1 Night, 2 Rounds
Since opening in 1972, Stoke by Nayland's two championship golf courses have steadily established a superb reputation, and have now been designated an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. These superb golf courses are a regular venue for PGA Europro Tour events, while they also staged the prestigious PGA Seniors' Championship in 2006.
Found just 20-minutes north of Colchester, Stoke by Nayland is surrounded by acres of pure English countryside, the ideal location for a country escape for golfers across the UK. The enchanting hotel is surrounded by lakes and woodland, treating guests to first-class comfort and service in a peaceful setting.
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1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
The par-71 Gainsborough Course measures over 7000 yards from the championship markers, and the tremendous rolling countryside is home to a truly spectacular layout, which is designed around the four expansive lakes that can wreak havoc with your scorecard.
It is essential to drive the ball well around the Gainsborough, as being out of position off the tee will make scoring exceptionally difficult. The highlight is the awe-inspiring 10th, where golfers must play their drive and approach shot over the same lake.
| Par | 71 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Dave Thomas, Peter Alliss |
| Opened for play | 1972 |
| Black | 6,730 yards | SSS 71.0 |
|---|---|---|
| White | 6,234 yards | SSS 70.8 |
| Green | 5,846 yards | SSS 68.9 (M) 74.9 (L) |
| Yellow | 5,322 yards | SSS 65.9 (M) 70.9 (L) |
| Blue | 4,012 yards | SSS 64.2 |
The Constable Course measuring at just over 6,400 yards and a par of 72 is similarly stunning, but is arguably tighter off the tee, owing to the mature woodland that skirts many fairways. There are several water hazards to be negotiated, and like the Gainsborough, retaining your concentration to the last is important; the closing hole is an exacting par-4, requiring a good drive over a large lake before you attack the plateau green.
Stoke by Nayland's superb golf complex also offers first-class tuition, while the overall package makes it an educated choice for your society or corporate golf outing and is now the site for one of Lee Westwood golf schools'.
Take your inspiration from the renowned Constable and Gainsborough, after whom the courses are named, and use all your artistic creativity to negotiate the great variety of holes at Stoke by Nayland.
| Par | 72 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Dave Thomas, Peter Alliss |
| Opened for play | 1979 |
| White | 6,419 yards | SSS 72.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Green | 6,091 yards | SSS 70.1 (M) 76.0 (L) |
| Yellow | 5,683 yards | SSS 68.4 (M) 73.5 (L) |
| Blue | 4,070 yards | SSS 65.4 |
Stoke by Nayland is set within 500 acres of Constable country, and the resort is widely regarded to be one of the most beautiful in England's East. The hotel is located amidst the stunning lakes and woodland that characterise the estate, over which many of the rooms enjoy spectacular views.
The superbly furnished and decorated guest rooms are spacious, and are fitted with direct dial telephone, satellite television and an internet connection. The hotel is currently undergoing a renovation and extension programme, which upon completion will result in a total of 78 fantastic bedrooms.
These improvements will only serve to embellish the quality of a golf break at Stoke by Nayland, elevating the accommodation to a standard on par with the outstanding golf courses.
The Lakes Restaurant offers two AA Rosette cuisine with stunning views of the lake and golf course greens. The south-facing terrace is popular for summer pre-dinner drinks. For casual dining, try the Peake Bistro, and the 24-hour Lounge Bar is perfect for evening refreshments.
The ‘Peake Spa' is regarded as one of East Anglia's premier relaxation centres, whose 11 treatment rooms are home to speciality health and beauty therapy, including aromatherapy, reflexology, Indian head massage, manicures, pedicures, electrolysis, St. Tropez tanning, and waxing. The facility has also recently introduced Rasoul mud therapy, an exfoliation treatment inherited from the ancient Egyptians. The superb gym is fitted with Technogym ‘Excite' equipment for the best in cardiovascular training, while there are numerous scheduled classes such as spinning, Tai Bo, pilates, karate, dance and much more. The leisure club boasts a swimming pool, steam room, sauna, spa pool, solarium and squash courts.
The Stoke by Nayland Hotel is nestled in the picturesque village of Leavenheath, a charming locale that straddles the border between the historic counties of Essex and Suffolk. This makes it an ideal destination for travelers from near and far being less than an hour's drive from London Stansted Airport.
Address: Keepers Lane, Leavenheath, Colchester, Essex, CO6 4PZ
Barry
✓25 May 2026
Highly recommended - will be back. Large, well appointed, comfortable rooms. Shower was great after a hot day on the course. Well equipped gym, good sized pool and spa facilities great to relax in before and after rounds of golf. Lots of choices for food and drink. Sports bar - served good pub grub and "cordon bleu" quality in the Lava Restaurant for dinner. Buffet breakfast was all a hungry golfer could wish for to set themselves up for a long, hot day on the course. Most memorable element of the stay was the unfailing hospitality shown by the hotel's staff. From the reception, through the bars, in the Spa and and the dining rooms - all at the highest standard. A particular shout out for Jack in the Sports bar. 5 stars all round.
Chris
✓24 May 2026
Great place for short break
Dennis
✓22 May 2026
Great venue with 2 lovely courses, good value for money and great food.
Dan
✓20 May 2026
Chris
✓17 May 2026
Excellent food at a reasonable price with first class service provided by friendly and attentive staff.
Colin
✓15 May 2026
Great accommodation and friendly staff. The courses were in great condition.
Graham
✓14 May 2026
Good value for money. Decent food.
Gary
✓5 May 2026
Another great weekend at Stoke by Nayland. The courses were hard as always and seemed hillier. My age creeping upon me. A real test for all hdcps.
Tommy
✓5 May 2026
Lovely hotel and fantastic staff. Rooms do not have air conditioning and it was extremely hot both nights and difficult to sleep, even with windows open and fans on. Rooms were very clean and modern but no fridges in the rooms is disappointing. Overall though the food was delicious and staff were brilliant.
Mark
✓4 May 2026
Barry
✓25 May 2026
A Saturday late morning round on a very hot day. We managed an earlier tee time which gained our 2 ball some space on the course, getting us away before the Societies got out on the course. Therefore the pace of play was good. Course was visually attractive, but very challenging for the senior golfer. Again a buggy is recommended. The 10th is particularly memorable - not least for the much needed drinks and snack shed - but really for the play alongside and then over the lake. Spectacular. Both courses benefit for the drive across the water on the 18th towards the club house. No pressure! A great way to end a round.
Barry
✓25 May 2026
May Bank Holiday golf weekend and so the courses were very busy with members, club competitions and golf societies vying for tee times. So busy. We had 2 rounds on Constable over the weekend. Friday the pace of play was acceptable and conditions fine. For the older golfer the course's hills were challenging and so the decision to use a buggy for the Sunday round was a wise one. The Sunday was very popular with Societies and by lunchtime the pace of play was extremely slow and some of the noise on the course was distracting. For 2 balls and the quicker 4 balls I suggest it is worth asking the friendly course managers if earlier tee times are available. We were moved up from an 11.52 to a 9.30 tee time, which made our day so much better. Well done the course manager for their flexibility. Overall the course was visually attractive, and the slopes provide a number of challenges for the golfers of all standards.
Chris
✓24 May 2026
A little more interesting than the sister course. Similar with hills but a little more water, particularly early on to test your bravery
Chris
✓24 May 2026
Course was good. Quite hilly and tough walk with lots of blind shots. Once you know the course scoring would improve
Dennis
✓22 May 2026
Tees and greens great, some fairways a little burnt but generally good.
Dennis
✓22 May 2026
Fairways and greens and tees all good, a little slow (5hours) but back on back tees.
Dan
✓20 May 2026
Dan
✓20 May 2026
Chris
✓17 May 2026
Excellent
Chris
✓17 May 2026
Excellent
Check-in from 2pm | Check-out from 11am
7-10am on weekdays, 7:30-10:30am on weekends
Smart Casual
Lakes Restaurant
Yes
Yes
No caddies available
Visitors tee times are available from 12pm in Summer and 11am in Winter
There are 2 bars on site
There is complimentary car parking
