakes. The Full English was definitely up to scratch, with eggs and omelettes can cooked to order if required.
SO NEAR, SO SPA
If the golf is main draw of Carden Park, then the spa is not far behind judging by the line of couples and groups of women queuing up to sign in for treatments during our tour of the facilities. Costing £10 million to build, it rivals many standalone luxury spa destinations. The outdoor thermal garden is the standout feature, complete with vitality pool, oversized hot tubs, heated relaxation pods, saunas, fire pits and Champagne Bar overlooking the Cheshire countryside.
Inside, the hydrotherapy facilities, thermal experiences and relaxation rooms continue the sense of indulgence, while the extensive treatment menu makes it easy to justify extending your stay. It is easy to understand why many guests visit Carden Park purely for the spa, although for golfers travelling with non-golfing partners, it provides the perfect opportunity for a guilt-free couples’ break.
FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Those travelling with children will also find plenty to occupy their time, from archery and Segway tours to aerial ropes, quad biking and falconry demonstrations. There are also tennis courts, a leisure club, sculpture garden and numerous walking trails scattered throughout the estate, which also boasts its own vineyard.
So, if you’re looking for a destination where first-class golf remains the main attraction, but where every other part of the stay matches that standard, Carden Park a well worth a visit.
For the latest range of stay-and-play golf breaks, visit www.cardenpark.co.uk/offering/golf/
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