1 Night, 2 Rounds
Set on a 500-acre Berkshire estate just 30 minutes from Reading, Donnington Grove Hotel and Golf Club pairs a peaceful countryside setting with a seriously good round of golf. Donnington Castle sits above the property, giving the place a real sense of occasion as you head out for your tee time.
The par-72, 18-hole course was designed by Dave Thomas, the former Ryder Cup player whose work also includes The Brabazon at The Belfry. You can see his influence here in the shape of the holes and the way the course asks you to plot your way around rather than simply swing hard. Fairways are generous in places, but they roll and tilt enough to make stance and shot selection a constant theme. The greens are well protected, and if you're not thinking about your approach angle, you'll find yourself scrambling more than you'd like.
It's classic parkland golf: mature trees frame many holes, the River Lambourn adds plenty of atmosphere and there's enough movement in the greens to keep you honest. Mid-handicappers will enjoy the scoring chances if you keep it in play, while better players will like the strategic options from the tee and into well-protected putting surfaces. The course walks well despite the undulation, and the peaceful estate setting makes it easy to forget you're within striking distance of the M4. All told, it's a smart choice for a UK golf break when you want something with character, not just another hotel-and-course package near the motorway.
Who is this for?
Golfers, couples and societies after an easy-to-reach Berkshire break with an on-site course, historic hotel and a genuinely quiet estate setting.
Who is it best for?
Mid to low-handicappers who enjoy strategic parkland golf, plus groups who want an intimate base with a separate Summer House option, two bars and activities like fishing or clay pigeon shooting.
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
At over 7,100 yards from the championship markers, the course represents a stern test for even the most skilled golfers, but the choice of tees ensures that it is playable for everyone. The lush fairways reflect the sweeping undulations of the landscape, while the higher points allow for superb panoramic views across the surrounding countryside.
The front nine spans the higher ground and is relatively exposed, while golfers will have to negotiate the woodland and water of the exacting closing stretch. The entertaining and demanding course has staged two PGA Europro Tour events, and is a certain highlight during a golf break at Donnington Grove.
In addition to the golf course, there is also a Golf Academy managed by the world renowned instructor, Jonathan Yarwood. The Academy will provide lessons within the exclusive facilities, which includes an in-door academy room, fitted with the latest videoing and viewing technology and the new academy tee, chipping and putting green areas located at the far end of the range.
Donnington Grove prides itself on the condition of its putting surfaces, and manages to avoid switching to temporary greens in the winter months.
Originally completed in 1772 to a Gothic design by John Chute, Donnington Grove's mansion-house hotel brings plenty of period character to a short golf break. The 3-star AA-rated property has 24 bedrooms and keeps things intimate, which suits smaller groups and couples nicely. Rooms come with modern essentials such as satellite television, while the public areas lean into the building's heritage with traditional décor and original features. The beautifully maintained gardens offer a peaceful spot to unwind after your round, and the whole place has a relaxed, unhurried feel that works well when you're not rushing between tee times.
If you're travelling as a society or a larger group and want a bit more breathing room, the self-contained Summer House next door is a handy option. It includes six twin rooms, a shared lounge space, its own parking and a private terrace, so you can keep the trip sociable without taking over the main hotel. It's particularly popular with groups who want their own base while still having full access to the estate's facilities.
There's enough to do off the course too. The River Lambourn runs through the estate and is stocked with rainbow and brown trout for anyone keen to fish, while clay pigeon shooting is available if you fancy something competitive that doesn't involve a putter. When the day's done, you've got two relaxed spots for a drink or a bite to eat: the Members' Bar and the Lounge Bar, both comfortable places to settle in with your group.
Food is served in the hotel restaurant with a European-leaning menu. It works well for an easy post-round meal, especially if you've got an early tee time the next day and want everything on site. The combination of historic surroundings, solid facilities and a genuine sense of tranquillity makes Donnington Grove a strong choice for golfers who want more than just a bed and a tee time.
James
✓3 Jan 2020
The Hotel was really lovely, in a beautiful setting! The room was really spacious and well equipped. We had a four course dinner and the NYE party which was great fun and really impressive food. Staff were also very kind and helpful, definitely recommend!!
Dean
✓30 Oct 2019
Rizwan
✓15 Oct 2019
Nice building, though Deco is very tired!! Staff friendly but not very organised.
Alan
✓9 Oct 2019
A lovely hotel with friendly staff. Our room was spacious, clean and well equipped. Only disappointment was the food which was stodgy and didn't seem fresh.
Glenn
✓1 May 2019
Great hotel and staff were wonderful
Samuel
✓24 Apr 2019
This hotel is an old country house which would allow for the quirky layout and older atmosphere, however, it was also in need of repairs, particularly in the en-suite and a good lick of paint throughout. Be advised that there are no lifts if you are accommodated in the upper floors.
Mike
✓10 Apr 2019
We had a really comfortable stay. The rooms were big and spacious with comfortable beds. The only negative was the lack of air-conditioning and as the rooms were very warm it did make it a little stuffy. The only other thing missing for such a lovely venue was a spa with a pool but the service and the food, especially the breakfast was fantastic.
Jim
✓2 Oct 2018
The room was comfortable clean, warm and had all the essentials. I was in a ground floor apartment in a small block overlooking the lake. Fabulous! It was a few minutes walk from the hotel, but I was perfectly happy with this. I took 33 golfers and all were happy with their accommodation which was spread throughout the premises.
James
✓3 Jan 2020
The course was perfect for us, we had two great rounds with a lovely setting and great views. The course is very long and there is a lot of walking between some holes but very manageable, if you would struggle, I would suggest a buggy. Definitely recommend playing!
Dean
✓30 Oct 2019
Rizwan
✓15 Oct 2019
Long course
Alan
✓9 Oct 2019
A challenging and interesting course in really good condition in view of the recent heavy rain.
Glenn
✓1 May 2019
Nice course, some long par 5’s, hilly but interesting. The fairways are quite open so very good for a mid handicapper. The scenery is very good!
Samuel
✓24 Apr 2019
This is a very long course, our first round took nearly 5 hours, with a buggy!!!! I would not recommend walking this course unless you are very fit. However, even with a buggy, due to the very strict area rules, there is still a good deal to be walked. The shop pro was very helpful and we had a good laugh when the buggy cut out due to gps shut off in some areas allowing for only reversing.
Mike
✓10 Apr 2019
What a fantastic golf course and what a test. Our party was made up of 2 low handicap players and 2 high handicappers. This championship course was a delightful challenge for us better players but the other two found it hard and long. You could tell that the course was just coming right after a wet winter but whilst it was soft the condition was brilliant, with lush and well manicured fairways (the ball sat up brilliantly on the fairways)and the greens were quick and undulating. The bunkers were beautifully presented too. We were warned that it was a long walk, especially between some tees, but we found it OK and enjoying it as it enabled us to take is the presentation of the course and it's surroundings much better. Overall, it's a fantastic course that suits the better player and one that could easily host good sized championship if it wanted - it really is that good and has excellent practice facilities to boot. My only issue is an average pro shop, lack of a starter on the 1st tee and a grumpy half way hut lady. That aside it was an absolute gem.
Jim
✓2 Oct 2018
This was a fabulous course set in wonderful surroundings and was well looked after. I took 33 senior golfers including some low handicappers, and all found the course fair but challenging. Everyone loved playing the course. It was very senior friendly in that it was relatively flat. There was heavy rain for some hours just prior to the first round, but you wouldn't have guessed it when you went to play! The course drains exceptionally well. The only downside was that there were 3 very long walks from green to tee, and I mean very long, plus a long walk at the end. This spoiled the course/venue for our seniors as they found the overall distance too long. Also, it meant a minimum five hour round for a 4 ball even with no hold ups. On the second day several hired buggies which helped, and there are plenty of buggies available. But at £25 a buggy, we felt that was somewhat expensive. Whether a deal could be done, I don't know. Younger people might not find these 3 long walks such a problem, but I have to say that I have never come across such long walks in any other course I have played. A pity, because its a great golf course in very picturesque surroundings.
Check-in from 2:30pm | Check-out from 10:30am
7-9:30am
Smart Casual
River Restaurant
Yes
Yes
Tee times for members only before 11am
There is complimentary car parking
