Stay and play: The Manor House, Wiltshire

The Manor House in Castle Coombe is perfect for a romantic getaway.

Tucked away in the corner of the prettiest village in England, The Manor House is unlike any golf resort you’ve ever visited.

This is a place for couples, rather than your Sunday roll-up, and it blends golf and gastronomy with cozy cottages and picture-perfect views of Castle Combe, a popular location among filmmakers.

Justin Rose stayed at the 14th-century hotel when he got married in 2006 and was the one who first recommended it to us!

ON THE COURSE

Just like the village itself, this parkland layout stands out because of its secluded setting and unusual up-and-down routing, which will test your endurance as well as your accuracy.

The conditioning is as good as many tour venues and while some purists may consider it a little gimmicky, you’ll have a hard time finding a more dramatic set of par 3s and dog-legs. 

The fierce elevation changes do make for an exhausting walk (buggies are recommended), but if you can keep out of the trees, bunkers, and water hazards that border the fairways, there are enough short holes and gettable par 5s to score well.

We consider it to be the best golf course in Wiltshire, with what many claim to be the prettiest finishing hole in the country.

SIGNATURE HOLE

Perched on a cliff edge, the par-3 17th claims to be 154 yards long but it drops 120ft to one of two greens, which are separated by the River Bybrook. Our ball ended up somewhere in the trees at the back.

OFF THE COURSE

There’s a reason the rich and famous often frequent The Manor House and the accompanying Michelin-starred restaurant, The Bybrook.

Whether you’re staying on-site or not, you can indulge in a sumptuous seven-course tasting menu (£120) before relaxing beside the fireplace in the oak-paneled Full Glass Bar, where Margaret Thatcher wrote her memoir.

The grounds also contain a tennis court, an Italian garden, and a potting shed offering spa treatments, while the golf club has its own gym.

ACCOMMODATION

There are 21 country-style rooms located in the five-star hotel, but if you want something bigger you can choose from 29 charming cottages, 11 of which are dog-friendly.

We stayed in the characterful Archway Cottage, set over two levels, which has a wood burner, a roll-top bath, his-and-hers sinks, and added extras for our furry friend. Large groups of golfers can also book a four-bedroom lodge, overlooking the 18th green.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Start your morning with an idyllic walk around the grounds and the chocolate-box village of Castle Combe, named recently as ‘the prettiest village in England’. It’s a typically beautiful Cotswolds affair, with the River Bybrook running gently through it.

After stopping off at the Little Picnic Shop for lunch, head up into the hills – past St Andrew’s church and the oldest working faceless clock in the country – before finishing at The Castle Inn, an old English pub with two AA Rosettes and a wonderful variety of local ales. 

Petrol heads will be drawn to Castle Combe Race Circuit on the edge of the village, though we’d recommend a day trip to the beautiful Georgian city of Bath, just a 30-minute drive away.

STAY AND PLAY DEAL

The Manor House golf break package includes bed and breakfast, a £35 per person allocation to use towards dinner at The Castle Inn, and 18 or 36 holes of golf.

Prices start from £210 per person. Rates are based on double occupancy. You can upgrade to the tasting menu at the Bybrook restaurant for £85 per person (Wednesday to Sunday only).

To book, call 01249 782206 or visit exclusive.co.uk/the-manor-house

EXTEND YOUR STAY

Need another golf fix? Head to Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf, which is 10 miles away and home to the Official PGA golf course for the South West. Green fees start from £75 per person.

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About the author



Michael Catling
Today’s Golfer Features Editor

Michael Catling is Today’s Golfer‘s Features Editor and an award-winning journalist who specializes in golf’s Majors and Tours, including DP World, PGA, LPGA, and LIV.

Michael joined Today’s Golfer in 2016 and has traveled the world to attend the game’s biggest events and secure exclusive interviews with dozens of Major champions, including Jack Nicklaus, Jordan Spieth, Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Gary Player, and Justin Thomas.

A former member of Ufford Park and Burghley Park, Michael has been playing golf since he was 11 and currently plays off a handicap of 10.

Away from golf he’s a keen amateur chef and has his own healthy recipes website. He also loves playing squash, going to the gym, and following Chelsea FC.

Michael uses a Ping G driver, Ping G 3-wood, Ping G Crossover 3-iron, Ping G Series irons (4-PW), Ping Glide wedges (52º, 56º, 60º), TaylorMade MySpider Tour Putter, and Srixon AD333 golf ball.

Get in touch with Michael via email and follow him on Twitter.