Old Thorns Hotel & Resort

Set in 400 acres of rolling Hampshire countryside on the edge of the South Downs National Park, Old Thorns Hotel & Resort combines a championship golf course with a hotel, spa and self-catering lodges, close to the Surrey–Hampshire border.

The estate grew from a 17th-century farmhouse and is now one of southern England’s best-loved golf resorts. It sits just off the A3 near Liphook, less than 30 minutes from the M25 and around an hour from Heathrow and Gatwick, and Liphook station, with direct trains from London Waterloo, is only a five-minute drive away.

The golf

Designed by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas, the par-72 Championship Course was opened in 1976 with an exhibition match featuring Jack Nicklaus and Seve Ballesteros. It winds through mature woodland and gently undulating terrain, with creeks, lakes, natural springs and well-placed bunkers bringing variety to every hole. Fast, true greens and lovely views make it a memorable round for golfers of all abilities.

Old Thorns is also perfectly placed for some of England’s finest heathland golf: Liphook, Blackmoor, Hankley Common and Hindhead are all within a short drive, making it an excellent base for a Surrey and Hampshire heathland tour.

Stay and relax

The four-star hotel has 150 bedrooms, many with views across the course, and the resort also offers 51 self-catering apartments, including three-bedroom penthouses overlooking the golf course, which are ideal for larger groups. Guests have complimentary use of the Elevation Health Club, with its 20-metre indoor pool, wellness area and two-storey gym, and the spa offers a full range of treatments. For the 19th hole, there is the Kings Restaurant, with views over the course, the Atrium Cocktail Bar and a lively sports bar.