Heacham Manor Hotel & Golf Resort Stay & Play Review

Heacham Manor near Hunstanton in Norfolk has recently opened an incredible new multi-storey clubhouse called The Pavilion. Golfshake dispatched Ambassador Rob Treanor to discover whether this was now the perfect venue for a golf break on the North Norfolk Coast.

Arriving at the impressive gated entrance to Heacham Manor, the sweeping lane glides down past a pretty duck pond to the historic 16th century manor house. Now converted into a country house style hotel, additional facilities at the venue include an award winning restaurant, a wellness centre and an excellent 18 hole golf course which is now complemented by a superb clubhouse facility.

Golf

The rugged landscape on which the course is set will be instantly recognisable to any golfer familiar with playing links golf. With the North Norfolk coastline mere metres away, the fairways are firm and fast all year round. Two lakes, a series of brooks, trees and gauze bushes add challenge to the round which has visual impact and interest from the first to the last hole.

The course is genuinely enjoyable to play. The tee boxes are well positioned, requiring golfers to use angles and shot shaping to manouevre around hazards and find the best position. The mounding adds texture to the fairways on what is predominantly a flat expanse of land. The flatness of the terrain also makes this an easily walkable course.

Standout holes include the heart-in-mouth par three 7th played over water. The intimidating tee shot must carry an expansive lake to a wide, shallow green. Sleepers raised from the water’s edge disguise a false front to the green, making it seem an even smaller target from the tee box. The hole packs a punch for the excitement and anticipation it delivers, as players wait in suspense to find out if they have struck the ball well enough to carry the body of water.

The par five 11th is a thing of beauty. Teeing off to avoid the gauze on either side, the fairway then wriggles left around a lake which protects the right hand side for the remainder of the hole. The fairway pinches and expands at various junctures to prevent a straightforward lay-up, ensuring the danger of the lake remains in focus for almost the entirety of the hole. A strong bunker adds extra protection for front left of the not overly generous green… there are few who will be brave enough to take aim from distance! A very strong hole.

Finally, buckle up for the 18th which finishes the round off in style in front of the glorious new Pavilion. A creek splits the fairway a third of the way to the green and with a tail wind, it is possible to carry the water which will significantly shorten the hole. After clearing the creek, the fairway turns left and tightens on the approach to the green. Mounding frames the right hand side of the hole with the creek for company all the way down the left hand side. A hole which can really make or break a round, it now has the added element of a stadium finish in front of first floor terrace bar. Win, lose or draw, the terrace is a fantastic place to grab a cold drink and watch others put the finishing touches to their rounds.

Accommodation

The venue’s newest accommodation is in the Pavilion where modern, expansive suites are located up on the first floor. Generously proportioned and fitted to a high specification, all are spacious and bright with the suites benefitting from views across the golf course and out toward the sea.

The historic Manor House, which was the original centrepiece of the resort, maintains its 13 boutique rooms which are furnished in a traditional country manor house style. These spacious, classically elegant spaces hold appeal to upmarket or perhaps non-golfing guests. A further 32 barn conversion style cottage rooms are situated adjacent to the historic hotel building. These flexible spaces can be interconnected which make them ideal for groups of travelling golfers who can share the adjoining living space.

Food & Drink

The Pavilion serves food all day from hearty breakfasts to post round classic including burgers, fish and chips and chicken wings. The ambience and backdrop from the Sports Bar is such that you may not want to leave but the hotel has a smart restaurant called The Mulberry which offers an alternative option.

The Mulberry restaurant takes its name from the American Mulberry tree which sits in the hotel grounds and is rumoured to have be planted by Pocahontas. The kitchen today serves sophisticated and elegant meals befitting of the country house setting and the beautiful views which surround the restaurant. 

Starters at the Mulberry restaurant include decadent charcuterie boards and crab fishcakes with delicious mains such as seasonal fish dishes, a range of steaks and -unusually- a full vegan menu. This is a classier yet still relaxed dining experience which offers tantalising and memorable dishes.

Facilities

The hotel has a boutique wellness facility which has a collection of treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, amazon rain shower and a hot tub. A brand new addition for 2024 is a state of the art, fully air conditioned gym featuring the latest equipment.

There is no shortage of activities on offer as hotel guests have access to tennis courts, a swimming pool, a nine hole golf course and fishing lakes via the neighbouring sister resort. These facilities are open to hotel guests to use and are a short walk from the hotel on the route to the beach. 

Other Activities

Norfolk is home to a selection of top 100 courses which are within easy reach of the accommodation at Heacham Manor. Blockbuster names within just a few miles include Hunstanton, Brancaster, Kings Lynn and Sheringham. Heacham Manor is unique as the only venue to feature accommodation, which makes it ideal as a base camp to explore other top golfing venues. The club has arrangements in place which make accessing these courses extremely good value.

Aside from golf, Norfolk has a reputation for its abundance of outdoor activities. Jaw dropping beaches, historic buildings, country walks and cosy pubs have made this a popular tourist destination for centuries. With a reputation as the driest and sunniest part of the country, it is a great location for a break in any season.

Summary

Heacham Manor’s new Pavilion really has elevated the venue’s offering and provides a completely different zone and ambience to enjoy. Its location on the North Norfolk coast with the great on-site course and so many legendary venues within striking distance, make this a compelling location for a golf break. Given the range of facilities there is no need to leave the venue but given everything Norfolk has to offer it would be wise to extend the stay and make the most of what is on the doorstep!