Hanbury Manor Golf Course
Ware
Set within 200 acres of Hertfordshire countryside near Ware, Hanbury Manor Golf Course is an 18-hole championship layout combining mature parkland, water hazards and views of the adjoining Jacobean-style manor house. Located around 25 miles north of Central London, the course provides a scenic yet demanding test and has established a strong reputation as one of the leading resort golf courses in the South East of England.
The course measures 7,052 yards from the championship tees and plays to a par of 72. Its roots stretch back to an original nine-hole layout created by five-time Open Champion Harry Vardon, with Jack Nicklaus II later responsible for creating the modern 18-hole championship course. His design combines elements of the original course with former meadowland, producing a varied layout that moves between more traditional tree-lined holes and open sections of the estate.
Mature trees, rolling fairways and picturesque water hazards are recurring features throughout the round. The course wraps around the Manor House, with changes in elevation and strategically positioned hazards encouraging golfers to think carefully about position from the tee. USGA-specification greens and tees are another important feature, helping provide consistently strong playing surfaces and year-round golf.
At more than 7,000 yards from the back tees, Hanbury Manor can provide a considerable challenge for experienced players, but a choice of teeing positions makes the course accessible to golfers of different abilities. From the white tees the layout measures approximately 6,678 yards, while further forward options reduce the overall distance considerably. This flexibility makes it particularly well suited to golf breaks where groups may contain players with a range of handicaps.
Hanbury Manor also has an impressive professional tournament history. The course has hosted events including the English Open, English Championship, Willow Senior Golf Classic, Rose Ladies Open and tournaments on the Legends Tour. Previous winners at Hanbury include Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke, Andy Sullivan, Peter Fowler and Ángel Cabrera, demonstrating the calibre of professional golf that the venue has attracted.
Golfers can prepare for their round using the resort's practice facilities and golf simulator, while a professional golf shop is available on site. These facilities, together with the adjoining hotel, spa and restaurants, make it easy to build several rounds of golf into a longer stay without travelling between venues.
Combining Jack Nicklaus II design, historic Harry Vardon influences, tournament pedigree and an attractive Hertfordshire parkland setting, Hanbury Manor Golf Course is an excellent choice for a golf break close to London, offering a championship challenge within a complete country resort.
London Stansted Airport
19km
England’s best golf tour operator 2026 winner
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Time Zone:
GMT+0
Currency:
£ (British Pound)
Temperature:
1°C - 22°C
Cost of a Beer:
£5.00
Cost of a 3-Course Meal:
£65
Hashtag Guide
About The Area
Ware is a handy Hertfordshire base for a relaxed UK golf break, especially for golfers who want countryside, riverside walks and easy access from London, Stansted or Luton. It sits on the River Lea, with a historic town centre, riverside pubs, narrowboats and towpath walks giving the area a nice easy-going feel between rounds. Ware Town Council also highlights the Hertford and Ware Waterbus, which runs along the River Lea at weekends from April to September.
The headline golf option is Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club, set in 200 acres of countryside in Ware. The hotel has a Jacobean-style manor house feel, with spa, leisure and dining facilities, while its golf offer is built around a championship course that is playable year-round. That makes it the obvious stay-and-play choice for a Ware golf break.
For extra golf nearby, The Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club in Broxbourne is a strong option. Its 18-hole, 6,266-yard parkland course was designed by Jack Nicklaus II, with trees, lakes and natural obstacles shaping the round. It also has a 27-bay floodlit driving range, which is useful for practice, warm-ups or mixed-ability groups.
Away from golf, Ware works well for River Lea walks, Hertford, Lee Valley Park, Hatfield House and wider Hertfordshire exploring. For Hashtag Golf Travel customers, Ware is best suited to a peaceful Hertfordshire golf weekend, a Hanbury Manor stay-and-play break, or a practical base for combining golf with countryside and easy airport access. It is not a big resort town, but for comfort, convenience and classic parkland golf, it is a very solid UK option.
