The Cotswold Fairways:
6 Essential Destinations for the Discerning Golfer
At Your Leisure Volume 6
By George Mackenzie.
Whether you are a seasoned player seeking a technical challenge or a leisurely enthusiast looking to soak in the magnificent scenery, the Cotswolds is home to some of the most picturesque fairways in England. From elevated escarpments to rolling hills, here is our curated guide to the region’s premier golfing retreats (in no particular order).
1. Broadway Golf Club
Established in 1895, Broadway is celebrated as one of the finest member clubs in the region. Set high upon an escarpment, at an altitude of nearly 900 feet, this par-72 course possesses signature elements from designers, Alistair Mackenzie and James Braid. The main draw, is the front nine, which offers breathtaking panoramic vistas stretching across the Vale of Evesham toward the Malvern Hills and the Black Mountains. The neighbouring Dormy House Hotel and Spa offers a welcome sanctuary for any of your non-golfing companions to relax away your absence.
2. Minchinhampton Golf Club
www.minchinhamptongolfclub.co.uk
Perched on the famous Cotswold escarpment, Minchinhampton Golf Club has over 130 years of history and three outstanding 18-hole courses. The Old Course plays like an inland links, with fast-running fairways shared by free-range cattle who roam the open common land, occasionally stopping to inspect the greens or use the Iron Age fortifications to scratch their backs. With historic quarries interweaving the course, it makes for a truly unique walking experience with more than a hint of history. The newer courses, Avening and Cherington, weave through the natural landscape and have both hosted Qualifying for The Open Championship — testament to the calibre of golf on offer.
3. The Manor House Hotel & Golf Club
www.exclusive.co.uk/the-manor-house-golf-club
For those who view golf as a true indulgence, this championship course—designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark—is the ultimate destination. Set within a historic estate in the chocolate-box village of Castle Combe, expect to play amidst ancient woodlands and lush, rolling parkland. It is a seamless blend of sporting challenge and serene, high-end beauty. Extend the luxury by booking a table at the estate’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Bybrook.
4. Stinchcombe Hill Golf Club
www.stinchcombehillgolfclub.com
Famed for its dramatic escarpment layout overlooking the Severn Valley, Stinchcombe Hill is a scenic and exhilarating courses in the United Kingdom. It has long attracted high-profile enthusiasts—including local resident Hugh Grant—who appreciate its challenging elevation changes and unmatched natural beauty.
5. Cotswold Hills Golf Club
www.cotswoldhills-golfclub.com
Perched atop Ullenwood, Cotswold Hills is widely considered among the very best courses in the county. It is praised not only for its impeccably maintained greens, but also for its spectacular vantage points. It is an essential stop for golfers who value a course that feels harmoniously integrated into the dramatic, rolling topography of the region.
6. Cleeve Hill Golf Club
Situated at the highest point in the entire Cotswolds, Cleeve Hill is a haven for players seeking a true test of skill in an awe-inspiring setting. Featuring natural slopes and strategic bunkering, the course offers a rugged, rewarding experience. The ultimate payoff for navigating its wind-swept ridges? Unforgettable vistas stretching out toward the Malvern Hills and beyond.