Bentham Golf Course review: a hidden gem in the Yorkshire Dales with stunning views

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Driving north from my home in West Yorkshire, I often pass a ‘Bentham’ road sign on my way to visit my parents in Cumbria.

I thought it was a sleepy North Yorkshire town, where motorists could stop for a cup of tea or something a little stronger.

Turns out I don’t have a million miles on that test.

But what I didn’t realize is that Bentham is also home to an excellent golf course.

I’m not really sure what to expect when I fire up the A65 beyond the basic belief that it should be a course with good visuals.

Well, you can say that again.

Bentham isn’t just any old 18-hole park track. It’s one that features the stunning backdrop of the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

Whernside (2,415 feet), Ingleborough (2,372 feet) and Pen y Ghent (2,277 feet) have iconic status in the walking community. The round trip for three is about 24 kilometers with a total ascent of 5000 meters. Give yourself 12 hours if you want to take on the Three Peaks Challenge.

But a round of golf at Bentham offers a great opportunity to take in the scenery.

Two of the three peaks, Ingleborough and Whernside, can be clearly seen from various vantage points on the course and it’s a real treat to watch those landmarks as you walk to the tee, down the fairway or green.

Bentham is a par 71 with plenty of challenges for all levels of golf (and you can read how I got on here).

The variable terrain, water hazards, cleverly placed bunkers and testing greens provide great variety and no two holes feel the same.

It’s a good trip though – full disclosure – I decide to go for the stroller.

Since taking over from Bentham in 2009, the Marshall family has invested heavily. The renovation extends beyond the course to the driving range, golf shop and state-of-the-art golf studio with resident Sophie Daws providing lessons and club fitting.

Keep playing

The work they have done is good, but it doesn’t stop there. A visit to Bentham offers an added dimension compared to the typical golf course experience.

Just before I teed off on the 10th hole – an amazing little drop in par 3 – I returned to my hole to remove a layer of clothing as the sun rose from behind the clouds.

Yes, a pod! My camping days ended when, due to high winds, my tent blew away on a trip to St Andrews for the Open Championship.

But glamping? That’s a new ball game. And one that I’m excited to play.

I’m here at Bentham with my partner Jane – a caddy, an active and keen carter for the day – and we’re sitting at the end of the row of pods next to the course. Ours is near the tenth floor.

Sympathetic encounter in a foreign place – am I in Switzerland?! – there’s a definite ‘tardis’ feel to these little beauties.

Ours has a large double bed, kitchen, en suite bathroom, TV and excellent wi-fi. Pet-friendly pods are also available.

It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day on the course and – bonus klaxon – the shower is fantastic.

Although there is plenty of good pub grub in town – just a two-minute walk away – we decide to take food from the local Co-op and eat in (there’s also a microwave). But only after we had a cheek of the road at The Coach House, a charming ye olde watering hole that dates back to 1625.

The pods are a great place to retreat to but there is another level of accommodation on this course: a range of 4 bed and 2 bed accommodation.

The pods are perfect for two but the dorms cater for larger groups and, get this, some are sold out. The owners of these holiday homes include young families who are going to retire grandparents looking to reunite with their nearest and dearest.

From its ideal location surrounded by the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District and the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire, golfers from three different counties – and beyond – are a very reasonable trip from Bentham.

Attractive green fees

I’m only an hour away and I will definitely come back to this beautiful and welcoming place. Maybe sit back and play – 18 holes cost as little as £17.50 – or make a long weekend of it and walk those Three Peaks that catch your eye on the course.

As I pulled out of the parking lot and pointed out, it felt like I had found a hidden gem. And, like all these discoveries, there is that strong desire to spread the word.

Bentham’s appeal is best summed up by John Marshall, whose parents farmed in the area before entering the entertainment industry in the late 60s.

He says: “Even the locals don’t really realize what’s on their doorstep in Bentham.” “A lot of people think that golf courses are for members only, for example, so we like to show here at Bentham, beginners and visitors are always welcome; it’s a hobby, not a private members’ club.”

And that is the beauty of Bentham.

A round of golf can feel like a long day if you just hit the tee, sign your score card and drive home worrying about missed drives and three putts.

But if you want to take your time, step off the beaten track and breathe in the fresh air while taking in the amazing 360 degree vistas, golf can be so much more.

Bentham Golf Club offers you that life-affirming experience in abundance. Plan a visit. It’s a gem worth finding.

* From September 13-16, the Marshall family is hosting a special open house weekend. Guests will receive discounts on caravan pitches at Riverside Caravan Park, as well as half-price golf at Bentham Golf Course and luxury accommodation at Wenningdale Escapes. Guests visiting the lodges and vacation homes for sale can enjoy delicious coffee at 1922 Bar & Kitchen.

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