1 Night, 2 Rounds
The Vale Resort sits just outside Cardiff in the Vale of Glamorgan, offering 36 championship holes across two distinct courses, a four-star hotel built on the grounds of the historic Hensol Castle estate, and one of the largest spas in Wales. The resort combines serious golf with top-tier leisure facilities, making it a strong choice for groups who want quality golf alongside proper downtime, whether that's in the gym, the pool or the treatment rooms.
The resort is three minutes from Junction 34 on the M4, 15 minutes from Cardiff city centre and 20 minutes from Cardiff International Airport. That accessibility matters, especially if you're organising a society trip or a quick weekend break. You're not spending half the day in the car, and you're close enough to Cardiff city centre if you want to venture off-site for dinner or a night out.
Who is this for?
Golfers or groups looking for a well-equipped resort base in South Wales, with two contrasting courses, strong leisure facilities and easy access to Cardiff. Ideal for societies, friends' trips, couples combining golf with spa time, and anyone who wants a short break without the hassle of long transfers.
Who is it best for?
Groups planning 36-hole days who want variety in difficulty, corporate bookings needing private dining and meeting space, and couples where one partner wants serious golf while the other prefers the spa. Also suits last-minute planners who need everything under one roof close to the M4.
* Where applicable, the relevant promotions will be applied during the booking process. T&Cs may apply.
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
The Vale is among a select few golf resorts in the UK to offer guests two high quality courses. The parkland layouts that encircle the superb four-star resort hotel are a joy to play, giving wonderful variety to every stay.
Stay and play at The Vale and you and your group of golf society will have the chance to tackle what is a genuine tour standard championship course – the Wales National. A par of 73 and a full length of 7,433 yards give insight into the challenge of this monster layout, but that’s by no means the end of the story. The Wales National is superbly conditioned, thanks in part to its USGA specification greens, and its collection of water hazards and acres of sand mean that trouble is never too far away. Long and challenging, yes, but the Wales National is a wonderful treat that every golfer will enjoy.
| Par | 73 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Peter Johnson |
| Opened in | 2003 |
| Previously hosted | Several European Challenge and Senior's Tour events plus Euro Pro Tour events have taken place on the Wales National Course |
| Blue | 7,433 yards | SSS 75 |
|---|---|---|
| White | 6,987 yards | SSS 73 |
| Yellow | 6,617 yards | SSS 71 |
| Red | 5,863 yards | SSS 74 |
As its name suggests, the Lake Course is dominated by water; in fact, a 20-acre lake comes into play on no less than 8 of its holes, creating plenty of drama and no little challenge. The signature 12th hole and its island green will make nerves jangle and will be a highlight of any round – many a tale to be told in the bar!
Signature Hole: The 12th hole on the Lakes course is the signature hole with an island green, just like the 17th at TPC Sawgrass. The 12th hole is seen as one of the best holes in UK Golf.
| Par | 72 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Peter Johnson |
| Opened in | 1990 |
| Previously hosted | Wales and West PGA National Championships |
| White | 6,304 yards | SSS 72 |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 5,986 yards | SSS 70 |
| Red | 5,754 yards | SSS 74 |
The four-star hotel occupies part of the historic Hensol Castle estate, a 17th-century property set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Despite the heritage setting, the resort is thoroughly modern in its facilities and sits just minutes from the M4, giving you countryside views without the remoteness.
All rooms are air-conditioned with en-suite bathrooms, and a good number offer views across the golf courses and surrounding countryside. The layout and design prioritise comfort and convenience, which is exactly what you want after a long day on the course. Rooms are set up with golfers in mind, with the practical comforts you want after 18 or 36.
The leisure facilities are extensive. There's a large, state-of-the-art gym with computer-aided fitness equipment, a 20-metre indoor pool, fitness studios running yoga and Pilates classes, plus squash and tennis courts, sauna, steam room and whirlpool. If you're the type who likes to keep active off the course, or if you're travelling with non-golfers who want more than a spa day, the range here is genuinely useful.
One of the largest spas in Wales is on-site, offering a full menu of treatments in a setting designed to be informal and welcoming rather than overly formal. It's a proper retreat if you want to switch off after your rounds, and it's a strong selling point for couples or groups where not everyone is playing golf every day.
Food-wise, you've got options. The Clubhouse bar serves good, wholesome food and works well for casual post-round meals. For larger groups, private dining can be arranged at La Cucina on a set menu basis, which is handy for society dinners or corporate bookings. The Vale Grill offers a best-of-Welsh menu and holds an AA rosette, so if you want a more refined dining experience without leaving the resort, it's there. The lounge area is modern, bright and informal, the sort of space where you can sit down with a drink and talk through the round without feeling like you're in a stuffy members' club.
The resort's location, three minutes from the M4 and 15 minutes from Cardiff city centre, means you can also head into the city for dinner if you want a change of scene. The proximity makes it easy to combine a resort-based golf break with a night out in town if that's your style.
For golfers, the combination of two championship courses, quality accommodation, extensive leisure facilities and easy access makes The Vale a practical, well-rounded choice. For groups, especially mixed-ability or mixed-interest groups, the breadth of facilities and dining options means everyone has something to do, whether they're playing 36 holes a day or spending half the trip in the spa. It's a resort that works hard to cover all the bases, and it does so without overcomplicating things.
Play The Vale Resort on your next golf break to South Wales.
Andrew
✓27 Jan 2020
Nice hotel which is functional and met the requirements of our stay.
Karen
✓25 Sep 2019
The room was lovely and really enjoyed the breakfast but our evening meal was not so good , a lack of choice and quality for the subsidy paid.
Dave
✓4 Sep 2019
Very tidy and clean staff polite. Disappointed we had to dine in the golf clubhouse we were expecting to be in the main dinning room as in previous years. The impression was they did not want groups of male golfers in the restaurant.
Craig
✓16 Aug 2019
Superb food, lovely rooms
Adrian
✓14 Aug 2019
Carolyn
✓14 Aug 2019
Lovely rooms, one annoying thing was the noise in restaurant.
Paul
✓12 Aug 2019
Very well appointed hotel with excellent facilities
Steve
✓11 Aug 2019
hotel,room,bars,staff all excellent.restaurant and food top notch
Sarah
✓5 Aug 2019
As ever the rooms are generous, clean and well equipped. I did ask for a wake-up call which didn't come. The food was cooked and served well on the 3 course menu with good choice and breakfast was comprehensive. Staff were attentive but by 8.30pm staff number dropped. The main complaint was that the larger societies in the restaurant were very noisy, and despite complaining, as it was difficult to hold a conversation, the staff member did not have the command to ask them to quieten down. We did leave a complaint on booking out, and, as expected, the staff said that she would report it to the Duty Manager... all too late. The staff and food at the Clubhouse were also good.
Nicola
✓23 Jul 2019
The three course meal & food were outstanding. Rooms perfect & staff so friendly. Would not hesitate in going back.
Andrew
✓27 Jan 2020
I thought the lakes was in better condition and was dryer under foot (we had no overnight rain having played the lakes the day before). I enjoyed the lakes more...maybe I had too many beers 😂
Andrew
✓27 Jan 2020
I have given it 5⭐️ As it was in great condition for the time of year. There were 2 temp greens but overall a nice course.
Karen
✓25 Sep 2019
Absolutely loved this course the conditions were immaculate, it was long and very scenic , there are some quite difficult holes but they made the course a good challenge
Karen
✓25 Sep 2019
Really enjoyed this course it was in very good condition
Dave
✓4 Sep 2019
Greens had been treated therefore nowhere near the standard of the lakes.
Dave
✓4 Sep 2019
Greens in great condition very true. Could do with sandwich at halfway house.
Craig
✓16 Aug 2019
Superb course, in great condition considering the rain we had overnight. Greens were the best I have ever played on.
Craig
✓16 Aug 2019
Greens were slow
Adrian
✓14 Aug 2019
Adrian
✓14 Aug 2019
Check-in from 3pm | Check-out from 11am
7-10am on weekedays, 7:30-10:30am on weekends
Smart Casual
The Vale Grill
Yes
Yes
No caddies available
Lake Course only available 12-2pm on weekends
There are 3 bars on site
There is complimentary parking
