The Mere
James Braid created The Mere in 1934 from 150 acres of Cheshire estate, and the years have matured it into a stately championship parkland. A par 71 of 6,882 yards, it runs through avenues of broadleaf trees to a lakeside finish, the centerpiece of a modern resort and spa within minutes of Manchester Airport and the motorway network.
Photo: Helena Liu via Google.
The verdict
The Mere is Cheshire's polished resort flagship, a James Braid parkland that has hosted professional events and now pairs championship golf with a full spa and hotel. The fairways run between mature stands of oak and chestnut, the conditioning is consistently first class, and the lake that gives the place its name comes dramatically into play on the closing holes.
It is a course that suits a group looking for comfort as well as a good test. The challenge is honest rather than brutal, the resort setting is genuinely smart, and the location, a few minutes from the motorways and the airport, makes it one of the easiest premium golf breaks to reach in the North West. For a society day or a couples weekend with a spa attached, The Mere is hard to beat in the region.
The Mere at a glance
- Opened
- 1934
- Designer
- James Braid
- Type
- Parkland
- Par
- 71
- Yardage
- 6,882 yds
- Green fee
- Visitor rate
Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from The Mere Golf Resort and leading course databases. The course was designed by James Braid and created in 1934, a par 71 of 6,882 yards. The Mere welcomes visiting golfers; green fees vary by season and day (indicative, 2026), so always confirm the current rate directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The round flows through classic Braid parkland for much of its length, with tree lined fairways that demand a controlled drive and well guarded greens that reward the precise approach. The trees have grown into the strategy over ninety years, so position off the tee matters more than length on many holes.
The finish is what people remember. The lake comes into play over the closing stretch, putting water alongside fairway and green and asking for nerve when the card is on the line, a grandstand conclusion that has decided more than one professional event here. The greens are large and true, holding the well struck iron and rewarding good lag putting.
It is mature, manicured, big resort golf done properly, a course that looks the part and plays the part without resorting to gimmicks, and a fine inland complement to the heathland and links of the wider region.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Hotel, golf and spa resort that welcomes visiting golfers, often as part of a green fee or stay, play and spa package; advance booking is recommended |
| Green fee | Indicative visitor green fees in the region of 70 to 130 pounds depending on season and day (2026); always confirm directly before booking |
| Booking | Reserve through the resort golf office; packages combining golf, lodging and spa are popular |
| On the day | Smart golf dress on course and in the clubhouse; buggies available and the resort facilities are first class |
| Getting there | Near Knutsford in Cheshire, close to the M6 and M56 and minutes from Manchester Airport |
| Best months | April to October for the parkland at its best, though the course presents well year round |
Access and fee details verified June 2026; rates change by season and day, so always confirm directly with the club or your trip planner before booking.
Where to stay nearby
The Mere has its own hotel and spa on site, which makes a stay and play the obvious choice, with everything from the first tee to the treatment rooms within a short walk. For a wider base, the handsome town of Knutsford and the city of Manchester are both close at hand, and the airport on the doorstep makes The Mere an easy arrival point for an international group.
It pairs naturally with the other quality courses of Cheshire for an inland golf break, an easy run to the Herbert Fowler heathland at Delamere Forest or the Harry Colt parkland at Prestbury toward Macclesfield.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near The Mere.
Build a Cheshire golf trip
We arrange tee times at The Mere, pair it with the best of Cheshire's heathland and parkland and book the lodging and spa around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
The Mere questions
Who designed The Mere golf course and when?
The Mere was designed by James Braid and created in 1934 from 150 acres of Cheshire parkland, now the centerpiece of a resort and spa.
What is the par and length of The Mere?
The Mere is a par 71 of 6,882 yards, a mature championship parkland with tree lined fairways and water on the closing holes.
Can visitors play The Mere Golf Resort?
Yes. The Mere is a resort that welcomes visiting golfers, often through green fee or stay and play and spa packages; book in advance and confirm the current rate before you travel.
Where is The Mere Golf Resort?
The Mere is near Knutsford in Cheshire, close to the M6 and M56 and within easy reach of Manchester Airport.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.