The Belfry Hotel & Resort Lichfield Rd, Sutton Coldfield…read more B76 9PR, United Kingdom Phone: +44 1675 238600 www.thebelfry.com We had a chance to stop by the historic Belfry on our way from Chester to Stratford-Upon-Avon to see the course and spend a fair amount of money in the pro shop. The course was impressive even though I was able to see just a few holes and the pro shop well-stocked with fairly reasonably priced gear. I bought a few hats, a waterproof pullover, and a few other items for me and my two sons. The pullover is perfect for the cool, wet days in the UK as well as our home in the Pacific Northwest, keeping me dry and reminding me of our trip to the Belfry every time I wear it. I will be sure to bring my clubs on our next trip to the area so I can play their three courses: The Brabazon, home of four Ryder Cups and one of the best courses in the UK; PGA National with its inland links appearance, fast-running fairways and cavernous bunkers; and The Derby, a par 70 parkland golf course. CombatCritic Gives The Belfry Hotel & Resort 10 Bombs Out Of 10 ... HOOAH!

Gutted but have just come back from a stay and sad to say it will be my last... Ive been coming for…read morea few years now but the last few stays I have been in rooms that have a real damp, mouldy smell. This last stay was the worst. We were in a family room (had booked the family package) and the room smelt so bad I didnt sleep well and woke up feeling really dirty. My son couldnt smell it at first but when he got into bed he could. Its so bad I wonder if there is black damp behind the paper/paint. The room was also incredibly dirty. See pics. There were crumbs in the bed and all over the floor. I did tell the receptionist but she said she could only move us to another room in the building next to us and it will be exactly the same. She was a little patronising and made me feel bad for mentioning it. Last couple of minor bits... Flies at dinner and at breakfast, lots around the food. No conditioner and they didnt have any on site. So note that when you see they say they have toiletries that doesnt include conditioner. You have to pay for anything other then black coffee at breakfast, never ever had to pay for a latte but apparently its a specialty coffee so extra charge of a fiver. Bought a latte in the golf place next to the kids green and it was awful. Had two sips and left the rest. Despite having the family package I had to ask for the kids golf tickets, the sweet cart tokens etc. it was only because I had read up beforehand that I knew what was included. Oh and the picture shows a teddy and kids activity pack, the two kids with me didnt get anything. Lots of building work going on at the min. Hoping it will be somewhere new to sleep that will be fresh and clean. The kids go karts and the stuff on the green are good but not good enough to make us return. £18 each for a childs dinner buffet (not including drinks) is a little extortionate, as is charging a service charge on drinks when you have to go to the bar because nobody serves you. Could be an amazing place but needs work.

The food is not very good and overpriced for what it is. It's a shame as this is one of the nicest…read moreoutdoor pub locations in the area.

I eat regularly at the Newbold Comyn Arms. I can only say positive things, the food is delicious,…read morethe staff are friendly and the atmosphere is warm. The summer is a very busy time for the Newbold, they are effortlessly busy for food and drinks. The play area is great for the kids and the free parking is perfect. With many seats and benches it's great when everyone is sat outside enjoying the sun with a delicious cocktail or ale. In the winter it is like another pub, the fire is constantly roaring and the building full of happy customers, a hot chocolate or homemade mulled wine always goes down a treat. The Newbold changes it's menu seasonally so the food always suits the time of year, it just so happens to be yummy too!!

Plough Hill Golf centre is located in Galley Common in Nuneaton. The facilities could be improved…read more Plough Hill has got good catering services available which keeps the place running. You can borrow any golf clubs which are available but the golf clubs look about 10 years old. Due to theft of golf balls at Plough Hill Golf Centre the public are not allowed to take golf bags. The quality of the balls could be better. There is private teaching available for a reasonable price. All in all not a bad placed to play golf but could be improved.

First go at a gym in a long while. My friend has become a member and I was able to accompany her…read moreon a free friend pass. The gym is situated upstairs with the ground floor consisting of a cafe/bar and locker room with showers. The entrance includes club information on weightwatchers, tribute nights and family discos. The gym has up to date equipment which you can log into and set goals. The big perk is the large open windows facing the golf course providing a lovely view as you work out.

This is one of the best municipal golf courses in the city, and certainly one of the trickiest and…read morelongest. I'm not sure what they do differently at Pype Hayes compared to the other public courses in the city, but this one always seems to be in slightly better nick than the others, and particularly in winter when the others can get very, very boggy and wet. Perhaps the soil is different over there near Walmley and therefore the whole course drains a wee bit better. It's a full 18 hole course and, unlike public courses such as Harborne and Boldmere, you will definitely need to know your way around a driver if you hope to get round with a fairly decent score. It's a LONG course. The greens are always in good condition and are surrounded by often tricky hazards. One of the best things about Pype Hayes is that you turnaround at the club house, so you can nip in for the loo, or for a quick break over a cup of tea before you resume.

Without a doubt this is the best municipal golf course in the city. Whilst Pype Hayes runs it a…read moreclose second for interesting layout and excellent condition, Lickey Hills pretty much has the feel of a Private Golf Club. Rather than paying thousands of pounds to join a bunch of Daily Mail readers obeying obtuse rules you should try this place out. It's situated on the very edge of Birmingham at the end of the Bristol Road and next to the gorgeous Lickey Hills Park, so you're playing in beautiful surroundings and a million miles away from the bustle of the city. The holes are varied and tricky, with a decent mixture of short par 3s and longer 4s and 5s and, as the name Lickey Hills would suggest, you experience more than a few ups and downs. One hole in particular (I forget exactly which one) has a huge open fairway that slopes down to the right. Unless you are Tiger Woods you are unlikely to hit the green in one, so you have the dangerous option of either skirt along the rough to the left and remaining at pin height, or else catching the slope and ending up with a very difficult uphill shot to the hole. Even if you *do* decide to take the upper route, you may still (as I often do) end up with a tricky uphill shot. That slope is vicious! The clubhouse is smart and there is also a pro-shop on site. Whilst it can get busy (particularly in the summer) this course is nowhere near as busy as courses situated in more populated areas of town (Boldmere and Cocks Moor spring to mind here). Having said that, this course is one that people from all over the city and surrounding areas travel to, so I'd advise that you book

What a great example of English golf. Circa 1800s this is one fantastic place to play…read more Well maintained, beautifully designed and a true test of your game from tee to green. Deep bunkers, undulating greens and surrounded by trees, burns and streams on all sides - it is as picturesque as it is challenging. The clubhouse is old, classically rural in feel and inherently charming. There is a lovely old bar with top shelf spirits, great wines and a selection of micro brews on tap. Throw in a delicious sausage bap and an ice cold gin n tonic to end the day and I hope to return very soon. Well done. Great value. Can't wait to play there again. Thank you Blackwell Golf Club.

Birmingham boasts many pretty impressive golf courses. I've played a round or two at Warley Woods…read moreover the years and I am impressed with the course. Beautifully maintained 18 hole course is looked after by a small, dedicated team, some of which are volunteers. There's a Pavilion which is a public building with a cafe offering a delicious breakfast and toilets. It's home to the Club house and golf coaching is offered by resident professional Greg Lynch. Greg takes on individual clients including groups and he occasionally offers drop sessions. There may be a charge so best to check before turning up. The Pavilion is open all year round except Christmas Day.

9-hole golf course really close to the centre of Brum. Nestled just past Bearwood in the middle of…read moreWarley Woods Park, this is a good quality pay-and-play course for all-comers. Also boasts an excellent greasy spoon café for egg and chips on those chillier days. The holes are mostly a decent length with a couple of gentle par 3's and some more demanding 400+ par 4's. The greens are well-groomed and the bunkers pretty well maintained. Not too much rough to go trapsing through, and the hilly lie of the course means you get a good workout, too. At £7.50 to go round, it's well worth a visit.

I shall begin with a disclaimer: I am not a golfer. The only golf I regularly enjoy playing…read moreinvolves little windmills and fibreglass tiger obstacles. That said, I've been to Solihull Driving Range on a few occasions and really enjoyed it. I've tended to visit on Sunday mornings, following a hung over breakfast at the very nearby Beckett's Farm. There is something quite satisfying about thwacking some balls off the upper level and watching them soar into the air. OK, that is quite rare for me, considering the standard of my golfing prowess. But the view is still quite pretty. I liked the fact that the staff didn't patronise or judge me and they were quite happy to let me bumble about in a distinctly amateur manner. For those who know their stuff, there is a Direct Golf store, a putting green and simulator. They also offer lessons with PGA accredited trainers.