The Belfry vs Forest of Arden
Two Warwickshire resort courses a short drive apart near Birmingham, both with real tour pedigree, but they make very different golf breaks. The Belfry trades on Ryder Cup history and a big resort buzz. Forest of Arden offers a quieter, often better value parkland test through ancient oak woodland. Here is the honest head to head, with our verdict up front.
Photograph: The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, via Google
The verdict
For the bigger occasion, The Belfry wins. Its Brabazon course, a Dave Thomas and Peter Alliss design, has hosted the Ryder Cup four times, more than any venue in the world, and a round walking the drivable tenth and the water guarded eighteenth where Sam Torrance and Christy O'Connor wrote their names into the game is a genuine pilgrimage. Add a 54 hole resort, a large hotel, a spa and the famous Bel Air nightclub on site, and it is the natural choice for a buddies or society trip that wants history, scale and an atmosphere that runs well past the eighteenth green.
For the better golf at a calmer pace, Forest of Arden makes a strong case. Donald Steel's Arden Course is a par 72 of about 7,213 yards that staged the British Masters and the English Open, threading through mature oak woodland with deer, lakes and a memorable par 3 closing hole. It is usually quieter and better value than the Belfry, with a second course, the Aylesford, for a relaxed second round. Pick The Belfry for the Ryder Cup occasion and the resort buzz, Forest of Arden for a serious, scenic test without the crowds or the premium.
Head to head
| The Belfry (Brabazon) | Forest of Arden (Arden) | |
|---|---|---|
| Designer | Dave Thomas and Peter Alliss | Donald Steel |
| The course | Par 72, about 7,255 yards parkland; drivable par 4 tenth and the lake guarded eighteenth | Par 72, about 7,213 yards parkland through ancient oak woodland; par 3 closing hole over water |
| Tour pedigree | Four Ryder Cups (1985, 1989, 1993, 2002) plus British Masters; the most decorated of the two | British Masters (1997 to 1999, 2003) and English Open (2000 to 2002) |
| The resort | 54 holes (Brabazon, PGA National, Derby), large hotel, spa and nightclub; high energy | 36 holes (Arden, Aylesford), Marriott hotel, spa and country club; calmer and more refined |
| Cost | Premium green fees, the highest in the area, reflecting the Ryder Cup name | Often better value, particularly midweek and on packages |
| Location | Sutton Coldfield, off the M42 and M6 north of Birmingham | Meriden, between Birmingham and Coventry, by the airport and NEC |
| Who it suits | Buddies and society groups wanting history, scale and a lively resort | Golfers wanting a serious, scenic test at a quieter pace and better value |
Course facts verified June 2026; green fees move with season and demand, so always confirm directly before booking. Check tee time availability.
Who should pick which
Pick The Belfry if
You want the Ryder Cup occasion. The Brabazon is the most decorated golf course in the Midlands, and playing the drivable tenth and the lake guarded eighteenth is a bucket list round for any keen golfer. With three courses, a big hotel, a spa and a famous nightclub all on site, it is built for the buddies trip and the society day where the golf is only half the weekend. It costs more, but the history and the atmosphere are the point.
Pick Forest of Arden if
You want the better golf for the money in a beautiful setting. Donald Steel's Arden Course is a genuine tour test through ancient oak woodland, with deer, water and a dramatic par 3 finish, and it is usually quieter and keener on price than The Belfry. A second course on site makes it easy to fill a two round day, and the Marriott hotel keeps it comfortable. It is the choice for golfers who care more about the round than the resort buzz.
Plan your Midlands golf trip
The Belfry, Forest of Arden or both on the same break, they are a short drive apart. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling, and one concierge builds the tee times, the right hotel and the costing to the head, with no obligation.
The Belfry vs Forest of Arden questions
Is The Belfry or Forest of Arden better for a golf break?
The Belfry is the bigger occasion: its Brabazon course has hosted four Ryder Cups, more than any venue in the world, and the 54 hole resort, hotel and nightlife make it the classic Midlands buddies and society trip. Forest of Arden is the quieter, often better value choice, a Donald Steel parkland that staged the British Masters and English Open, set in ancient oak woodland with deer. Choose The Belfry for history and atmosphere, Forest of Arden for a serious test in beautiful surroundings at a calmer pace.
Has Forest of Arden hosted European Tour events?
Yes. The Arden Course at Forest of Arden hosted the One 2 One British Masters from 1997 to 1999, the English Open from 2000 to 2002 and the British Masters again in 2003, so it has genuine tour pedigree. The Donald Steel layout is a par 72 of about 7,213 yards through mature oak woodland, with a signature par 3 closing hole over water.
How many Ryder Cups has The Belfry hosted?
The Belfry's Brabazon course has hosted the Ryder Cup four times, in 1985, 1989, 1993 and 2002, more than any other venue. Designed by Dave Thomas and Peter Alliss, it is a par 72 of about 7,255 yards famous for the drivable par 4 tenth and the water guarded eighteenth where so many matches were decided.
Where are The Belfry and Forest of Arden?
Both sit in Warwickshire and the West Midlands, a short drive apart near Birmingham. The Belfry is at Sutton Coldfield, just off the M42 and M6, and Forest of Arden is near Meriden between Birmingham and Coventry, beside Birmingham Airport and the NEC. They are close enough to combine on the same Midlands golf trip.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Course facts verified June 2026 from the clubs and leading course databases. Last reviewed June 2026.