The Belfry Hotel & Resort review: a perfect getaway for families and golfers

Our verdict

From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the welcoming atmosphere and the plethora of activities available at The Belfry. Service is top notch and staff members went out of their way to make children feel welcomed and entertained at all times. 

There’s an impressive array of amenities on offer — from world-class golf courses to a pedal go-kart track and a luxurious spa — and its West Midlands location puts you within easy reach of top family attractions. 

What are the rooms like?

Our stay in a very spacious suite overlooking the practice putting green was nothing short of delightful. The bed was super-comfy and my seven-year-old was on a sofa bed in the sitting area with excellent bedding that ensured a restful night's sleep. 

It was equipped with a state-of-the-art coffee machine, flat screen TVs, fluffy towels and crisp bedding. Note that you’ll need to bring your own conditioner (only shampoo and shower gel were supplied). And remember to advise housekeeping if you want your room to be cleaned, a detail that can be easily missed as it’s advertised within the room rather than at check-in.

What activities are available for adults and kids? 

The Belfry truly shines in the variety of activities available for children. From archery to pedal go-karts and an adventure playground, there's something for every child to enjoy. For the book worms there’s a reading nook in the lobby with a library of kids’ books available to choose from. During school holidays, a programme of activities is available for children - your kids will have to work exceptionally hard to get bored here! 

The Belfry is one of the world’s top golf hotels and there are three on-site courses including the PGA National and The Brabazon, four-time host of the Ryder Cup. We loved the state-of-the-art driving range where the balls literally load up on the tee automatically so you don’t even have to bend down. 

For those looking to unwind, the spa facilities are good and you’ll find a sauna, a steam room and an indoor pool to relax in. A word of caution: the pool can get quite crowded during times when children are allowed, so plan your swim accordingly. 

I indulged in a 30-minute golf massage, which was fabulous and soothed away all the aches and pains of the previous 18 holes.

What’s the food like? 

The food experience at The Belfry is stellar. Kids especially will love the Ryder Grill, as there’s a special buffet area (no adults allowed) with all the stuff they love (chicken nuggets, pizza etc) plus lots of stuff they don’t but is good for them (vegetables!). What’s great is that kids can get going as soon as you sit down to dinner and don’t have to wait around for adults to mull over their wine choices. For the grown ups there’s a great choice of dining options and everything we tried was really excellent plus the wine list was great too. You can choose from the à la carte or buffet menu - both are great with lots of choice, catering to all tastes. 

But the star of the show in my humble opinion was the afternoon tea. It rivalled some of the best hotels in London for quality, yet felt relaxed enough for guests to turn up straight from the spa in fluffy robes and slippers and feel comfortable (especially after a glass or two of fizz). 

Does the Belfry offer value for money?

Overall, The Belfry is accessible, incredibly family-friendly and fantastic value for money. Your kids will have the time of their lives with the wide variety of activities on offer, and if you're a golf enthusiast, you're in for a treat thanks to the world-class golf amenities.

What is there to do nearby?

Located in the West Midlands, a 30-minute drive from the centre of Birmingham, the Belfry Hotel & Resort is within easy reach of some brilliant family attractions.

You can book packages which include a visit to Drayton Manor theme park (an 8-minute drive away), Cadbury World (a 40-minute drive away) or Twycross Zoo (a 20-minute drive away). We visited Drayton Manor and had a fab time. With its Thomas the Tank Engine world for young kids, and faster white-knuckle rides for older thrill-seekers, it’s fun for kids of all ages. 

When to go 

The golf courses, spa and adventure playground are open all year round, so any time! The Belfry offers family-friendly activities during the school holidays. 

About the author

Sue Macmillan is COO at Mumsnet, where she is responsible for Product, Data, and People. She is also part of Mumsnet's team of expert parent testers, where she creates unbiased and honest product and travel reviews that aim to help parents make the right purchase decisions to suit their needs. A mum of one, she loves to travel and visit adventurous places with her family.