Aldwark Manor the perfect venue for a Valentine’s break

Reviews

Golf365’s Simon Wilkes reviews Aldwark Manor Golf & Spa Hotel in York and its 72-par, 6,187-yard golf course.

If you want to bank some brownie points this Valentine’s Day, book a short break at Aldwark Manor near York.

Having enjoyed a short stay at QHotels’ Telford Hotel & Golf Resort late last year, we decided to stay more local (we live in Leeds) and give Aldwark Manor a chance to impress.

Impress it did on all fronts, with friendly reception staff greeting us with a warm, Yorkshire smile and showing us to our upgraded Feature Double Bedroom, which for an extra £60 had a four-poster bed, drinks package, view of the golf course, posh toiletries and robes.

We stayed on the one-night package that includes evening meal and breakfast, and had a lazy Saturday afternoon in the spa and swimming pool, dipping in and out of the jacuzzi, sauna and steam room (there is also a gym if you are so inclined…we were not).

There are plenty of lounges to relax in, with most of them having teasing views of the par-72 golf course which is split across the river Ure and has stunning views.

I popped into the golf shop to confirm Sunday’s tee time and met head of golf Tony Moore, who previously worked as golf operations manager at another QHotel, Oulton Hall.

His passion for the role and course was evident, and there are two virtual TV guides of the 18-hole challenge which are useful to watch before teeing off.

“It’s a great venue in a wonderful part of the country,” said Moore, who like all staff was friendly and helpful, giving us some handy tips while acknowledging the tree-lined course really comes to life during the spring and summer months.

The restaurant was busy on the evening, which is always a good sign, and the food was fantastic. We had our two sons in tow, and they nailed the signature burger on the menu, while my wife and I went for steak and sea bass respectively.

After a cracking night’s sleep and nailing a breakfast fit for a king, it was time for the main event.

We took the 10.30am tee time and the first few holes are fairly forgiving, with the Manor providing a superb backdrop until you cross a bridge over the River Ure to take on the course’s stiffest challenges.

The 18 holes span 6,187 yards and once over the bridge, you take on water hazards, tricky tree placement and some testing par 5s which all have stunning scenery to enjoy.

Back over the bridge and the 15th hole is played up towards the 19th Century Manor, which is set in 120 acres of parkland.

The best is saved until last, however, as the 18th is a sight to behold, with the par 3 challenging you to get over the water hazard and land on the target green – which I managed to do, only to see my ball roll into the left bunker.

After a quick recap of our round with Tony, it was time to hit the bar for a well-earned drink, which we enjoyed in the Linton Room by reception.

There is a Valentine’s Day deal on offer including dinner & wine from £115 per couple. Your one-night break from £115 includes an evening meal worth £28 per guest, a full English/Scottish breakfast on the following morning and a complimentary bottle of wine.

Or you can get 36 holes of golf, dinner, bed & breakfast from just £105 person.

Just book here for a romantic break or golfing experience at Aldwark Manor.

About Aldwark Manor:

Aldwark Manor Golf & Spa Hotel, managed by Redefine|BDL Hotels (RBH) – the UK’s leading independent hotel management company – is set within 120 acres of parklands. It is a delightful mix of the old and new, with a contemporary wing attached to the 17th-century manor house.

The beautiful River Ure meanders through Aldwark’s easy-to-walk course, in the breathtaking Vale of York, creating a par-72 layout that may prove as testing as it is aesthetically pleasing.

As the largest golf resort operator in the UK, RBH manages 10 Championship and tournament golf courses across the UK, hosting events from the European Tour, European Seniors Tour, Ladies European Tour and the PGA.

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