Swing, Sip, Repeat: Golfing in the Wye Valley (Even If You Don’t Know a Driver from a Doughnut)
Why Golf? No, Seriously.
Okay, we get it – golf has a bit of a PR problem. But the modern game is shedding the snobbery and making space for anyone who fancies a day outdoors that doesn't involve hiking boots or getting lost in the woods.
Here’s why you might actually love it:
Fresh air & light cardio: You’ll clock up a decent step count without realising.
Headspace: Golf courses are basically landscaped therapy. It’s you, the birds, and maybe a smug pheasant or two.
Social stuff: You can natter while you play – it’s like a long walk with a bit of competition thrown in.
Scenic views: And the Wye Valley? She delivers in spades.
Clubhouse treats: Because who doesn’t love a bacon bap with a view?
Still not convinced? Try a nine-hole or a pitch-and-putt to dip a toe in. Golf doesn’t have to be serious. Unless you're aiming for the PGA Tour. In which case... good luck.
Where to Play: Wye Valley Golf Spots Worth a Swing
The Wye Valley straddles the England-Wales border, covering parts of Herefordshire, Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire. That means you get a juicy selection of clubs – from laid-back countryside courses to more challenging terrain for the bold and the brave.
Here are some local favourites:
🏌️♂️ The Rolls of Monmouth (Monmouthshire)
Location: Near Monmouth
Par: 72 | Yardage: 6,733 yards
Let’s kick things off in style. The Rolls is a stunner – and not just because it was once the home of Charles Rolls (yes, that Rolls, of Rolls-Royce fame). The course winds through 600 acres of rolling parkland, with a grand stately home plonked in the middle for that extra "I’m in a period drama" vibe.
The layout is long, challenging, and beautifully maintained – ideal for confident golfers. But don’t let that put you off. Even if your swing’s more guesswork than glory, it’s a pretty dreamy place to spend an afternoon.
Vibe: Championship-level class with countryside calm.
⛳ Ross-on-Wye Golf Club (Herefordshire)
Location: Just outside Ross-on-Wye
Par: 72 | Yardage: 6,451 yards
Tucked into dense woodland, this course feels almost secretive – a little pocket of green tranquillity that’s just as welcoming to high-handicappers as it is to low. It’s known for fast greens, mature trees and holes that reward strategy over brute strength.
Great for golfers who love a bit of thought with their swing. The clubhouse is friendly and not at all stuffy – exactly the kind of place you can rock up in with grass on your shoes and leave with a grin (or a vow to do better next time).
Vibe: Hidden gem with old-school heart.
🏞 Forest Hills Golf Club (Gloucestershire – technically just outside the Wye Valley, but still counts)
Location: Near Coleford, in the Forest of Dean
Par: 72 | Yardage: 6,213 yards
Forest Hills sits on the edge of the Wye Valley and is known for being approachable, relaxed and scenic. It’s slightly less hilly than some of the others, which means you don’t need to be a mountain goat to enjoy it. There’s also a driving range, so you can get your eye in (or let off steam) before the main event.
Vibe: Friendly, fun, and perfect for groups or beginners.
🐑 Monmouth Golf Club
Location: Overlooking the town of Monmouth
Par: 69 | Yardage: 5,555 yards
Shorter course, big views. This one sits on a hill above Monmouth, and on a clear day, you can see for miles. It’s quirky, undulating and full of personality – much like the town itself. A cracking choice if you’re staying nearby and fancy something low-key but satisfying.
Vibe: Low-pressure golf with top-tier scenery.
New to Golf? Here’s How to Dip Your Toe In
Don’t worry if the last club you swung was a rounders bat in Year 9 PE. Golf doesn’t have to be intimidating. Loads of Wye Valley clubs are beginner-friendly, with taster sessions, pay-and-play options, and gear hire if you haven’t got your own.
Quick golf glossary:
Driver: The big one you use to whack it off the tee.
Fairway: The neat bit you’re supposed to hit onto.
Rough: The gnarly grass you’ll probably end up in.
Bogey: One over par. Not your nose. Don’t ask.
Still nervous? Grab a pal and just have a go. Worst case? You get a walk with snacks. Best case? You discover a weird new hobby that makes you feel mildly powerful and weirdly zen.
Post-Golf Perks: What Else Is Nearby?
You’re in one of the UK’s most scenic spots, so make a day of it.
Pubs with proper pints: The area is dripping in countryside inns. Try The Boat Inn at Penallt or The Saracens Head at Symonds Yat for riverside vibes.
Cider stops: You’re in apple country – say no more.
Walks for sore legs: Try the Wye Valley Walk or Offa’s Dyke if you’re not too shattered.
Treetop views: Climb up to Symonds Yat Rock and feel smug.
In a Nutshell...
Golf in the Wye Valley isn’t just a game – it’s a gorgeous excuse to spend a few hours outside, doing something that’s part skill, part luck, and 100% scenic. Whether you’re a casual putter, a serial slicer, or a total rookie, this is one place where the golf is just the cherry on top of a beautiful day out.
So grab your holiday gang, hire a club, book a tee time and go hit a tiny ball in a huge field. What’s the worst that could happen?
(Just don’t forget the bacon bap.)
Big House Holiday Lets
w: bhhl.co.uk
e: enquiries@bhhl.co.uk
t: 01600 732050
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Bowley Hall
Prices from £3,250.00
Bowley Hall is a 9 bedroom Manor House and a 3 bedroom Coach House sleeping up to 31 guests in stunning Herefordshire countryside. With a bar, games room, cinema room, extensive grounds, outdoor pizza oven and Hot Tub (hire charge) its the perfect venue to relax in style and comfort. 3 lounges, huge baronial dining room, modern kitchen, breakfast room - its has everything you need. Licensed for weddings up to 170 with Marquee.
- 9 Bedrooms in Hall + 3 in Coachhouse
- Sleeps from 18 to 31 plus 4 infants please ask for a quote
- Hot Tub (Hired) Hot Tub included in house hire from November 2025 to May 2026
- Games room, table tennis, pool,
- Bar/Party Room/Cinema Room
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The Manor on the Monnow
Prices from £2,850.00
Majestic Manor House sleeping 24 in 11 bedrooms, huge lounge and dining room. Big kitchen and separate breakfast room. Games room and covered Hot Tub in 2 acre safe and private grounds. On the banks of the River Monnow, fishing from garden and wild swimming a very short walk. 10 minute flat stroll into town, the Manor is perfect for town and country group self catering in the picturesque border town of Monmouth. Pet friendly.
- Games Room and Hot Tub
- Fishing from riverbank
- Wild swimming 100 yards
- Galleried Hall with woodburner
- 11 Bedrooms, 9 Bathrooms
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Holly Tree House
Prices from £2,450.00
Charming villa above Symonds Yat, sleeping 22 in 9 bedrooms overlooking River Wye. Two lounges, a large dining room and patio plus covered, outdoor Hot Tub and Games Room. Short walk to 3 pubs (with excellent food), river ferry, and flat riverside circular walk - super pet-friendly. Loads of activities inc canoes and paddle boards. verty safe and secure, no traffic. Ideal multi generation holiday cottage. Holly Tree House provides accommodation in an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- 9 bedrooms sleeping 12 - 22
- 8 Bath and Shower/Loos
- Covered Hot Tub
- Pet Friendly
- 3 Pub/Restaurants walkable
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The Anchor
Prices from £2,450.00
Set in the heart of Lydbrook in the Forest of Dean and previously know as The Anchor Inn, this cosy village pub, which dates back to the 15th century, is now a charmingly converted holiday cottage sleeping 20 in 7/8 ensuite bedrooms. Lovely Games Room and covered Hot Tub. Enclosed rear garden, pet friendly. Walk to village pubs, shop and chippie! Easy access to riverside. With Superfast Broadband and full Sky Film and Sports Pack it's ideal for work and leisure.
- 7/8 ensuite bedrooms sleep 22
- G/F room, sofa bed & bathroom
- Dogs and other pets welcome
- Covered Hot Tub
- Dine 20 round one table
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River Wye Lodge
Prices from £2,850.00
Converted Coaching Inn on the banks of the River Wye, with park and canoe launch - short walk to village shop, pub, Indian takeaway and fish and chip shop. Sleeps 26 in 12 bedrooms, 10 having glorious views of the River Wye. Accessibility ramp to the front door and the ground floor houses a wheelchair friendly twin room with an en-suite wet room. Huge dining room and lounge, 2 connected kitchens, playground outside. Games Room. Pet friendly.
- 12 Bedrooms sleeping 26
- Covered Hot Tub
- Games Room
- Dine 26 round one table
- Twin disabled bedroom wet room en suite
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Wye Rapids House
Prices from £2,850.00
13 bedroom (11 ensuite) converted hotel overlooking the River Wye rapids at Symonds Yat. Large dining room , bar, lounge, patio, riverside garden plus outdoor hot tub (that can be hired) and games room. Plenty of room to relax and enjoy the sights and sound of nature all around you. An ideal pet-friendly cottage for large group holidays. With flat walks and 3 nearby pubs and restaurants, Wye Rapids provides an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for up to 30 guests (26 adults max plus 4 children)
- 11 ensuite Bedrooms plus family room and shared bathroom sleeps 26 adults plus 4 children
- Hot tub hire available
- All dine together
- Fully commercial kitchen
- Offroad parking for 16 cars
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Monnow Valley Studio
Prices from £2,850.00
Sleeps 24 in 11 bedrooms , world famous recording studio on banks of the River Monnow, full of memorabilia with Party Room, Games Room, Cinema Room, stunning dining room, huge modern kitchen, hot tub (hire charge) . Pets are not allowed. peaceful, quiet , safe with no traffic, fishing and swimming from the garden. Licensed for Weddings - 50 max.
- Outdoor Hot Tub for hire
- Huge soundproof Party Room
- Games and Cinema Room
- 11 bedrooms sleeps 24
- Licensed for weddings up to 50
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Brookside
Prices from £2,450.00
Grand Georgian Manor — A Luxurious Countryside Escape for up to 24 Guests. Experience the charm and elegance of this stunning Georgian manor house, featuring eight large bedrooms and five bathrooms. Perfect for large groups, family gatherings, or special celebrations, the property offers a grand dining area where everyone can dine together, a large lounge for relaxing evenings, a fun-filled games room, and an inviting outdoor swimming pool. Combining classic style with modern comfort, this exceptional home provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable countryside getaway.
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- Large Games Room / Party Room
- Hot Tub can be hired
- Ground floor bedroom for elderly or infirm
- Village location with local shop, cafe & pub
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Forest House
Prices from £2,850.00
This 11 ensuite bedroom converted 4* Hotel sleeps up to 25 in the centre of Coleford, the heart of the Forest of Dean - Hot Tub, 2 Lounges, Games Room with pool table, Large dining room, fantastic kitchen. Off road walks and cycling from door. Pet friendly. Short walk to shops, pubs, restaurants. A perfect location for sampling the huge array of activities and attractions in the Forest of Dean.
- 11 Ensuite bedrooms sleeping 25
- Covered Hot Tub
- Games Room with Pool Table
- All Dine Together
- Pet Friendly for 2 dogs
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Fairlea Grange
Prices from £3,250.00
This striking gothic townhouse in the heart of Abergavenny is full of character and inspired Alfred Hitchcock's classic movie The Lady Vanishes. It was the childhood home of Ethel Lina White who wrote the original novel. If you want your stay to evoke a dramatic atmosphere this is the holiday home for you! 10 bedrooms, sleeping up to 24 people with 2 lounges , 2 kitchens , games Room, Hot Tub, enclosed garden in walking distance of town centre and Station. Pet friendly.
- 10 bedrooms, 6 ensuites plus 2 bathrooms
- Pets Welcome
- Games Room
- Covered Hot Tub
- Near Brecon Beacons
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High Cloud Farm and Barn
Prices from £2,450.00
The secluded hilltop retreat of explorer, adventurer, and author Christina Dodwell, High Cloud Farm, a perfect location for 3 generation celebrations, with maps, books, pictures and artefacts in evidence everywhere. This remote rural cottage on the Wales borders offers total privacy as a large party house or holiday retreat. Hot tub and heated Swimming Pool (May till October). farmhouse sleeps 12 and Barn sleeps 12. Everyone can dine together in the Barn. 3 Kitchens, Games Room, pet friendly.
- Dining table seats 24
- 10 bedrooms sleeps 24
- Large games room
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- Covered hot tub
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Pencraig Court
Prices from £2,850.00
Classic country house sleeping 36 in 11 bedrooms midway between Monmouth and Ross on Wye overlooking the river. Pet friendly, stunning rooms, large grounds, games room. On site 3 bed cottage sleeping a further 8 available. Large grounds and gardens and a drive with an extensive parking area, totalling 3.6 Acres. Hot tub hire available.
- 11 Ensuite Bedrooms sleeping 36
- Attached 3 Bed cottage sleeping 8
- Games Rooms with Table Football and Pool table
- Hot tub Hire available
- Pet Friendly
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Bromsash House
Prices from £2,950.00
Bromsash House is a grand Manor house boasting six acres of land. 5 bedrooms in the main house sleep 12 adults . There is a Lodge with 3 double bedrooms sleeping a further 6 and Games Room.. The gardens are huge and boast a huge array of unusual trees, fruit trees, rose bushes, and magnolias, creating perfect areas in which to play and explore. Patio with lovely furniture and Hot Tub. Bromsash House sleeps 18 in total.
- 1 Hot Tub
- 2 Pets Welcome
- Max sleepers 18
- Linen Provided
- Sky TV
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Symonds Yat Lodge
Prices from £4,250.00
A comfortable 25 bedroom (all ensuite) converted guest accommodation situated on the banks for the River Wye. Huge dining room, lounge,bar, games / party room and mature gardend. With flat walks from the door Symonds Yat Lodge is the perfect place for celebrations and large group holidays. Pet friendly, parking. Sleeps 50 guests. Prices are based on 30 guests in 15 bedrooms with 10 extra bedrooms available at an additional charge.
- 25 ensuite Bedrooms
- All dine together in huge dining room
- Licensed for Weddings - for up to 100 guests
- Pet friendly
- Country pub within 5 minute walk
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Carefree Cottage
Carefree Cottage is a pretty 3 bedroom cottage sleeping 8 midway between Ross on Wye and Monmouth
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Hope Mansell Hall
Prices from £4,250.00
Hope Mansell Hall is an 18 ensuite bedroom Georgian estate in 11 acres of winding gardens and tranquil woodland outside Ross-on-Wye. Perfectly equipped for family and corporate events, intimate celebrations and weddings. Sleeps up to 40 guests. With games room, huge dining room, gorgeous kitchen , gardens, the perfect getaway.
- 18 Ensuite Bedrooms sleep 40
- Games Room, pool, table tennis, table football
- Huge Dining Room seats 40
- Professional level kitchen
- Bar, perfect for socialising
