1 Night, 2 Rounds
Set in 35 acres of lightly wooded grounds near Cromer on the North Norfolk coast, The Links Country Park Hotel & Golf Club is an independently owned golf hotel with roots going back to 1899. It's traditional, comfortable and pleasantly low-key, the sort of place that suits a proper escape rather than a flashy resort stay.
Golf is very much the point here. The on-site nine-hole course was laid out by five-time Open Champion JH Taylor and it's ideal if you like your golf relaxed and walkable. You can nip out for a quick loop, play 18 by going round twice, or keep it simple with an evening nine before dinner. The course is friendly for mixed-ability groups and works nicely as an arrival-day warm-up or a second-round option on a weekend. If the wind is up, it can ask a few extra questions, but the overall vibe is enjoyable rather than punishing.
Off the course, you've got the Norfolk coast on your doorstep, plus a restaurant that leans into local produce. Add in a warm welcome and an easy-going atmosphere and you've got a handy option for couples, friends and small societies who want a straightforward UK golf break without overcomplicating it.
Who is this for?
Couples and small groups after a calm coastal base with on-site golf and a traditional hotel feel.
Who is it best for?
Players who enjoy heritage venues, don't need a long list of facilities and like the idea of looping a nine-hole course at their own pace.
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 2 Rounds
The picturesque shores of North Norfolk form the backdrop for the golf course at The Links, which may only be a nine-hole layout, but it is an entertaining and varied layout with a genuine links character.
Tight fairways and at times steeply undulating slopes are hallmarks of The Links, which is also known for its tricky greens. During the summer months when the sandy turf becomes hard and bouncy, this Norfolk gem plays fast and difficult, but is a beautiful place to enjoy some charming coastal golf.
The Links has 49 guest bedrooms, all with an en-suite bathroom, television, direct dial telephone and hot drink facilities. The style is traditional rather than boutique, but it's comfortable, well kept and well suited to golfers who care more about service, a good night's sleep and being close to the first tee than statement interiors.
A number of rooms look out over the gardens and the hotel's maintained grounds, which adds to the 'quiet getaway' feel, particularly if you're staying for a couple of nights and want somewhere you can properly switch off between rounds. The rooms aren't trying to be anything other than what they are: clean, functional bases that let you focus on the golf and the surroundings without distraction.
Food is a big part of the experience. The hotel restaurant has a strong local reputation and makes good use of seasonal Norfolk produce. When it's on the menu, Cromer crab and local lobster are the headline acts, but the broader point is that this isn't just standard hotel fare. The kitchen takes pride in sourcing quality ingredients from the surrounding area, and it shows. It's a good shout for groups who want a proper sit-down meal after golf, as well as couples building a weekend around coastal walks and relaxed dining. It feels like a restaurant that happens to be in a golf hotel, not an afterthought.
If you're planning a golf break, the simple win is convenience. You're on-site, you can play a loop whenever it suits and you can keep the evenings easy, whether that's dinner in the restaurant or a quieter night in after 18 holes. The estate setting keeps everything within easy reach, the nine-hole course means you can play morning and afternoon loops without leaving the property, and the overall feel is one of a genuine golf hotel rather than a corporate resort. It's a straightforward offering that works particularly well for those who want a relaxed break without the need for extensive facilities or a packed itinerary, and the combination of walkable golf, comfortable rooms and a restaurant that delivers more than standard hotel fare makes it a solid choice for anyone looking to keep things simple and enjoyable.
John
✓7 Mar 2020
The hotel was very comfortable and in a great location for most of the golf courses but was a bit old having been revamped but lacked something.very helpful staff.the swimming pool was a not hot enough but generally it was ok.it wouldn’t necessarily be my choice on another occasion though.
