Top golfing hotels in Europe – even if you don’t like golf

You don’t have to love golf to love a golf hotel. But if you do, there’s nothing like a luxurious shower, crisp-white bed and hearty breakfast to make your time on the green even more blissful. Golfing hotels in Europe are a wonderfully varied mix: popular with not only golfers, but spa-goers, nature-lovers and anyone fancying a dreamily beautiful break. Hiking, horse-riding, hot-tub-lounging… there are plenty of other distractions for those who don’t play the game. From Ireland to Sweden, take a look at these irresistible properties that make golfers (and everyone else) go weak at the knees.

Tankardstown House: Slane, Ireland

Here’s a country house you’d happily call home. Tankardstown House is an exquisite example of a luxury boutique stay, flawlessly fusing original features with sumptuous modern style. It’s less than an hours drive from Dublin but you truly feel in the middle of nowhere, with perfect parkland golf courses all within a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Killeen Castle (home to the 2011 Solheim Cup), Headfort in Kells and Royal Tara in Navan are just a few golfing havens your hosts will be delighted to book you into. Not in the golfing mood? Melt into a massage, head off on a hike, recharge in the hot tub, take a guided historical tour, or simply stay put by the fire with backgammon and bubbles. Everyone is happy here.

Körunda Golf & Hotel: Södertörn, Sweden

If golf’s your game then Körunda Golf & Hotel is your dream hotel. With a glorious 18 holes to conquer and celebrity fitness guru and chef Paolo Roberto partnered with the hotel, this is a break you won’t be bored on. The first tee is a hop, skip and a jump from the hotel entrance – from there you’ll pace the perfect green in a peaceful, quiet luxury. The Södermanland hiking trail runs right by Körunda – brilliant for those who prefer picnics to putting (if they can pull themselves away from the cosy lobby, soothing Scandi bedrooms or top-drawer restaurant, that is).

Castle Cottage: Pembrokeshire, Wales

If a 19th-century championship golf course with heartstopping mountain views is your idea of a dream day out, set your compass for the world famous Royal St David’s Golf Club. After an invigorating 18 holes under the shadow of the brooding Harlech Castle, return to the comfort of Castle Cottage to be swaddled in luxury. The Harlech-based hideaway blends designer hotel attitude with old-fashioned charm and its food is not to be missed. Featured as one of the UK’s top 100 restaurants, the local produce doesn’t travel far from farm to fork – your seabass is fresh from Cardigan Bay while the lamb and beef can be sourced just up the hill.

From Sweden to the Wales, we’ve carefully handpicked some of the best golfing hotels in Europe for you to enjoy. Browse the rest of our collection and enjoy a little bit of heaven (and a little bit of golf) on championship courses with world-class accommodation.