Located on the Suffolk/Essex border set in 300 acres of beautiful countryside is one of East Anglia’s most popular courses, Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa.
Located on the Suffolk/Essex border set in 300 acres of beautiful countryside is one of East Anglia’s most popular courses, Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa.
The two well-established 18-hole championship courses are named Gainsborough and Constable as their idlyllic settings were captured in paintings by these famous artists.
The Gainsborough is designed around four lakes so water on its own can have a big impact on your round, like the signature 10th hole where your approach shot needs to carry water to reach the green safely. Conservation is a priority and a feature of both courses is the number of trees, approximately 60,000, so try and keep the ball straight off the tee, especially on the Constable course. This course is slightly longer than the Gainsborough at 5821yards and the variety of holes also feature water including the attractive 150-yard par 3 18th hole.
A spacious and modern glass-fronted clubhouse with outdoor terraces is the perfect place to enjoy a drink, followed by a bite to eat in Lakes restaurant, appropriately named by the view it offers across the lake and 18th green of both courses.
When it’s time to relax, you can indulge yourself in Peake Spa that includes an 18-metre pool, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi. There is an extensive list of beauty treatments to choose from, although fourball will have fun in the heated Rasul Suite by applying different coloured mud to areas of the body to help detoxify and exfoliate your skin. If you are a fitness junkie, the gym includes state-of-the-art equipment and its stunning views make exercising less laborious.
Bedrooms are equipped to a high standard, but there’s also the option of staying in one of the luxurious country lodges that nestle in a quiet corner of the estate – perfect for a group of friends or family.
Having Fun
Before exploring the surrounding area, women will enjoy browsing in Pippin, the hotel’s shop which sells gifts, cards, unique jewellery and a variety of local produce, plus women’s golf and leisure wear.
The nearby picturesque mediaeval town of Lavenham includes antique and gift shops, art galleries, tea rooms and restaurants. Tudor townhouses mingle with small crooked cottages and the Wool Church of St Peter & St Paul has one of the tallest towers in East Anglia.
Sudbury is also within easy reach of the hotel. This ancient market town centres round Market Hill and North Street and dates back to Saxon times with many interesting alleys and streets. It is often used for television locations, most significantly for BBC’s Lovejoy. Market Hill contains many fine buildings and also leads to Gainsborough’s House, the home of the artist, now an exhibition of his life and work.
Colchester, reputed to be the oldest town in England, is the place for shopaholics where you will find all the big names plus distinctive specialist shops. Should you wish to travel further afield, the impressive cities of Norwich and Cambridge and the East Coast, including Snape and Aldeburgh, should not be overlooked.