1 Night, 2 Rounds
Set in 400 acres of rolling Hampshire countryside near the edge of the South Downs, Old Thorns is a proper golf escape with a bit of pedigree behind it. I'll admit I'm a golfing geek, so I love that the framed scorecards from opening day in 1982 are still on show by the Sports Bar. Seve Ballesteros, Jack Nicklaus, Isao Aoki and Bill Rogers all played the inaugural four-ball, with Aoki posting 69 to win.
The headline is simple: an 18-hole, par-72 championship course designed by Dave Thomas and Peter Alliss, 4-star accommodation split between hotel rooms and self-catered apartments, plus a health club that's ideal if you're playing 36 holes over the weekend. The course is fair on mid-handicappers but it'll still make you think, especially when the wind gets up on the higher ground.
It's an easy weekend break too. You're just off the A3 near Hindhead and under 30 minutes from the M25, so it's straightforward to reach without feeling built-up. Expect countryside views, mature trees and a sociable set-up that works for couples, small groups and societies. Beyond the golf, there's a Sports Bar for post-round pints, a quieter Champagne and Cocktail Bar, plus classic British dining in the Kings restaurant.
Who is this for? Golfers after an easy-to-reach English countryside break with a proper championship course and a relaxed, sociable vibe.
Who is it best for? Mixed-ability groups, societies and anyone who wants golf, spa and a decent bar all in one place.
* Where applicable, the relevant promotions will be applied during the booking process. T&Cs may apply.
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
Set across the rolling Hampshire hills, Old Thorns is a par-72 layout that manages to be both forgiving and challenging depending on where you stand in the handicap spectrum. Designed by Dave Thomas and Peter Alliss, the course takes full advantage of the natural terrain, with elevation changes that reward good course management and punish lazy club selection.
Fairways are generous enough to keep higher handicappers in play, but the greens demand precision. Miss in the wrong spot and you'll be chipping from awkward lies or facing bunkers that are deeper than they look from the fairway. The course plays firm in summer, which adds run to drives and makes distance control on approaches critical. In wetter months, it remains playable year-round, and the greens tend to run true when you're standing over a putt that matters.
The signature hole is the par-4 5th, measuring 357 yards from the tee. From an elevated tee box, you get sweeping views over the Hampshire countryside, but the real appeal is the risk-reward decision. The green is driveable for longer hitters, but the fairway narrows significantly, and anything offline will find trouble. Most players opt for an iron off the tee to set up a short approach, but the temptation to take on the green is always there, especially in a match.
Old Thorns isn't a course that will beat you up, but it won't hand you a score either. It asks you to think your way around, manage your game and execute when it matters. Keep it in play, pick the right side of the fairway and you'll have chances. Get lazy with club selection and the slopes and bunkering will do the rest. For mid-handicappers, it's a fair test that won't leave you frustrated. For low-handicappers, there's enough challenge to keep it interesting, particularly if you're playing from the back tees.
Play Old Thorns on your next Golf Break and walk the same fairways that Seve, Nicklaus and the greats christened back in 1982.
| Par | 72 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas |
| Opened for play | 1982 |
| White | 6,461 yards | SSS 71 |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 6,016 yards | SSS 69 |
| Ladies | 5,380 yards | SSS 72 |
Old Thorns offers accommodation that works for solo travellers, couples and larger groups without forcing everyone into the same box. The hotel rooms, Superior and Executive, are clean, well-appointed and functional in the best sense. Expect flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryers and en-suite bathrooms with decent toiletries. They're comfortable and set up for golfers: everything you need after a day on the course without any unnecessary fuss.
The big win here is the option to book one of the 51 self-catered apartments. These are significantly more spacious than the hotel rooms and come with full kitchens, separate living areas and views over the golf course. For groups of four or more, or anyone planning a longer stay, the apartments offer genuine value and flexibility. You can still add breakfast and dinner at the hotel if you prefer, but having the option to stock up on supplies and dine at your own pace is a luxury that most golf resorts don't provide.
The apartments are the big win for groups. You get a proper living space for the post-round debrief, room for clubs and trolleys, and the option to keep costs sensible by self-catering some meals. If you want the convenience of the hotel, you can still add breakfast and dinner, but it's nice having the choice.
Family rooms are also available for those travelling with children or larger parties, ensuring that Old Thorns can accommodate a wide range of group configurations without compromising on comfort. All rooms feature modern conveniences and stylish decoration that leans towards classic country-house style rather than bland uniformity. Parking is on-site, which makes loading and unloading clubs straightforward, and the apartments in particular give you the kind of space and practicality that makes a golf break feel less like a hotel stay and more like a proper getaway.
Dining at Old Thorns is split between two distinct experiences. The Kings restaurant handles the formal side, serving classic British dishes with a focus on quality ingredients and generous portions. It's the kind of menu that doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, it just gets the fundamentals right. Think steaks, seasonal vegetables and proper puddings that feel indulgent without being fussy.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, the Sports Bar delivers exactly what the name suggests: pub-style food, a lively buzz and the kind of environment where you can dissect the round over a pint without feeling underdressed. It's popular with both guests and locals, which usually means the kitchen knows what it's doing.
If you're after something more refined, The Atrium Champagne & Cocktail Bar offers a quieter setting with a sophisticated drinks list. It's the spot for a pre-dinner aperitif or a quieter final drink away from the Sports Bar crowd.
The Old Thorns Health Club & Spa is more than a box-ticking exercise. The indoor pool is large enough for proper swimming rather than just a quick dip, and the sauna and steam room are exactly what you want after 18 holes on a course that demands a fair amount of walking. The gym is fully equipped and well-maintained, catering to those who prefer a structured workout over passive relaxation.
For golfers planning back-to-back rounds, the health club facilities are genuinely useful. The combination of gentle exercise options and recovery-focused amenities means you can actually feel better on day two rather than stiffer.
Old Thorns is located close to Hindhead in Hampshire, just off the A3, less than 30 minutes from the M25.
Address: Griggs Green, Liphook, Hampshire, GU30 7PE
Jacqueline
✓11 Mar 2020
Karl
✓25 Feb 2020
Had everything needed for a great weekend- football/ rugby on TVs in Spirts Bar with a good food choice
Derek
✓23 Jan 2020
Enjoyed our stay but some of the restaurant staff need further training! We were taken to our table on both days but then nothing! There seemed to be no supervision. All youngsters.
Peter
✓4 Nov 2019
Good quality spacious room comfortable beds powerful shower very clean fantastic restaurant great food
Lawrence
✓25 Oct 2019
Reminiscent of a motorway service station or an airport departure lounge. I miss match of styles and interior design. Food resembled a Wetherspoons pub. Never going back
Patrick
✓24 Oct 2019
Overall the rooms and service were very good however the dining experience just was not up to expectations. The Chinese option was not available at all due to Wedding bookings, they offered dining in the sports bar but it was very noisy. On Sunday we could not have fine dining due to a chef injury therefore had to use the carvery for the 3rd night running. Not what we expected and below par due to lack of choice!!!
Gavin
✓17 Sep 2019
The apartment we stayed in was excellent and the facilities were good. The food was ok but limited in choice given it was a cavery.
Paul
✓22 Aug 2019
Good comfortable rooms, good food. Bar was a bit noisy. All in all a pleasant stay
Len
✓17 Jun 2019
Was great rooms were clean and comfortable
John
✓15 Jun 2019
The accommodation was very comfortable and the staff were helpful and friendly
Richard
✓1 Jun 2019
Our party of 14 were very happy with their stay at Old Thorns. The carvery was slightly under pressure running out of desserts day one and curry day two , so a staff of one in the kitchen and carvery was too low and needed an extra member of staff. The quality was fine though and staff attentive. I did however complain about the quality of the coffee in the carvery as it was truly awful and as they have a Starbucks I suggested that they started to but their coffee instead.
Robert
✓15 May 2019
This is our third consecutive year at Old Thorns and we enjoy our visit each year! Would recommend alternative choices on the dinner menu rather than carvery though the carvery is very good. Also cost of wine in the bar needs looking at! Otherwise very enjoyable.
Peter
✓7 May 2019
Good value hotel with helpful staff, interesting course.
Dave
✓30 Apr 2019
Really nice place, rooms are clean & tidy. The facilities are excellent, pool, spa, gym. Sports bar was good but a little pricey but nothing more than you would expect, pleantyof TV's & pool tables. Champagne bar gets top marks as guest only after 12 and stayed open late. Dining area is very pleasent and the food was plentyfull & hot with breakafst being the same. If you choose to stay on a party theme night it's a win/win the place was full & buszzing. Staff work hard & are extremely pleasent
Daniel
✓23 Apr 2019
I found the service was great and the staff were very attentive to everyone's requirements.
Paul
✓10 Apr 2019
Colin
✓29 Mar 2019
The room was excellent and the facilities were very good. The restaurant was limited in its offerings and staff were lacking in knowledge about wine. That said the food was wholesome and plentiful.
Tina
✓2 Dec 2018
The hotel was a lot different to the last time we stayed here years ago, much bigger. Overall we had a great stay, rooms comfortable, food at the carvery was good value. The Champagne bar was freezing with no atmosphere we went to the spike bar instead, much more enjoyable. Overall, an excellent venue.
Malcolm
✓26 Oct 2018
The accommodation was everything you needed in a hotel. The rooms where very comfortable and clean. The restaurant was great and the staff friendly. The bar was not so good as they ran out of the 2 types of bitter that where on tap.
Joanne
✓26 Oct 2018
Lovely location. Excellent service in the restaurant. We were in a family suite which is outside of main hotel & it was very noisy in the early hours due to people ( conference delegates I think) drinking & smoking. I would recommend a room in the hotel next time.
Barry
✓9 Oct 2018
I took 12 golfers to this wonderful hotel, food was out of this’s world. Rooms were spotless and staff were extremely friendly. The only down side was that the golf course looked a bit tattered. Although the greens were excellent tees and fairways were in poor condition. Saying that we all agreed we would defiantly come back again....
Alan
✓2 Oct 2018
The accommodation is good but their drinks prices are very expensive. The Champagne Bar can get very busy in the evenings. Bills need to be closely checked as there were two errors on mine. They were corrected straightaway but were both in the hotel's favour so watch out.
Sonny
✓1 Oct 2018
Brilliant hotel will definitely be going back
Paul
✓28 Sep 2018
Standard of hotel & facilities are good but as a golfing venue it falls short of providing a bar/lounge and outside area for drinks etc. This has now been developed into a sporting village type complex and concentrates on weddings and Corporate events. I will not be returning for future golf breaks to Old Thorns which is a pity as in the past I would always have recommended this to others for a golfing break.
Bill
✓19 Nov 2014
Our gang of 12 from Barton on Sea GC booked our spring break for 2013 at Old Thorns again this year. We arrived on Monday 13th late morning and were greeted by Gemma and her team in the Sports Bar where we had tasty bar snacks to set us up for the afternoon round.
We registered at the Pro Shop and everything was already arranged by YGT regarding tee times, bag tags, cards etc and we set off in 3 x four ball groups. They seem to have let the fairways grow quite lush which is quite a change from our tight fairways by the coast. However the biggest disappointment was the fact that they had just dressed the greens. Most of us had difficulty getting the ball anywhere near the hole as there was such a lot of impedimenta. However the scenery was great as usual and there are some very beautiful and challenging holes on the course.
The hotel facilities were excellent, as was the evening carvery meal, as well as the buffet breakfast the next morning.
Due to the threat of rain we agreed to just play 9 holes on the Tuesday morning and then review our options. As it was the predicted band of rain swept in just as we were on or approaching the 9th hole so we called it a day, to save getting soaked and having a damp 75 minute drive home.
We retired to the Sports Bar again where Gemma organised our snacks and had the prize giving for the two days competitions.
Our golf break was good value even though most paid for the
single supplement but we were disappointed that the certain parts of the course
i.e. the greens were not great. I hope that the right mix of rain and
sunshine will help the course get back to its best in the next
few weeks.
Paul
✓19 Nov 2014
I would like to express my appreciation to the YGT team for once again providing a first class service to me and my colleagues having just returned from Old Thorns Manor.
Old Thorns easily lived up to our high expectations, providing us with a golf course that we found quite a challenge, with some of the holes literally taking your breath away. The view from the 5th tee was worth the trip alone and we found the greens true but very fast despite having a hailstorm on the first day.
The location of the venue is very easy to find being within a mile of the main A3 near Liphook, and the Hotel is all you would expect of such a high class establishment, with the rooms and food being of a high standard.
I would definitely recommend Old Thorns to anybody that was looking for a true test of golf along with top class accommodation.
We will definitely be contacting you again in the future to
book our next golf adventure.
Mike
✓19 Nov 2014
This was our third stay at Old Thorns and as usual we had a really enjoyable time. It’s in a convenient location just off the A3 which makes it easy to get to.
The golf course is well maintained with many great views, interesting features and presented a stiff challenge to everyone in our mixed group of 2 men and 2 women (handicaps ranging from 17 to 36). We used our own trollies and felt we had had a good workout by the end of the day. Perhaps a buggy would be advisable for those who might struggle with the walk?
The hotel accommodation is superb. Clean, spacious rooms with tea and coffee making facilities, immaculate bathrooms, room safe, and although the hotel is a popular venue for weddings and parties, we did not experience any noise or disruption. We didn’t use the pool and saunas on this visit but have done so in the past and found them to be excellent.
There is a Starbucks on site which is great for coffees and snacks and the Sports Bar serves a range of sandwiches and bar meals. The buffet breakfast is extensive and very tasty. However the one weak spot is the evening meal which consists mainly of a carvery. This might suit groups of male golfers who come in ravenous after a day on the course but the choice for those who don’t eat meat is extremely limited – either a sad looking red onion and goats cheese filo tart or the tuna hot rock both at a £10 additional charge.
It ought to be possible to offer something like a piece of salmon instead of the meat at no additional cost.
That said we all thoroughly enjoyed our one night stay and
two rounds of golf and would recommend it to others. YGT as usual provided
excellent service and value for money – many thanks.
Winston
✓19 Nov 2014
My party of 9 were all well impressed with Old Thorns.
The golf course is a magnificent layout, with every hole very different and with manicured fairways and well kept bunkers. The greens were not good on the first day but were much better on the second/third days due to a light sanding.
Take lots of balls as there are water hazards everywhere!
The accommodation was first class and the food and wine were
really good. The beer wasn’t too expensive either.
Colin
✓19 Nov 2014
My weekend away at Old Thorns with my son (I am a new golfer) could not have been any better. It’s a very impressive golf complex and golf course and I would not hesitate to go there again.
Food and hotel accommodation were also first class. When the time is convenient I will be booking up through yourgolftravel again.
Nick
✓19 Nov 2014
Although the greens were under repair when we played, the course at Old Thorns Manor was one of the best I've played and certainly felt like a Championship course. As a high handicapper I found it very difficult but with each hole presenting a new challenge and wonderful vista I didn't mind. My playing companion and I were therefore praising and cursing designer Peter Allis in equal measure!
The hotel itself boasted great facilities. The informal Sports Bar was perfect for an afternoon pint while the Champagne Bar was ideal for the evening. The leisure facilities were superb too and make this a good destination for a mixed party of golfers and non-golfers.
The staff were friendly but not as organised or attentive as you might expect from a 4-star hotel.
I booked last minute through Your Golf Travel who managed to
find a place which ticked all the boxes in no time at all. Great work.
Philip
✓19 Nov 2014
The golf course at Old Thorns is excellent with lots of challenging holes. It’s extremely well kept and laid out but I would say higher handicapped golfers may find it tough.
The clubhouse and resort are excellent with a separate sports bar and a posh bar although the entire place is very friendly. There is an excellent gym, pool and spa and the accommodation was comfortable. Beer was expensive at £5.20 a pint though!
The hotel is excellent value for money and the staff couldn't have been more helpful or friendly. Out of 10 I would give the overall experience 9.
As for YGT, I couldn't recommend you more highly. This was
an easy booking, you’ve got polite staff and a late change was handled very
well indeed.
Stephen
✓19 Nov 2014
We’ve just returned from our golf trip to Old Thorns on which we played the Downs Course at Goodwood too. What a fantastic two days we had!
The courses were in first class condition from tee to green and to top it off, the bar was awaiting us to watch Rory secure his first Open victory on home soil.
The organisation from beginning to end was first class and
we would have absolutely no hesitation in calling you again to book next year’s
trip.
Mike
✓19 Nov 2014
We were a group of 6 lady golfers, most of whom were playing Old Thorns for the first time. The golf course was beautiful, with wonderful mature trees, lakes of various sizes and some truly stunning views. It was in excellent condition too and we found the course to be challenging both technically and physically as it is quite spread out and both days we played the weather was quite sultry.
Some of our group used a buggy and found this to be a useful asset between holes (especially when negotiating the locally known ‘cardiac hill’ between the 2nd and 3rd).
The Pro shop had a good selection of equipment on offer. We were rather surprised to find that our tee time on the second day had been put back half an hour without any notification but in the end it didn’t matter as the starter was able to get us off pretty close to our original time.
The hotel was great; very quirky as if a magpie had been busy collecting all sorts of interesting furnishings! It was spacious and modern with a champagne bar, sports bar and numerous function rooms. It is a busy wedding venue but is large enough for golfers and wedding guests to co-exist without any problems.
The reception staff and restaurant staff were all very friendly and helpful. We had the carvery for dinner which was extensive and tasty and the kitchen was really helpful in providing vegetarian flans and gluten free rolls to go with the soup.
The rooms were clean, spacious and well-appointed and the bed was very comfortable. Our three rooms were all located together which was very nice. Breakfast was delicious too, with a large selection.
We didn’t all have enough time to use the swimming pool but the facilities looked wonderful and a couple of ladies from our group enjoyed spa treatments which were also very good.
We had a brilliant stay and plan to return for 2 nights the
next time. We would definitely recommend Old Thorns to
others.
Jacqueline
✓11 Mar 2020
The course was quite mucky which is to be expected this time of the year, there was no proper cleaning equipment working for shoes and trolleys, but the staff in pro shop and around the course were excellent very friendly and helpful
Karl
✓25 Feb 2020
Great views and considering the rain we had previously Course was in good Nick. We all enjoyed the 2 rounds we played with no hold ups.
Derek
✓23 Jan 2020
Guys in golf pro shop excellent, especially Jason. Really looked after us.
Lawrence
✓25 Oct 2019
Ridiculously slow due to the management money grabbing policy. Waited every single tee and approach shot. Numerous times on pars 3s there were 3 groups waiting. Halfway hut was a joke we had a kettle boiled for us and had to make our own tea two chocolate bar to choose from and no hot food. Complex is set in hundreds of acres but the range is so short you can only hit short irons. There was a net but impossible to put s tee peg in. Couldn’t face another four and a half hour round so we left early. Never again
Patrick
✓24 Oct 2019
The course was extremely wet on Friday but remarkably improved by Saturday. The game on Saturday was very slow taking over 5 hours which is unacceptable. Although course rangers were around they were not very effective at speeding up the pace of play!!
Gavin
✓17 Sep 2019
The fairways were burnt and we were not told on the first day that winter rules applied due to the condition of the fairways. There was no Marshall on the 2nd day, which meant that play was so slow we ended up walking off after 9 holes!
Paul
✓22 Aug 2019
The greens had just been hollow tuned when we played on Sunday, so were very bumpy, when we played again on Tuesday they were Verti Cutting and seeding them, so were again bumpy I don’t think places should be taking bookings when they are working on the greens
Len
✓17 Jun 2019
John
✓15 Jun 2019
Unfortunately, the weather was wet for both rounds but l was very disappointed in the condition of some fairways, which were poor
Richard
✓1 Jun 2019
We had bad weather which slowed the round. Some areas were in need of improved green keeping in my view. Bare patches on fairways and greens all could have been attended to under GUR
Robert
✓15 May 2019
A lot more work is required on the greens and fairways in the front 9 holes. Played a month ago and huge improvement on the back 9 holes. Really important that the course is in good shape for May as this is a popular month for short term breaks.
Peter
✓7 May 2019
Enjoyable round on middle class course. Greens struggling.
Dave
✓30 Apr 2019
Buggies on path only which slowed things down considerabley, if you can walk. Course appears overplayed and lacking in a little TLC. Played in late march so green were tined & bumpy. Gets slow between 9 & 10 due to 2 par 3's as the 9th (should be a par 5) is under construction. There are some fantastic holes and the course makes you think. We will return
Daniel
✓23 Apr 2019
The course was well managed and the staff were very helpful and accommodating. It was just a shame a few of the holes were on winter greens but we were advised this before we went and appreciated the offers we had from hotel. It was still a really nice course and very picturesque.
Paul
✓10 Apr 2019
Course overplayed and in very poor condition, 4 temporary greens
Colin
✓29 Mar 2019
The course was acceptable given it was March. There were a lot of young male golfers on the course some of whom had ‘all the gear but no idea’. Lots of raucous hilarity and beer drinking. interesting signage stating that only alcohol bought at Old Thorns may be consumed on the course. Since when was alcohol encouraged on a golf course?
Tina
✓2 Dec 2018
The course was busy on both days but pace of play was fine, it does have some tough holes and there are a few long walks between green and tee but, well worth it, a great course to play with stunning views too.
Malcolm
✓26 Oct 2018
Quite a hard course but sone fantastic holes. The par 4 5 hole is one of the best looking holes that I have played in some time. The greens where in great condition when you think that it was the 3 week in October. Lots of buggies advailable but a bit prizey.
Joanne
✓26 Oct 2018
Lovely course. Quite hard going though if you are pushing a trolley! Some fairways are very threadbare but greens excellent. As a 2 ball , it took us over 4.5 hours each round as we did have to wait on each hole. Tends to bunch up around holes 4a& 4.
Barry
✓9 Oct 2018
Alan
✓2 Oct 2018
Our group had played Old Thorns last year and really enjoyed the course but this year was very different. The challenging 9th hole is out of action due to the building of the new apartments alongside the course and is replaced by a disappointing short hole 4a. As there are two short holes alongside each other this creates a bottleneck. The fairways are in a shocking condition which they claim is due to the long hot summer but other courses have been managed much better. Two of our rounds took nearly 5 hours. This hotel is now more focused on being a wedding venue and it shows in the manner in which the golf course is being maintained. Very disappointing and we will not be returning.
Sonny
✓1 Oct 2018
Great course just to slow we walked off after six holes as a 2 ball it took us 2hours 45 mins to do six holes shame because good course
Paul
✓28 Sep 2018
The hot dry summer this year has obviously affected the condition of many courses but I can only make comment on our experience in September. The greens were excellent but the fairways are parched with many large areas of dead grass which will not recover without extensive treatment and reseeding. Efforts were being made to slit the fairways but the overall condition is below the standard expected from an established course. Some of he tee areas are also worn and uneven therefore significant investment is needed if this venue is to return to its former glory but the impression is that the golf is now secondary to the interests of the hotel owners. The course design is a wonderful layout therefore its a pity to see the course in the current conditions.
