A broad offering for golfers in Norfolk

If your idea of an idyllic weekend away involves good food, a relaxing atmosphere and a round of golf, then Barnham Broom Hotel in Norfolk could be just for you.

Barnham Broom Hotel offers two picturesque golf courses, with different degrees of difficulty to match a player's skill.

The Valley Course is ideal for the casual golfer, and other than the tricky bunkers around the greens it's not designed to pose too many problems. The Hill Course is a much sterner test, and as the hotel's website says, it 'was designed by Frank Pennink, one of Europe's most prominent and respected golf course architects, and its 18 holes are now rated among Norfolk's best.'

The hotel also boasts an attractive gym and health facilities, including a spa. Their use is free for all guests, and a range of fitness classes and sports lessons from professionals are available. However, after 18 rounds of golf, a relaxing spa is probably more appealing for most of us, and it really is quite a treat.

The hotel, although only a few miles from Norwich, has the feeling of being in the heart of nowhere, providing a pleasant escape from our busy world. If you are travelling from the town or city and you are looking for some peace and quiet, then it is ideal. However, it can equally be used as a base to see more of Norfolk. The A47 provides easy access to Norwich, the Broads and Great Yarmouth.

One of the best features of the hotel is the extremely good food. The package offers include the menu of the day, with the option of selecting from the a la carte. However, if dinner is included in the price of your stay be cautious before selecting from the a la carte menu as there appears to be negligible difference in quality but you will be charged extra. That aside, the presentation and quality of the food are excellent and, rather surprisingly for the style, the portions are wholesome. The breakfast is especially generous, with the opportunity to enjoy a full English breakfast along with meat, rolls, pastries and the usual toast and cereals.

The hotel's rooms are perhaps in need of some improvement, with the décor showing signs of age. This aside, they are spacious and comfortable, and the fruit and biscuits on arrival are particularly welcome, especially if one has had a reasonable journey to the hotel. Furthermore, the spacious baths and power showers offer that hint of luxury expected in a hotel. A word of advice: if you like soft pillows bring your own!

Barnham Broom excels in creating a polite, friendly yet unobtrusive atmosphere around the hotel, and this complements the gentle and relaxing countryside and leisure facilities. There are some excellent packages available too, offering real value. In June you can get 15% off a two nights Golf Break, with golfers receiving tea/coffee and bacon rolls on arrival, and non-golfers afternoon tea and scones. You can stay an extra night for just £55.00 per person including dinner, bed, breakfast and a further round of golf.

One or two other points should be noted before booking. The restaurant is not a particularly romantic setting, so it is perhaps not ideal for a second honeymoon; and as mentioned, it lacks the class of a top hotel. Golfers should also note that buggy hire is very expensive at £25 a round - but if you can stretch to this it is great fun! In the light of the many advantages offered by the hotel, these are perhaps rather minor disincentives to consider.

In summary, Barnham Broom Hotel offers an ideal location and very good value for money, especially if one takes full advantage of the golf courses.
There's enough to do over a few days, or to cram into a weekend.

To find out more about golf, the menus, health facilities or current offers, visit :
www.barnham-broom.co.uk, call 01603 759393, or send an email to enquiry@barnhambroomhotel.co.uk

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