Forest of Arden

The Aylesford Resort Course is considerably shorter than its prestigious neighbour, measuring less than 6,000 yards, but it retains many of the Donald Steel hallmarks that define the Arden Course, including thoughtful routing, well-designed greens and strategic bunkering. The expert attention of the greenkeeping team ensures the Aylesford remains in equally immaculate condition, making it a genuine pleasure to play rather than simply a warm-up option.

Underestimate the Aylesford at your peril. While the yardage may be forgiving, there are penalties to be paid for wayward shots, and the layout demands accuracy and course management rather than brute force. This makes it an excellent choice for higher handicappers, juniors or anyone looking to work on their short game and scoring, while still providing enough interest and challenge to keep better players engaged.

The Aylesford adds genuine variety to the Forest of Arden's offering, allowing groups with mixed abilities to enjoy a round together or giving returning visitors the chance to experience a different test. It's also ideal for a quick 18 holes if you're short on time, or as a second round on the same day after tackling the championship Arden Course in the morning.

In addition to the two 18-hole courses, the Forest of Arden Golf Club is home to a first-class golf academy where visitors can seek guidance from one of the resident PGA professionals. The 16-bay floodlit driving range is complemented by an extensive short game and bunker practice area, plus a separate putting green, giving you everything you need to sharpen your game before heading out onto the course. Whether you're working on a specific part of your game or just want to loosen up before your round, the practice facilities here are among the best you'll find at a UK resort.

The Arden is the reason most golfers book here. It's a Donald Steel design with tour pedigree and it plays like it: strong from the tee, proper green complexes and bunkering that makes you think. From the back tees it stretches to 7,213 yards, but with sensible tee options it's playable for mixed-ability groups without losing the character of the layout.

It has hosted major European Tour events including the British Masters and the English Open, with winners such as Colin Montgomerie, Darren Clarke and Sam Horsfield. During professional tournaments, scoring was often low, with Ian Woosnam and Per-Ulrik Johansson both posting four-round totals of 19 under par. That history shows in the presentation too. It's typically in excellent shape year-round, a legacy of its tournament pedigree and the expert attention of the greenkeeping team, and the greens tend to run true.

Steel's design features some truly distinctive holes, with strategic variety that rewards course management as much as distance. The layout suits golfers of all abilities when you pick the right tees, but it demands accuracy and commitment when you're pushing for a score. If you strike the ball well and find the fairways, scoring opportunities are there to be taken, and the outstanding putting surfaces will give you a genuine chance to convert if you've hit a good approach.

Save a little in the tank for the closing stretch. The finishing holes ask for accuracy and commitment, and the 18th, an exacting par 3, is a brilliant way to end a match. With this level of quality and conditioning, it's easy to see why so many golfers return to the Forest of Arden for their UK golf breaks year after year.

In addition, the Forest of Arden Golf Club is home to a first class golf academy, where visitors can seek the guidance of one of the resident PGA professionals.

Alongside the two golf courses there is a 16 bay floodlit driving range with an extensive short game and bunker area including a separate putting green.