Donnington Grove: The Berkshire Golf Club with a Difference
Set within 500 acres of stunning English countryside, Donnington Grove Golf Club is widely considered to be the best championship golf course the UK offers. Golfers from Berkshire and beyond can enjoy the ultimate day out, complete with luxury amenities and a peaceful, picturesque setting.
In this guide, we explore the fascinating history of the Berkshire Golf Club’s grounds, what makes Donnington Grove so special, and why our golf club is in a league of its own.
The History of Donnington Grove
With a history dating back centuries, the estate was first built by James Pettit Andrews, a historian, between 1763 and 1772. Its design was influenced by the Strawberry Hill Gothic style, which combined classic Gothic revival design with eclectic and Palladian elements.
In 1783, Andrews sold the estate to William Brummell. Under Brummell’s ownership, the estate expanded with extensive landscaping, entrance lodges, and stables, eventually covering 800 acres. After Brummell’s death, the estate changed hands a few times before being taken over by Allied Supplies Ltd in 1940.
Once the war ended, it remained in the family of Hon. Reginald Fellows until the early 1990s, when Shi-tennoji, a Japanese company, purchased the estate in 1991. The company chose to hire Dave Thomas, a well-known golf course designer, to create an 18-hole championship golf course.
In 1993, the Donnington Golf Course as we know it today officially opened. Today, this stunning golf course with views of the castle spans farmland, parkland, and woodland, providing a tranquil atmosphere with the River Lambourn flowing through it. The course measures 7,108 yards, offering golfers a challenging yet enjoyable game, featuring contrasting halves of scenic elevated terrain and parkland holes.
Key Information About Donnington Grove Golf Course
Donnington Grove Berkshire Golf Club is divided into two segments: the front nine holes over rolling hills and the back nine holes through tree-lined fairways.
You can expect a full round of golf to take anywhere between 4 and 4.5 hours, depending on your pace. Below, we’ve highlighted notable spots and sights along the way:
River Lambourn crossing
The serene river is a particular highlight, which adds strategic challenge.
Hole 12
A par 3 that offers beautiful panoramas and water strategy.
Wildlife
Throughout your game, keep a lookout for local wildlife, muntjac deer pass through the course, and red kites are familiar visitors.
Trees
The course is home to a wide range of ancient trees and seasonal flowers.
Visitors can hire electric prams and pull trolleys for ease. We recommend our course to experienced golfers; however, beginners can also play here. During non-tournament days, the park is an excellent location for mountain bikers and walkers, who can take in the scenery and enjoy the estate at a leisurely pace.
Play Options
Whether you’re a solo golfer or taking to the course with friends, there are various play options to suit your golfing style at Donnington Grove.
Membership: If you live locally, why not enjoy Donnington Grove whenever you want ot with a membership? You’ll have the opportunity to participate in competitions and can sign up for professional golf coaching.
Golf Days at our Berkshire Golf Club: Choose a tailored golf day with the option for catering and other personalisation.
Our Luxury Hotel Rooms
Stay and Play Golf Breaks: We offer a stay and play package for any golfers who want to enjoy the course over a weekend or book for a special event.
With our on-site restored, boutique hotel, you can enjoy a game before retreating to a luxury room to rest and replenish.
Our range of beautiful rooms spans lodges and main house options. In the main house, you’ll find relics from a bygone era, tasteful decor, and history-rich rooms. Our lodges offer stylish surroundings and lake views to wake up to.
We also have a remarkable restaurant at Donnington Grove that serves seasonal dishes year-round, serving as the perfect dining location for a spot of breakfast before a game with friends or an evening meal to celebrate success.
Our clubhouse features a range of amenities such as a pro shop, practice facilities, and changing rooms. Golfers can also sit back and relax in the welcome lounger before taking to the course.
Why Donnington Grove Golf Club is in a League of Its Own
Call us biased, but our Berkshire Golf Club is truly a special course for any golf player and their fans. We put every thought and effort into ensuring that your golf experience with us is memorable.
From the natural, beautiful setting of the course, which is located far from any noise disturbance, to our historic hotel rooms and delicious, seasonal menus. You can expect a Berkshire Golf Club that is curated with care at every level.
Whether you’re planning a golfing event with others or are searching for a nearby membership, we look forward to welcoming you.
Book your stay and play overnight break today and enjoy the ultimate golfing getaway. Please contact us for further information about our world-class memberships and what we offer.