1 Night, 2 Rounds
Surrounded by tranquil Cheshire countryside, Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf & Spa is a fabulous resort that boasts two of the very finest courses in the North West.
The Championship Course is the headline act, designed by the legendary Donald Steel, it remains one of the best hidden gems in the country. Alongside the 18-hole Premier Course and 9-hole Arderne Course, Portal is completed by the largest indoor golf academy in Europe.
Terrific resort facilities match the courses to provide one of the most sought-after golf break destinations in England. Following the completion of a ₤11 million investment, the hotel at Portal is a real delight and is a golf break destination where you can truly relax and unwind. Some of the best features include the state-of-the-art spa and the delightful Ranulf Restaurant.
With a choice of three great golf courses, and facilities including the largest indoors-golfing academy in Europe, and a fantastically well stocked pro-shop, The Portal Hotel has established itself as a world-class championship venue, ideal for all standard of player.
* Where applicable, the relevant promotions will be applied during the booking process. T&Cs may apply.
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
The Championship Course at Portal is relatively unknown to a wide audience, but having opened in 1990, it is one of the best courses to be completed in England in the modern era. In fact, it was named ‘Golf Course Of The Year' in 1995, and is the star of Portal's golfing complex.
Designer Donald Steel has created a challenge that is characterised by unique and distinctive holes; expansive water hazards and cascading waterfalls are among the tests. The signature is typical of Steel's magnificent 7,041 yard layout - the long third tips the scales at 607 yards, with a green guarded by a beautiful lake.
Signature hole- No. 14: Par 3, 136 yards (White), SI 17 (Men), 4 (Ladies)
The Championship signature hole plays to almost an island green, with water around the front, side and back of the green and a couple of waterfalls too. The best entrance would be straight down the middle, as this would avoid two large trees which overhang either side, and could easily rebound your ball back into the water.
| Par | 73 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Donald Steel |
| Opened for play | 1990 |
| White | 7,041 yards | SSS 75 |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 6,495 yards | SSS 72 |
| Red | 5,789 yards | SSS 73 |
While the Premier Course at Portal will always be in the shade of its award-winning sibling, it is a cracking course in its own right. Overlooking the Cheshire Plains, the par-71 parkland track is shorter than the Championship Course, measuring 6,582 yards, but benefits from the same stunning water and woodland backdrop.
Both courses are consistently maintained in immaculate condition, and together form the basis that has made Portal one of the best destinations for a golf break in the north west.
Signature hole - No. 15: Par 3, 205 yards (White), SI 11 (men), 17 (ladies)
The 15th on the Premier is a breathtaking hole. Playing very high up, the elevated tee is almost on a cliff face and the approach has to be judged well, due to a sheer drop to the low-down kidney shaped green. Accuracy is paramount on this hole as there are trees which overhang on both sides and bunkers to the left and right of the green.
| Par | 71 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Tim Rouse |
| Opened for play | 1990 |
| White | 6,582 yards | SSS 73 |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 6,293 yards | SSS 71 |
| Red | 5,688 yards | SSS 74 |
The Arderne Course at the Macdonald Portal Hotel is a 9 hole par 30 golf course and is a fantastic test of your short game. The course comprises of 3 par 4’s and 6 par 3’s and has a total yardage of 1724. There are two sets of tee’s so this course can be played twice. The Lee Westwood Golf School use this course for practicing so you never know who you might catch a glimpse of!
| Par | 30 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Donald Steel |
| Opened for play | 1990 |
| White | 3,472 yards | SSS 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 3,248 yards | SSS 30 |
The accommodation consists of 85 rooms and 6 executive suites, all of which are complete with a mini-bar, internet access, tea/coffee making facilities, en suite bathroom, satellite television and a work area. The suites boast private balconies, which afford fantastic views of the beautiful estate surrounding the hotel.
The investment scheme encompassed the entire property, and as such, the public areas are equally as plush as the deluxe bedrooms, ensuring that your golf break at Potal will be comfortable from the first moment to last.
The Salt Brasserie is among the region's best - choose from the finest Scottish-bred beef and lamb, or the fish, sourced from the famed Loch Fyne Oyster Company. For something more laid back, unwind with a drink or snack in the Lounge Bar, overlooking the beautiful Cheshire Plains.
Indulgence is the buzz word in Portal's state-of-the-art Spa. The relaxing tranquil environment will soothe mind, body and soul, and is complemented by the sauna, rock sauna, aroma steam bath, salt infusion suite and ice bath. In addition to the 18-metre swimming pool, the complex offers a fantastic range of beauty treatments.
Macdonald Portal Hotel and Golf Club is located in Tarporley 11 miles east of Chester, approximately 27 miles from Manchester Airport and Liverpool Airport and 20 miles from Winsford train station.
Address: Cobblers Cross Lane, Tarporley, Cheshire, England, CW6 0DJ
IEUAN box
✓24 Apr 2026
Amazing stay comfy bed, stunning food great golf
Josh
✓21 Apr 2026
Was told sports bar wouldn’t be open which was one of them main reason we booked the stay as the last time we enjoyed the sports bar after the round golf
Isaac
✓20 Apr 2026
anthony
✓16 Apr 2026
Rooms a good size if in need of a refresh. Clean and comfortable though.
Michael
✓14 Apr 2026
Hotel accommodation was first class. Room was spacious and contained everything to make our stay enjoyable. I did however notice large cobwebs on the inside of the windows which suggests cleaning could improve. All the facilities at the hotel were again first class. The only disappointing point was that they do not stock any alcohol free beers or ciders.
Sean
✓13 Apr 2026
Very happy with my experience at the portal. Hotel spa and golf facilities were as described. Staff were friendly and accommodating
Lewis
✓30 Mar 2026
Tom
✓23 Mar 2026
Really good venue. Bar food choice ok but could be improved upon.
Michael
✓22 Mar 2026
Hotel was clean all staff were great very welcoming, the bar was very expensive but was satisfied with stay
Ross
✓15 Mar 2026
Excellent hotel really nice staff and great facilities
IEUAN box
✓24 Apr 2026
IEUAN box
✓24 Apr 2026
Josh
✓21 Apr 2026
Josh
✓21 Apr 2026
Had to leave on the 14th as the group ahead was really slow after trying to phone the clubhouse an locate a marshal we give up after nearly a 5 hour round and had 4 holes still left to play
Isaac
✓20 Apr 2026
Isaac
✓20 Apr 2026
anthony
✓16 Apr 2026
We actually played the Championship course.
Michael
✓14 Apr 2026
A better course than the premiership course in terms of course maintenance. However, despite having a starter on the first tee, it was definitely over booked which led to long queues at tee boxes, and spoilt the overall golf experience.
Michael
✓14 Apr 2026
Quite a few of the greens had sandy areas. There was not enough time between tee times, which led to delays on every tee box after the second hole. Large society groups in play who would not call us through despite being a two ball in a buggy. Instead of being relaxing day of golf, the queuing at tee box’s and subsequent rushing on greens did spoil the overall experience. A roving steward on the course wud definitely have helped.
Sean
✓13 Apr 2026
Course was in fantastic condition looks open and simple but the exposure to the wind was a game changer playing into wind on a par five added to shots before the green. Great experience I can imagine the course is a different beast in the summer
Check-in is at 14:00 and check out is 11:00
Yes
There is an indoor pool, gym, and a bundle of Spa packages which can be bought including thermal facilities and luxurious ELEMIS treatment.
