The Deerpark Golf Course at Tewkesbury Park Review

Tewkesbury Park is a luxury family owned destination featuring 27 holes of golf, a superb boutique hotel and an excellent set of accompanying wellness facilities. Golfshake sent Ambassador Rob Treanor in Spring 2025 to find out how this venue has continued to grow its reputation into being one of the finest destinations for a UK golf break.

From a hilltop location surrounded by the serene ambience of the Gloucestershire countryside, the Tewkesbury Park resort lies waiting to offer a taste of true golfing pleasure. Set against an idyllic backdrop, the calm and luxurious interior of the boutique hotel backed up by modern amenities promise a memorable experience.

Designed by the renowned Frank Pennink, the par 72 Deerpark Course stretches over 6,554 yards across the crumpled undulations of the historic hill which make for a fantastic playing surface. Also onsite is the 9 hole par 3 Acorn course which offers a more informal way to play or be introduced to the game. 

Pre-Round Thoughts

Upon entering the Tewkesbury Park resort, the road winds and ascends the hill on which the Wars of the Roses ‘Battle of Tewkesbury’ was fought in 1471. Today, the impressive boutique hotel together with its outstanding amenities occupies the brow, offering 360° panoramic views of the surrounding landscape including down to Tewkesbury Abbey.

The venue’s rich history explains the maturity of the trees which are found throughout the grounds. In places, the ancient oaks, some dating back to around 1471 AD, need to be navigated around by playing golfers, presenting strategic questions during the round. The putting green is also a highlight and must be a contender for one of the best settings in the UK given the commanding views across the landscape.

Tewkesbury Park has an air of maturity and quality throughout, not least on the highly acclaimed Deerpark course.

Front 9 Overview

After a welcoming pair of opening holes, the first glimpse of the majestic Tewkesbury Abbey awaits on the par 5 third hole. The majestic spires make for an ideal line for the drive which plays slightly downhill from the tee box before the hole descends more rapidly towards the green. There is a chance to reach in two if conditions allow, though the trees which tighten around the fairway will prevent anything errant from progressing too far.

The fifth is a delightful yet devilishly tricky par 3. Played downhill, the pond and bunkers which protect the small green are all too visible from the elevated tee box. Pretty trees frame the back of the slender green making this seemingly simple but rather intimidating 146 yard short hole a treat for the eye. The course then continues to meander down to the bottom of the landscape before ascending ominously back up to the very pinnacle.

Back 9 Overview

If the fifth is delightful, the tenth is downright astonishing from the tee box. This lengthy par 3 is played from the top of the hill seemingly all the way back down to ground zero, meaning prevailing conditions will have a significant impact on club selection. An enormous, trademark oak tree guards the right hand side of the small green which seems a long way down! A great test of nerve, this memorable hole gets the back nine underway in style.

The long 500 yard par 5 at fifteen is followed by another strong par 3 at sixteen. Playing uphill towards the hotel, the green is somewhat obscured from the tee box by the terrain. The banks surrounding the green offer some punch bowl style reprieve for anything slightly errant.

Although short on the card, aspirations on the 265 yard par 4 eighteenth are tempered by a blind tee shot and out of bounds running the full length of the hole. Tempting as shooting for the green in one may be, the safer play is to work up to the aiming marker in the middle of the fairway to set up for a pitch onto the green. Proceedings finish in style in front of the impressive hotel, perhaps with a little added pressure of a watching audience.

Post-Round Thoughts

The parkland layout of the Deerpark course weaves up, down and across the high ground on which the hotel sits proudly. A pretty, welcoming and enjoyable course, it is not overly punishing making it a fun track to play. The trademark mature trees present an array of strategic challenges, forcing playing golfers to steer a course to find the correct position. 

The range of facilities on offer makes Tewkesbury Park a genuinely fantastic venue for a golf break. Quality golf, stylish boutique accommodation and an exceptional food offering make it great value for money. The hotel boasts recently refurbished rooms and there are some further exciting developments at the hotel in the works which the venue hopes to announce soon. 

Verdict

Driving away from The Deerpark Course I couldn’t help but reflect on the par 3s which all offer something different but manage to share trademark good looks which live long in the memory. Up, down, over water and sand, these four charismatic holes beautifully punctuate a course which is tremendously fun to play.

Throughout the venue the attention to detail and level of service at Tewkesbury Park has an air of refined quality, making it a fantastic option for a relaxing and indulgent golf break. This is a classy venue which travelling golfers return to year after year.

Have you had the chance to play at Tewkesbury Park yet?  

Overall Rating - 8

Course (Conditions) - 8

Course (Hole Variety/Layout) - 8

Course (Green Condition) - 8

Course (Challenge/Difficulty) - 7

Club Facilities & Clubhouse - 7

Practice Facilities - 7

Friendliness/Hospitality - 8

Pace of Play - 8

Value For Money - 9