Wharton Park – a sparkling four star attraction

Champagne corks were popping at Wharton Park Golf & Country Club after the highly regarded Worcestershire venue scooped the prestigious four star Quality in Tourism award for its boutique accommodation.

As part of last year’s major £1.8million investment from owners, the Umbers family, the Bewdley-based club added seven contemporary en-suite bedrooms to its revamped clubhouse.

Following a recent visit by a ‘mystery shopper’ from Quality in Tourism, Visit England’s widely-respected accommodation assessment service, the club was awarded the four star honour after a rigorous study of its customer service, food, cleanliness and overall standards.

Stacie Umbers (pictured), Managing Director at Wharton Park, said: “To be recognised as part of Visit England’s National Quality Assessment Scheme is the icing on the cake for everyone in our team.

“It highlights the high standards we have and just as importantly, the hard work that goes in every day to ensure we give a first-class service to all guests.

“To be given a four-star status further underlines that we truly are an all-round venue and more than just a fantastic golf course.

“It shows we are going the extra mile and the rooms have really added a new dimension, meaning we can cater for more guests at one time. We hope to see more people coming to stay for events, weddings, business meetings, conferences and making use of our ‘stay and play’ package for golfers.”

The decision to grant Wharton Park four star status followed a detailed assessment and was based upon their attention to detail, impressive facilities, hospitality and even the standard of fixtures and fittings.

Four of the seven bedrooms overlook the club’s 6,455-yard, 18-hole championship course and have balconies. All are equipped with Super King size beds, wet room, 40-inch HD television, air conditioning, laptop safe and tea and coffee facilities. 16 people can be accommodated across the seven rooms.

Miss Umbers, 33, also revealed that the club are considering further investment into its accommodation with plans being considered to extend the clubhouse further.

Rates for the guest rooms at Wharton Park start from £95-per-night bed and breakfast, based on two people sharing. Special rates are available from Sunday to Thursday.

Designed around a 43-acre Royal Forest by course architect Howard Swan, the club’s course hosts regular professional tournaments as well as society days, junior championships and competitions for members. It also boasts a new £400,000 floodlit driving range, opened last November.