The Grove Hotel
Watford
Set within 300 acres of Hertfordshire countryside near Watford, The Grove is a five-star country resort combining historic surroundings with contemporary accommodation, an award-winning spa, extensive dining and championship golf. Despite its peaceful setting, the hotel is within easy reach of London, making it an attractive option for golfers looking for a luxury countryside break without travelling far from the capital.
The hotel has 214 rooms and suites, spread between its historic Grade II listed Mansion and the more contemporary West Wing. Accommodation ranges from Classic and Superior Rooms to spacious Deluxe Rooms, with twin configurations available within selected categories for golfers travelling together. Garden-view rooms make the most of the surrounding estate, while some of the larger West Wing rooms feature their own terrace or balcony.
For a more individual stay, The Grove has 12 suites within its 18th-century Mansion. Each has been individually designed to complement the building’s Georgian features, combining contemporary furnishings and artwork with antiques and original character. Depending on the suite, features can include four-poster beds, separate dressing rooms and spacious living areas. The resort has also introduced self-contained cottages, providing another option for guests looking for additional privacy and space.
One of the highlights of a stay is Sequoia Spa. Facilities include a striking 22-metre black mosaic indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and fitness studio, alongside a spa terrace with hot and cold thermal experiences. A broad menu of treatments is available using brands including Bamford and Natura Bissé, giving golfers plenty of opportunity to relax after a round.
Dining is another major part of The Grove experience. The Glasshouse offers an extensive international buffet, while The Stables serves modern British dishes in a relaxed setting overlooking the grounds. Guests can also experience Indian cuisine at Madhu’s, enjoy sushi or afternoon tea in the historic Lounges, or choose lighter dishes at Sequoia Kitchen. Much of the produce used across the resort is grown within Jemima’s Kitchen Garden.
Beyond the hotel, guests can explore the estate by foot or bicycle, with activities including tennis, archery and axe throwing also available. Golfers have the added advantage of an 18-hole Kyle Phillips-designed championship course on site, allowing accommodation, dining, spa time and golf to be combined within a single resort.
With luxury accommodation, excellent dining, an extensive spa and a peaceful countryside setting, The Grove is an outstanding choice for a Hertfordshire golf break, particularly for couples and groups seeking a premium stay within easy reach of London.
London Heathrow Airport
21km


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
Watford is a practical Hertfordshire base for a UK golf break, especially for golfers who want strong course options, easy airport access and quick links into London. It is not a quiet countryside resort town, but that is part of the appeal: you can stay close to London, Heathrow, Luton and the M25 while still having proper parkland golf nearby.
The headline golf option is The Grove, one of Hertfordshire’s best-known golf resorts. It has an 18-hole championship course, luxury hotel and spa facilities, and the venue notes that it is only around 18 miles from central London. The Grove also hosted the British Masters in 2016, giving it a strong championship-golf selling point for travellers who want something premium.
For a more traditional local round, West Herts Golf Club is another strong option. The club is set around Whippendell Woods, with tree-lined fairways, bunkered greens and firm, fast putting surfaces. It gives visiting golfers a more classic members’ club feel compared with The Grove’s resort-style polish.
Away from golf, Watford has a handy off-course hook in Cassiobury Park, one of the town’s biggest green spaces. Watford Council lists cafés, splash pools, a miniature railway, nature walks and cycling options, while the Canal & River Trust highlights its setting by the Grand Union Canal, which is ideal for easy walks and boat-watching.
For Hashtag Golf Travel customers, Watford works best as a London-edge golf weekend, a premium Grove stay, a society trip, or a practical base for combining golf with London, Hertfordshire and nearby airport access. It is not a classic “escape from everything” destination, but for convenience, course quality and travel links, it is a very strong UK option.











