Golf and spa par excellence
JULIE BAYLEY ENJOYS GOOD FOOD, GREAT GREENS AND AN UNFORGETTABLE MASSAGE IN THE HEART OF SHROPSHIRE
MAYBE it’s the exemplary food, perhaps it’s the unfalteringly friendly staff – or it could be the memorable spa.
But somehow Telford Hotel and Golf Resort has managed to create the perfect place for a memorable weekend away.
This four-star hotel overlooks UNESCO World Heritage Site Ironbridge Gorge and is surrounded by gorgeous Shropshire countryside.
Set in 170 acres of grounds, the resort includes an 18-hole golf course – and if golf’s your sport, you really must play here.
The 17th-century Darby House is a wonderful place to stay in the autumn and one imagines that it truly comes into its own in the depths of winter.
It belongs to QHotels, part of the Almarose Hotels and Resorts group which also owns DoubleTree by Hilton. Around £10m has been invested in the resort since QHotels took over in 2006.
Just a five-minute drive from the centre of Telford, the train station and Junction 4 of the M5, it’s a haven of tranquility.
Within a short time of arriving and soaking up the stunning scenery, you’ll feel yourself relax thanks to the easycome, easy-go vibe.
Choose from classic, deluxe family and feature rooms from the 114 the hotel has on offer. If you want to treat yourself opt for a feature room (from £145 a night), these sumptuous rooms are located in the historic Darby House and offer high-quality feather and down bedding, luxury toiletries and upgraded tea and coffee making facilities.
But you won’t go wrong with any room. Even the Classic Rooms, which start at £101, provide a raft of finishing touches.
The main, and unpretentious, restaurant is called 1779, named after the year the iron bridge – just a 10-minute drive away – was completed. Expect to dine well, with grilled mackerel fillet, rolled minted lamb and pan-fried breast of guinea fowl among tempting mains.
We were served perfectly cooked scallops and chicken wings to start. For mains, the chef was responsible for one of the best rib-eye steaks I’ve eaten in some time while my guest enjoyed a spicy chicken balti. The desserts are inventive and we somehow found room to polish off Chocolate Mint Aero and praline mousse.
Service was excellent, despite the fact that the restaurant was pretty busy on the Saturday night we stayed. Breakfast is served in the same space and you can help yourself to all the usual suspects, including the (well cooked) elements of a full English.
The hotel also has a more casual dining area, The Gorge Bar & Lounge, which is open all day and offers exceptionally well-priced bar snacks. It’s a popular haunt for golfers for preround sustenance and post-game post mortems.
You may well need the latter. Designed by respected architects John Harris and Brian Griffiths after the renowned US Masters course Augusta, this 18-hole, par 72 course represents a delightful challenge.
Sublime views overlooking the Severn Valley and Ironbridge Gorge make it a joy to play – but it’s not easy: the fairways are tree-lined, the course is slightly hilly in parts – but not mountainous – and the greens are among the fastest we’ve played. They are also pristine and the groundsmen clearly take pride in keeping the course looking magnificent.
There’s water on a couple of the holes and the 8th is particularly daunting if you don’t fancy losing your Titleist Pro Vs. If time allows, you can use the chipping area, driving ranges and putting green to perfect your game before you tee off.
Back at the hotel, don’t leave without visiting the spa. This is one of the most well-equipped leisure facilities in the county with seven treatment rooms, two double treatment rooms and a 24-hour gym.
If you’re feeling brave, stand under the experience shower and use the ice fountain. You’ll also find a wonderfully lit swimming pool, sauna and steam room, heated lounge chairs and a dedicated relaxation room. It’s a heavenly place to complete a weekend away.
Seek out Ellie, who spent an hour delivering the most incredible ESPA deep tissue massage. If your knots need untangling or you’re suffering from chronic muscle tension, Ellie will use fingers, hands and elbows and a generous amount of nourishing almond oil to sort you out!
The hotel is fully licensed for civil marriage ceremonies and many a happy couple ties the knot here hoping, no doubt, for a marriage as strong and durable as the nearby iron bridge that has stood the test of time for 240 years.