1 Night, 2 Rounds
Set on the edge of the New Forest, Hamptworth Golf & Country Club is a smart pick for groups who want quality golf, great practice facilities and the freedom of a self-catering base. You're 15 minutes from Salisbury and its famous cathedral, with Winchester around 25 minutes away and Southampton centre roughly 30 minutes by car. It's an easy run for a long weekend, with London about 90 minutes away depending on traffic.
The recently refurbished clubhouse brings a touch of Art Deco style to the day, making it just as inviting for a post-round pint as it is for dinner. Golf-wise, there's plenty to keep you busy beyond the main course, including a PGA academy and a TopTracer-powered range for warming up, dialling in wedges or settling any friendly nearest-the-pin debates.
When not everyone wants 18 holes, Hamptworth still works. Croquet lawns, padel and pickleball add some competitive variety, while the forest trails on the doorstep are ideal for a reset between rounds. Expect well-kept fairways, modern facilities and a welcoming, golfer-first feel that suits societies, mates' trips and mixed-ability groups.
Who is this for?
Golf groups who want a self-catering base beside the New Forest, with a strong course, solid practice setup and plenty to do when not everyone fancies 18.
Who is it best for?
Societies and mates' trips of 8 who like competitive golf by day and a relaxed clubhouse vibe by night, with Salisbury and Southampton close enough to add something extra off the course.
1 Night, 2 Rounds
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
Hamptworth’s 6,500-yard plus, par-72 course (designed in 1994) weaves through the New Forest, offering a mix of parkland and woodland terrain. The River Blackwater serves as a recurring hazard, while elevation changes and undulating greens demand precision from the five tee sets available.
First-time players should note the left-to-right slope on Hole 1’s fairway, avoid over-clubbing on the narrow 5th and ensure accuracy over distance on the 11th's steep green runoff. Post-round, the clubhouse provides all-day dining with terrace views, while the pro shop offers equipment rentals. Practice facilities include a state-of-the-art driving range with interactive TopTracer screens, two bunkers and dedicated chipping areas.
Smallbrook Cottage and The Elm Tree are two high-quality, 4-star self-catering options at Hamptworth, each sleeping up to eight. They're ideal for groups who want space, flexibility and a base that's genuinely geared around golf, with the first tee only 50 yards away. That means no taxis, no early-morning faff and more time spent where you want to be, on the course or in the clubhouse.
Inside, you'll find fully equipped kitchens and roomy living areas that work well for group trips, whether you're planning a cooked breakfast before an early tee time or a relaxed evening meal after 18 holes. It's also a great setup for the traditional post-round debrief, scorecards on the table, highlights on in the background and plans being made for the next day's matches.
If you fancy making it more of a Hampshire golf tour, Hamptworth sits within easy reach of other excellent tracks. Brokenhurst Manor and Stoneham Golf Club are both straightforward options for adding variety across a long weekend, while keeping the convenience of returning to the same place each night.
Self-catering also keeps the budget and timings in your hands. Stock up locally for easy breakfasts and beers, then head into the clubhouse when you want the full experience, from dinner in the refurbished restaurant to a few drinks in the bar afterwards. If you're the one organising, it's a simple format that keeps everyone happy and makes the trip run smoothly.
The on-site restaurant leans into local sourcing, with slow-roasted New Forest venison and Sunday roasts featuring Yorkshire puddings. The refurbished dining space, complete with Art Deco styling, creates a sophisticated backdrop for group meals. The clubhouse bar keeps things lively post-round with craft cocktails and Sky Sports coverage, while Southampton's waterfront bars are around 30 to 45 minutes away by car for those wanting a livelier evening.
Beyond golf, the Huxley Golf-designed driving range with TopTracer technology, five croquet lawns, and padel and pickleball courts cater to mixed-ability groups. The New Forest's walking trails start right from the property, offering a natural escape between rounds.
David
✓21 Apr 2026
Excellent location and facilities. Course was scenic and tough. Staff were super friendly and the accommodation was top class. Could not fault anything at all. Definigo fornthe full English breakfast-sets you up nicely for the golf. Will be coming back here again
Howard
✓30 Sep 2025
What a fantastic set up, don’t be put off by the fact it’s not a name course. The staff were exceptional, the facilities at the cottage ( a Mile from the course) top notch, and the course was great fun and in super condition.
Howard
✓30 Sep 2025
