Review: Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort – parent-child bonding break

For there had been several attempts previously where the club had either swooshed straight through thin air and over the top of the ball, or had thudded into the ground before the ball, knocking the tee over and not really sending the ball anywhere. 

We'd arrived at Bowood Hotel the afternoon before, a gloriously sunny day. Surrounded by a huge golf course, the country manor house was beautiful. Green stretched as far as the eye could see, and even though we'd never played golf before, the people on the course made for an interesting sight as we relaxed in the hotel. 

But after a splendidly restful night's sleep, in a room which also gave stunning views over the golf course, we were met at the hotel reception by a chap in a golf buggy and whizzed to meet Gregg Hood, a PGA professional, in the golf simulator. 

That's where, after some careful and patient coaching from Gregg, you find us hitting and, even more surprisingly, actually connecting with a golf ball. 

Bowood Hotel (Image: Kimberley Barber) The hotel features a state-of-the-art performance studio, which includes an indoor golf simulator.

It has also launched a new Parent-Child Bonding Break—a thoughtful package designed to encourage quality time between parents and children. 

So, my two children, aged five and seven, and I decided that it might make a fun weekend stay if we tried our hand at golf. If all else failed, the indoor swimming pool looked good. 

Thankfully, we all enjoyed it, and we were all able to make some good shots, swooshing the club over our shoulders, with Gregg coaching us on stance and posture. 

The view from our room (Image: Kimberley Barber) The simulator takes video footage of you, so it's helpful to see where you're going wrong. It made it easy to track our swings and progress, and it was an excellent way to coach the kids, making sure the atmosphere was supportive and relaxed.

The session was personalised, informative, and fun, and catered perfectly to us complete beginners - but I'm sure even seasoned golfers would pick up a tip or two from a session in the simulator with Gregg. 

Bowood is probably most famous for its top-class golf course and driving range, which features covered bays and is perfect for practice in all weather conditions, but it also combines history, luxury and recreation.

Set in the Wiltshire countryside, just outside Calne, the 2,000-acre Bowood Estate offers a well-curated experience that delivers on beauty, tranquillity, and quality.

The pool (Image: Kimberley Barber) Our overnight stay at the hotel was impressive. The rooms are spacious, beautifully furnished, and provide stunning views across the estate. Every detail, from the linens to the lighting, reflects the quality you’d expect from a luxury country hotel.

The Shelburne Restaurant, which holds two AA Rosettes, served a delicious dinner and an excellent breakfast the next morning— a full Wiltshire breakfast, hearty, fresh, and beautifully presented. 

What makes this package unique is how it balances activity with comfort. After a day of golf and exploring, you can unwind in the spa and wellness centre, which includes a swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym, sauna and steam room. It’s a peaceful space perfect for decompressing and recharging.

In Bowood Gardens (Image: Kimberley Barber) As well as being a superb hotel, with an excellent restaurant and golf course, a stay also gets you free entry to Bowood House & Gardens, a 20-minute walk or 10-minute drive away. 

Open from April to November, the estate’s historic house, still home to the Lansdowne family, is rich with heritage. One of its most fascinating features is the laboratory where Joseph Priestley first discovered oxygen. The gardens, originally designed by Capability Brown, are vast, peaceful, and stunningly kept, offering woodlands, a lake, a walled garden, and seasonal floral displays.

Families will particularly enjoy the Adventure Playground, which is one of the best we’ve seen.

The playground - or some of it! (Image: Kimberley Barber) Climb the pirate ship, scale netting to treetop walkways, swing in boats, slide down huge slides - even a death drop slide for the brave - or jump on giant pillows, there really is something for every kid here. 

We could - and did - stay in the park for hours. We completely underestimated just how big the estate is, and how good the house and gardens would be. 

There were trails to follow, vast swathes of lawn and gardens to explore, arts and craft workshops, plus more, with stunning views over the Wiltshire countryside. Take a picnic or buy lunch in the cafe and stay all day. It's beautiful. 

And after all that fresh air and family time, we were able to retire back to one of the finest luxury hotels in Wiltshire. Bliss. 

Rosanna and Eddie (Image: Kimberley Barber)

Fact box 

The Parent-Child Bonding Break Package starts from £220 per person, per night and includes:

• An overnight stay in the luxury 43-room Bowood Hotel
• Breakfast in the Shelburne Restaurant
• A private coaching session with a PGA golf professional
• Access to the driving range, Academy Course, and Performance Studio golf simulator
• Admission to Bowood House & Gardens (in season)

To book, you can contact Bowood directly at 01249 822 228.