Cambridgeshire Moat House

In the pursuit of the perfect weekend golfing break, discerning clients are demanding the quality of high-calibre accommodation coupled with a course that's not just playable, but of championship repute.

That's sometimes easier said than done, with some of the glorious golf retreats of the British Isles a tad too expensive for some, especially for those with a family in tow.

The Cambridgeshire Moat House, lying just a short hop from the historic and intriguing university city, is a venue where first-class living space and prime golf really go hand-in-hand without costing the earth.

It's not the Ritz, but the chambers are roomy (plenty of space available to practice putting), light, cool and contain everything you could expect to ensure an enjoyable stay.

Still, with so much to do in and around the Moat House, lurking in your room all day should not be the number one priority.

For those with a mind on food, the hotel restaurant will not disenchant, but do make sure you reserve an evening table as early in the day as you can as it can be very busy between 8-10pm.

Still, the cuisine is well worth waiting for with the sea food offerings particularly agreeable and the dessert list sure to bring a twinkle to the eyes of anyone with a hint of a sweet tooth.

The wine list is expansive and affordable, while the staff are well capable of recommending a bottle to accompany any meal.

The supremely comfortable gallery bar is the ideal withdrawal for a nightcap, with luxurious sofas adding further to the air of relaxation the place exudes.

Obviously the championship golf course will be a top priority for many visitors and few will be disappointed with the 6,734-yard layout that has hosted the Seniors' PGA Championship on three occasions.rnrn Hotel guests have priority tee times from 7am-10.30am, but the course is also open to members and visitors and, as a result, is generally fairly busy.

That said, there is, thankfully, no feeling of being rushed on either tee or green.

Set over 134 scenic acres, the course has many charming features but, as Cambridgeshire is such a flat area, do not expect towering hills and valleys abound.

With the exception of one or two reasonably severe slopes over the closing holes, the course here is mostly flat and, again barring a couple of doglegs, pretty straight.

That's not to say it's a pushover by any means. There are a lot of bunkers that will catch shots that go even slightly astray.

Wild hitters will find themselves playing from trees more often than fairways, while awkwardly situated becks that criss-cross many fairways always leave doubts in the mind whether to really go for it, or just play safe.

In likeness to the whole course, the greens are also fairly level. If there is a criticism, it is that there are not enough subtleties to the putting surfaces and, as a result, chipping close is pretty easy and anything more than a two-putt is a major disappointment.rnrn In fact, the course represents an excellent opportunity to beat your handicap and there is nothing quite like that feeling of satisfaction when reminiscing at the golf bar later.

Don't forget your soft-spiked shoes though, as metal spikes are forbidden on the course in order to keep the greens fast and true.

For less-able golfers, lessons are available from the club pro Paul Simpson, but those players with no interest in the great game will certainly have excuse to be bored here.

Club Moativation lies within the hotel walls and has everything anyone could need to really relax, including an array of aromatherapy treatments, facials and massages that are a real treat after a round.

The 16m health club pool is complemented with a spa, sauna and steam room while there is a comprehensive gymnasium and tennis courts available at no extra cost for guests.

A sojourn to the fascinating city of Cambridge, just a 10-minute drive from the hotel, really should be a priority particularly for those, as was the case with myself, who have never had the satisfaction of a previous visit.

A pleasure it is indeed. There is an olde-worlde feel to the City unlike any other with the possible exception of York, and it is not uncommon to see gents stepping out in bowler hats.