10 Reasons to Stay & Play at Forest of Arden

The Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club is one of the best golf resorts near Birmingham, offering stern tests of golf set within 10,000 acres of scenic woodland.

Stunning vistas, and plenty of deer, make this brilliantly designed course a truly magical place to play and with excellent accessibility, a spa, fitness centre and heated indoor pool, there’s something for non-golfers too.

Here’s 10 reasons why you should stay and play at the venue the next time you’re in the Midlands.

Championship Arden Course

Founded in 1970 and designed by Donald Steel, the Forest of Arden’s Championship Arden Course is a special track. It’s a European Tour venue, so plenty tough, but sprawling oaks - woodland is the real calling card of the course, as its name suggests - are beautiful as well as challenging, so no matter what you score, you’re bound to enjoy your round. 

Aylesford Course

The Arden is the flagship course here, but the shorter Aylesford Course, the second of two tracks at the resort, is also a great play. With a par of just 69, it’s not long, but has similar challenges. Clever bunkering and subtly sloped greens mean you need to keep your wits about you if you want a clean scorecard.

Accommodation

The Forest of Arden Golf Club is owned by Marriott, offering 4-star accommodation in its on-site hotel. Like the course, these are situated in the heart of the 10,000-acre Forest of Arden Estate. Breathtaking views of the surrounding woodland are in generous supply, and the rooms are luxurious. 214 are offered.

Cast Iron Grill & Restaurant

Despite the name, this Forest of Arden award-winning restaurant isn’t a steak house - though, don’t worry, there’s meat on the menu. Local ingredients underpin all the dishes here, and there’s a range of grub from all over the world, meaning there really is something for everyone. Its afternoon teas are a particular highlight.

Zest Restaurant

The second restaurant on the property is more of a bar-like setting, but its light meals, available throughout the day, are just as tasty. ‘Spike bar’ doesn’t do its luxury justice, although this is certainly the place for a post-round drink and a bite. 

The Cedarwood Spa

As well as palatial rooms, 4 stars of luxury gets you The Cedarwood Spa, the Forest of Arden hotel’s on-site spa, which offers a range of massage and beauty treatments. Go on, pamper yourself. Treatments include body scrubs, eye treatments, couple’s massages, manicures and pedicures and facials.

The Fitness Facilities 

If a drink in the bar is too sedentary a way of relaxing after a round of golf, Arden guests also have access to the hotel’s gym. This features high-tech cardiovascular equipment, such as running machines, as well as free weights. There are also complimentary fitness classes.

The Swimming Pool

Yes, there’s a pool too. Generously sized and open from 6am to 10pm Monday to Sunday, this is an excellent place to unwind after a testing round or a game of tennis on the hotel’s outdoor courts. Naturally, it’s heated. A sauna provides a hotspot for the beauty fanatics. A whirlpool adds a touch of fun.

Accessibility

The Forest of Arden is just four miles from Birmingham Airport, so it’s easy to get to, even for international travellers. Train links are also good if you’re not keen on driving and don’t need to fly.

Nearby Attractions

Fancy a trip to Cadbury World or a night out at a Royal Shakespeare theatre to see the best of the bard performed by the UK’s top actors? Both are an easy drive from the Forest of Arden, along with Warwick Castle, and, for the most adventurous, The Bear Grylls Adventure Birmingham. There’s lots to see and do here besides golf.

Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club Arden Course Feature Review

So there you have it, 10 excellent reasons to stay and play at the Forest of Arden. If you’re interested in booking a trip to the Forest of Arden - and you’d be foolish not too - visit Golfbreaks, where you can secure 1 night and 2 rounds of golf from just £99.