If you're looking for a golf break that does things a little differently, Mad Swans in the Mendips might just be the most refreshing discovery in British golf right now. Tucked into the rolling Somerset hills, this is not your conventional resort experience — and that is entirely the point.
Whether you're planning a weekend away with your regular four-ball or organising a larger group trip, Mad Swans delivers something genuinely unique: a destination where the golf is as challenging as any course you'll play this year, and the off-course offering keeps everyone entertained long after the final putt drops.
The first thing to address: Mad Swans plays over 12 holes rather than the traditional 18. Before you dismiss it, hear us out — this is not a beginner's par-3 layout or a watered-down experience. It is a proper, full-length challenge that demands respect from the very first tee.
The course sits within the dramatic Mendip landscape, and the terrain does not forgive mistakes. Miss the fairway here and you will pay the price. The rough is uncompromising, the lies are punishing, and recovery shots test every club in the bag. Many golfers who play Mad Swans for the first time leave with a genuine score to chase on the return visit — and that is exactly what keeps you coming back.
The 12-hole format is actually a smart fit for a group break. Rounds are paced well, leaving plenty of daylight and energy for everything else the venue has to offer. It is golf that challenges without consuming your entire day.
Course management is everything at Mad Swans. Accuracy off the tee is not just preferred — it is essential. The fairways are defined, the hazards are real, and the Mendip backdrop means undulating lies that add another layer of difficulty throughout.
If your group likes to be tested, this course delivers. Birdies are earned. Bogeys feel hard won. And the post-round conversation in the clubhouse carries that satisfying weight that only comes from a course that genuinely pushed you.
What sets Mad Swans apart as a break destination is the breadth of activities available alongside the golf. This is a venue that has been built with groups in mind — not just golfers, but friends and couples who want variety across a full day or weekend.
For those who want to warm up properly, dial in distances, or simply enjoy some data-driven practice, the Trackman range is a standout facility.
Two of the fastest-growing racket sports in the UK, both available on-site. Easy to pick up, competitive enough to spark a proper group rivalry.
A classic for a reason. Mini golf at Mad Swans keeps the lighter side of the trip alive and is great for groups of mixed ability.
A serious step up from a pub dartboard, virtual darts adds a fun, social element to evenings at the venue.
Easy-to-learn, genuinely enjoyable, and endlessly replayable. It's social, competitive, and a staple of premium leisure venues.
If some in your group prefer fresh air and scenery, the Mendips deliver in abundance with routes to suit all abilities.
This one matters more than many venues acknowledge. Mad Swans is fully dog friendly, meaning you can bring the family dog along without compromise. For many golfers, this alone removes a significant logistical barrier to booking a break. Knowing your dog is welcome — and genuinely catered for — makes the trip a straightforward decision.
The accommodation and facilities at Mad Swans genuinely impressed. Both the main hotel and the on-site cabins are finished to a high standard, with the attention to detail you expect from a venue that takes hospitality seriously.
The cabins in particular offer a more private, self-contained experience — ideal for groups who want their own space after a day on the course. The main hotel carries that same quality through communal areas and dining, making the choice between the two largely down to preference rather than standard.
Across both options, the facilities are comfortable, well-kept, and reflective of a venue that clearly values the overall guest experience — not just the golf.
Mad Swans suits a specific kind of golfer and group, and it suits them exceptionally well:
Groups of 4–12 who want a destination break with variety beyond golf
Golfers who want a genuine challenge without committing to a traditional 36-hole weekend format
Mixed groups where not everyone is a golfer — the activity offering is broad enough to keep everyone engaged
Dog owners who refuse to leave their four-legged companion behind
Anyone looking for something different to the standard UK resort circuit
At Grand Tour Golf, we put together bespoke golf breaks at venues that genuinely deliver — and Mad Swans sits firmly in that category. If the Mendips are on your radar, or if this is the first you're hearing of it and you're already intrigued, we'd love to help you plan it properly.
No booking fees. Handpicked accommodation. 24/7 concierge support from a team that actually plays golf.